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- Talk to strangers to save America
Just look at the news for three seconds and you’ll see how fear of strangers breeds violence. Malcolm Gladwell wrote a whole book about why our inherent fear and distrust of others is a root cause of many of the vile things in our country.
The flip side: building positive rapport with strangers is how we build a healthier America.
The lack of third spaces (places we spend time that aren’t home or work) force us into ruts and silos that lead us to forget the value of connecting with people we don’t know.
3 Things You Can Say to Strangers
"What's your story with this place?"
Gets people talking about what brought them here
"Can I tell you what I’m thinking about?"
Kind of a wild one, but sometimes, a great conversation starter.
"I love what you're reading/doing/wearing."
It rarely hurts to show genuine positive regard for someone
Join My Conversation About Third Spaces
I'm talking with Allison Gilbert, Emmy-winning journalist and co-author of Dr. Ruth's final book The Joy of Connections. She's spent years researching how to beat loneliness and has spoken everywhere from Google to the Today Show.
We'll also hear from two other innovators creating third spaces in their worlds. People way cooler than me.
Today at 10:00am PT / 1:00pm ET
Hope to see ya there!
Love,
Orly