It's easy to feel hopeless about our ability to change our world, our community, or even ourselves. One way I cope with feelings of hopelessness is to take action, however small. In a new article for The Psychologist, I list 10 *simple* actions you can take to tend to your social health.

On holiday, I stopped to talk to a man who had (temporarily) lost his dog, Ringo Starr. It turns out he’s a musician (the man, not the dog), nicknamed Juke (short for jukebox) & he sang one of the songs from his album as we stood by the sea. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

Me, to someone working in his garden: You've got a great helper! (Referring to a big ginger cat, sprawled out nearby) Him: That's Reggie. He's not mine, but he likes to visit. I learned that his garden is an act of kindness, created to attract pollinators. #Talking2Strangers

Lunch break after a hefty climb & then knee-busting descent (pics: view, lunch spot). When a man walked past, I offered him a carrot. I asked where he was visiting from: Shropshire. He chose Shropshire simply b/c he hadn't lived there before. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger #RAKWeek

A few yrs ago, I saw a woman working in her garden. I commented on her pieris japonica (I❤️their delicate white bell-shaped flowers & the new leaves that come in a vibrant red). I told her where I was walking & she recommended an Italian restaurant nearby. #Talking2Strangers

A few yrs ago, I talked to a man who likes #Talking2Strangers (he talked w enthusiasm about the time he met a jockey). He had planted 3 trees in the park, inc a Judas tree. A couple of wks later, I used an app to identify a pretty tree & it was a Judas tree. Serendipity!

#Talking2Strangers email from a student who had bus probs while travelling home for the hols. "What would've been a stressful moment w just me&my headphones turned into a delightful chat w a lady (J) about the festive period, Charles Dickens & what we were both doing that day."

A few yrs ago, a student emailed: "I was on the train when someone sat next to me watching one of my fave Marvel shows. Inspired by your #Talking2Strangers tweets, I started a convo about the show. This short convo w a stranger really lifted my spirits & boosted my confidence."❤️

During a visit to Winchester cathedral, a man in ecclesiastic robe was greeting visitors. I asked how he was doing & he said I'd made his day-nobody ever asks him: that's *his* job. I offered a hug & he accepted. Have you ever hugged a stranger? #NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

On a chilly Feb evening, I chatted w a woman carrying a fancy camera. After watching an awe-inspiring starling murmuration side by side, we were moved to share a hug. Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you? #NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

At a pub after a spectacular walk in the Lake District, I asked the frazzled-looking barkeeper: "Rough day?" I asked whether he'd like a hug, and he surprised me by taking me up on my offer. Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you? #NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

The 🇬🇧 cover for #OnceUponAStranger is simpler in design than the 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 one, but beautifully conveys the idea that everybody has a story, that #Talking2Strangers creates memorable moments of shared humanity. 🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨

The fun 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 cover for #OnceUponAStranger shows a range of contexts in which people are already #Talking2Strangers. Many details in the images represent stories I share in the book (e.g., waitress w sailboat earrings, pina coladas in Paris, rainbow). 🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨

A few years ago, the sun was shining on Boxing Day. At the spot where this photo was taken (at beautiful Seaford Head), I saw a young boy and asked him if Santa had paid him a visit. He nodded happily. Then he touched my heart by asking: Did he visit you too? #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

My dad loves #Talking2Strangers & kids are his favourite targets. He asked a young boy if Santa would be visiting. The boy took his time, then said "I've been *pretty* good." Years later, we still laugh at (& appreciate) his honesty (diplomacy?) #OnceUponAStranger

On the train, I asked these gents about their roller skates. They were headed to Santa Skate: a festive street skate through London (20th anniv skate: 13-Dec-2025). Our convo reminded me of the time I won a shoot-the-duck contest. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

On campus, I hurried to catch up with a dog. I stole a line from @thedogist & asked for any funny stories. Turns out, Otis once ate a(n old) PhD thesis (pic = mine). We shared a laugh when I joked that Otis was hungry for knowledge. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

Walked out of class to a gorgeous full moon. Someone pulled out his phone to take a pic, so I used the moon as a convo starter. We talked about the class he was teaching, how we (2 expats) had ended up in the U.K., the future of academia... #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

This podcast interview @ NPR LifeKit results in a spike of visits to my website *every time* it re-airs. I talked about the liking gap & my scavhunt study, which shows that practice makes progress when it comes to #Talking2Strangers. #OnceUponAStranger www.npr.org/2019/08/15/7...

