Up for debate: How comfortable are you with talking to strangers?

Talking to strangers may boost adult happiness, study finds

PEMBROKE PARK, Fla. — Remember when parents told kids not to talk to strangers? A 2022 study suggests adults might benefit from the opposite.

Researchers say interacting with a variety of people, known as relational diversity, can improve overall well-being.

Comfort levels vary. Extroverts often enjoy chatting with new people, while introverts may prefer familiar faces. Spring break can be a prime time for casual conversations, but some adults still find it anxiety-inducing.

The study, conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the World Health Organization, emphasizes that the number and diversity of daily social interactions can affect happiness.

How comfortable are you talking to strangers? Share your thoughts on this story in the comment section below.

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Yarden Ben-David

Yarden Ben-David

Yarden Ben-David started at WPLG in 2020 and worked his way up to Executive Producer in 2025.