Actively seek out and engage in social interactions, as research indicates that being around other people is a necessary condition for very high happiness and is more enjoyable than many other daily activities. This helps counteract the mind’s tendency to wrongly assume solitude is the path to happiness.
Make a conscious effort to connect with random people you encounter in everyday situations like lines or public transport, as studies consistently show that interacting with strangers significantly increases happiness for both parties, regardless of personality type.
Opt for human interaction over automated convenience whenever possible, such as choosing to chat with a teller instead of using an ATM, to counteract the social cost of automation and create small opportunities for connection.
Start quick conversations with people around you, even if your intuition suggests it might be awkward or not worth it, because these interactions act as “air compressors for your happiness tires” and make daily experiences more enjoyable.
Challenge your strong expectations and unfounded fears about negative outcomes when talking to strangers, as these fears often lead you to avoid interactions that are almost certain to make you happier.
Next time you are standing in line, initiate conversation by telling the person next to you that lines are an opportunity, sharing the story of the ATM’s invention while waiting in line, and how its inventor’s wife never used it, as heard on The Happiness Lab podcast.