This podcast interview @hiddenbrain.bsky.social is a fave. From the pre-meetings to the recording, I was encouraged to lean into storytelling. I'm grateful to all the listeners who reached out after hearing this episode. www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/rela... #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

I refer to this invited piece for @psychmag.bsky.social as my #Talking2Strangers manifesto. I wrote about why many of us are reluctant to talk to strangers & what the benefits are (inc. making the world a better place). www.bps.org.uk/psychologist... #OnceUponAStranger @bpsofficial.bsky.social

It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's. 5: What should I say? To start a conversation, think QUICK: K is for kindness We're all doing our best to get by. A small act of kindness that acknowledges our shared humanity goes a long way. Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org

It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's. 4: What should I say? To start a conversation, think QUICK: IC is for "in common" Use your observational skills to bring their attention to something in your shared location/situation. Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org

It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's. 3: What should I say? To start a conversation, think QUICK: QU is for question Tap into your curiosity. Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org

It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have questions. 2: How will it go? Here's what I've learned as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert). Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org

It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025)& you may have q's. 1: Why should I do it? Here's some advice as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert). Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org

People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week. On hols in Tenby, I approached a dog. Learned about his human's accidental career in wig-making. Invited us to his house for a drink. Ended up playing a duet on his piano. Epic! #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week. Walking in Tokyo, I asked through gestures if I could pet a man's shiba inu. The dog was friendly (& sooo soft!) & the man used his limited English to tell me the dog's name/age. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week. Walk in the woods. Met 2 dogs w lovely beaded collars from Kenya, where their human had lived for many yrs. She misses: wide open views, the bush, the animals, the people. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week. I met Benton on one of my regular afternoon walks. He is: - vigilant: barks at stone hedgehogs - serious about his skin: likes a mud treatment #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger Longer version here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...

People with dogs are especially easy to talk to, so this is dog week. I met George while climbing Walla Crag & ended up walking with his fascinating human for >1hr. She told stories of exotic scuba-centric travels & taught me about ice marathons. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

On a walk in the Lakes, I included a couple in a photo, to give perspective. I caught up w them later & offered to send them the pic. When I did, they sent one they had taken of me. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger Longer version of the story here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...

At a katsu restaurant in Tokyo, I used a woman's Cath Kidston bag as a convo starter. She likes Great British BakeOff & its cutaways to cute animals, so I showed her this lamb vid that I took shortly before my travels. She offered travel recs. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

I chatted w a couple who were finishing the last legs of the 100-mile South Downs Way. They hit the jackpot w the weather this weekend! I asked: What's your next challenge? We shared faves & I've added the Cairngorms to my wishlist. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

At a service area w a beautiful lake I met a couple who had broken down nearby & were waiting for a tow truck. She joked about buying some wine at M&S if things went downhill. I offered hugs, which were initially declined & then accepted. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger

Waiting for the train, I chatted w a woman whose grandparents hosted an 11yo Jewish refugee during WWII. The families kept in touch & the woman is meeting up w the Jewish woman's son (who lives in Australia) in a few weeks. Makes me think about the passage of time... #Talking2Strangers

Chatted w Colin, who was admiring some wildflowers. I said something about 🦋 & turns out he's into butterflying (his word) & birding. I got tips on: a good meadow for 🦋 & places where I might be able to spot a barn owl & kingfishers. Can't wait to check them out! #Talking2Strangers

I know 3 camel proverbs. One: "When the camel's nose enters the tent, the camel will soon follow." Academic equivalent: "Activate your account for the [journal name] Editorial Manager site" We all know what camel will follow in the next email...

Academic friends: I think a miracle has occurred? I received a review request yesterday, and when I went to respond today, I got this message. I was going to say yes, but I’m very glad I don’t have to!

On a walk today: Me: Isn’t this (happy sigh)? Woman, walking on her own: It’s how I manage to live in London. #Talking2Strangers

Awww...I ❤️ these stories about the kindness of strangers. If you need a positivity pick-me-up today, check out this article: www.positive.news/society/we-a...

Adrienne Matei @theguardian.com asked what makes me happy. I told her: dogs. And I love (some of) the same things as dogs: fresh air, treats, cuddles, #Talking2Strangers. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...

I asked a flight attendant about the note on a long box she was carrying. Pilot bought orchids in Singapore & left them behind. She lived near him in 🇨🇭 so she picked up the forgotten orchids while passing through Heathrow to hand-deliver to the pilot. #Talking2Strangers

I❤️this piece by @brownoftheglobe.bsky.social, esp the opening #Talking2Strangers anecdote w convo starter: "Why so many pannetone?" I once asked something similar: "Why so much tea?" 🇬🇧 living in 🇫🇷 & couldn't buy their fave brand of @YorkshireTea there. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...