“If you've ever wondered, felt anxious, or avoided talking to strangers, this book might change your mind about giving them their personal space.”
Angela Duckworth, author of “Grit: Why Passion and Resilience Are the Secrets to Success”
“Its clarity, coherence, and human intelligence are real.”
Dimitris Papadimitropoulos, GoodreadsIn an age where we live immersed in our phones, work remotely and are wary of strangers, interacting with others seems increasingly uncomfortable. The result is widespread feelings of loneliness and isolation in a polarized society. More than 80% of people say they have suffered from loneliness, and older people and young people suffer from it more than others.In her book Once Upon a Time with a Stranger, Gillian Sandstrom, a professor of kindness psychology and self-described introvert, draws on her personal experiences and the latest scientific research to show how a simple, everyday interaction with a stranger can radically change one's life. For Gillian, moments like these led her to a whole new career, moving to a new country, and meeting her life partner.Not every conversation you have, whether with the person who prepares your coffee for you or with the person standing next to you in the elevator, will lead to great events, but it will give you a small moment of happiness, a spark of communication, and a feeling of belonging to a human being. Start small...raise your head, say hello - you never know where the conversation will lead.
