Embracing Micro-Relationships: Why Talking to Strangers Matters

Vancouver’s growing emphasis on social connectivity has sparked a movement encouraging interactions with strangers. Psychology professor Gillian Sandstrom from the University of Sussex reflects on her personal journey that began during her graduate studies in Toronto. In 2007, she formed a “micro-relationship” with a woman who ran a hotdog stand near her university. These brief exchanges, though seemingly trivial, significantly impacted Sandstrom’s sense of belonging and inspired her research on the importance of social interactions.

Sandstrom emphasizes that small interactions can weave individuals into the fabric of their communities. Her experience highlights the profound effect of even the most minor social exchanges. She stated, “It really meant something much bigger than it seemed like it should,” underscoring how such connections can alleviate feelings of isolation.

Organizations like GenWell are championing this cause, aiming to foster a culture of engagement among Canadians. Their upcoming initiative, Talk to a Stranger Week, scheduled for November 24-30, 2025, seeks to motivate individuals to engage in conversations with unfamiliar faces. Pete Bombaci, CEO of GenWell, explained that the goal is to provide people with “an excuse” to connect, ultimately enhancing their well-being and fostering a healthier society.

Research conducted by GenWell involving approximately 2,500 respondents revealed a clear link between happiness and social interaction. Participants who greeted strangers or neighbors at least weekly reported higher levels of joy, with an even stronger correlation for those who did so daily. This suggests that these small exchanges contribute significantly to overall mental health.

Individuals like Tony Esteves have personally experienced transformative changes through engaging with strangers. After battling depression in 2016, Esteves challenged himself to speak with at least one new person each day. This endeavor not only helped him overcome his struggles but also enriched his life with meaningful connections, including friendships and even an eight-year romantic relationship stemming from a chance encounter.

The importance of such connections is echoed by Ian Culbert, executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association. He noted that loneliness is a pressing issue, with data from Statistics Canada indicating that over 13 percent of Canadians often feel lonely. Culbert emphasized that fostering social ties can enhance mood and resilience, reducing feelings of isolation.

Research from 2014 published in the National Library of Medicine supports these claims, indicating that social interactions, such as attending community events, can provide protective health benefits. Culbert argues that societal perceptions around interacting with strangers have shifted negatively, often due to fear-based narratives prevalent in political discourse.

Further studies suggest that the so-called “liking gap” may hinder people from engaging with others. Sandstrom’s research indicates that while individuals often believe strangers will reject them, the reality is quite the opposite; people generally find the conversations enjoyable. She noted that this gap stems from a common assumption that others do not share the same interest in connection, which can lead to missed opportunities for meaningful interactions.

As technology reshapes communication, some individuals, like Julia Jacobs, observe a generational divide in social behavior. Jacobs’ son finds it unusual that she enjoys speaking with strangers, attributing it to the prevalence of digital communication over face-to-face interactions.

To combat this trend, initiatives like Talk to a Stranger Week aim to break down barriers and encourage micro-connections. Bombaci believes that fostering these small acts of courage can lead to significant improvements in overall social health. He encourages individuals to embrace “moments of micro-bravery,” such as making eye contact or initiating conversations, which can pave the way for deeper connections and transformative experiences.

In Vancouver, the initiative finds a receptive audience. Some residents, like self-proclaimed extrovert Mack Yong, actively seek out social interactions, viewing them as enriching rather than daunting. Yong expresses that curiosity about others enhances his experiences, especially while traveling.

As the campaign gains momentum, it seeks to remind individuals of the value of community connections. Sandstrom concludes that reaching out to strangers offers mutual benefits, stating, “You’re going to help them feel connected.” Through these small but significant interactions, individuals can combat loneliness and foster a more connected society.