Psychology Professor Advocates for Micro-Relationships to Combat Loneliness

VANCOUVER – A growing movement is encouraging people to engage in brief interactions with strangers as a remedy for loneliness. Gillian Sandstrom, a psychology professor at the University of Sussex, reflects on her own experience with what she terms a “micro-relationship.” During her time as a graduate student in Toronto around 2007, she exchanged smiles and greetings with a woman operating a hotdog stand. Although their exchanges were minimal, Sandstrom credits them with providing her a sense of belonging that significantly impacted her future work in studying social interactions.

Sandstrom’s findings support a broader initiative led by the Toronto-based organization, GenWell, which is dedicated to fostering social connections. The organization has launched a national campaign, Talk to a Stranger Week, scheduled from November 24-30, 2025. According to Pete Bombaci, the CEO of GenWell, the campaign aims to give individuals a reason to engage with others, thereby nurturing relationships that promote happiness and overall well-being.

Research conducted by GenWell indicates a strong correlation between regular interactions with strangers and increased happiness. A survey of approximately 2,500 participants revealed that those who greeted neighbours or strangers at least weekly reported feeling happier. Notably, respondents who engaged with strangers daily showed the highest levels of happiness.

One advocate for this cause is Tony Esteves from Canmore, Alberta. Esteves embarked on a personal project in 2016, challenging himself to speak with at least one new person each day. He described this undertaking as life-changing, helping him overcome depression and enhancing his empathy and listening skills. Over the course of a year, he conversed with around 550 strangers, forming meaningful relationships, including an eight-year romantic partnership that began through a chance encounter.

The importance of social connectivity has been emphasized by Ian Culbert, executive director of the Canadian Public Health Association. He noted that public health research has long recognized the impact of social relationships on individual well-being. Recent data from Statistics Canada indicates that more than 13 percent of Canadians surveyed reported feeling lonely “always or often.” Culbert argues that fostering small interactions can alleviate feelings of isolation and enhance overall mental health.

In discussing the societal challenges of connecting with strangers, Sandstrom highlights the concept of the “liking gap.” This phenomenon suggests that people often underestimate how much others like them during brief encounters. She notes that many individuals are hesitant to engage due to fears of rejection, yet her research indicates that conversations with strangers frequently exceed expectations in terms of enjoyment and connection.

The growing reliance on technology and social media has contributed to a decline in face-to-face interactions. Sandstrom suggests that tools like self-checkout systems and online banking reduce opportunities for spontaneous social encounters. She emphasizes that fostering the skills required for such interactions is crucial, as they can lead to significant positive changes in one’s life.

Esteves advocates for what he calls “moments of micro-bravery,” encouraging people to engage in small, courageous acts like making eye contact or smiling at strangers. Such simple gestures, he believes, can catalyze transformations in personal relationships and overall happiness.

While some individuals, like self-proclaimed extrovert Mack Yong from Vancouver, find it natural to converse with strangers, others may struggle due to generational differences influenced by technology. Yong expressed his enjoyment in learning from different perspectives, particularly while traveling, where interactions seem more spontaneous.

As the campaign for Talk to a Stranger Week approaches, both Sandstrom and Bombaci emphasize the role of kindness in building connections. They encourage individuals to take the initiative to engage with those around them, reinforcing the idea that such interactions not only benefit personal well-being but also foster a more connected and supportive society.

This report highlights the ongoing efforts to promote social interaction as a means to combat loneliness, showcasing personal stories and expert opinions that underline the vital role of micro-relationships in enhancing community well-being.