Brief contact with strangers and acquaintances lifts mood and the sense of belonging, and people consistently predict it will be more awkward than it turns out. In one study, commuters told to talk to the person next to them enjoyed the ride more than those told to keep to themselves. Evidence: decent
If your circle is thin right now, this is the cheapest social contact there is, and it counts more than it feels like it should.
Same theme: Keeping them
Keeping them
A standing slot with friends
Same people, same time, every week or two. Football, a walk, a pub, a game. Put it in the calendar as a repeat.
2 hours a weekEvidence: decent
Keeping them
Add a friend at the big changes
New job, a move, a baby, retirement. In the first three months, pick one person from the new setting and suggest something specific. Then again a fortnight later.
10 minEvidence: worth trying
Keeping them
Do something for someone
Coach, fix, drive, volunteer, mentor. A regular slot, not a one-off.
1–2 hours a weekEvidence: decent