We asked, you answered: Share an encounter with a stranger that lifted your spirits
Just saying "hello" to a passerby can be a boon for both of you. That's what researchers are finding in studies we covered in our "Living Better" series. We asked readers to offer their own testimony.
That nod and smile from a person out walking their dog, the "how are you?" from the barista at a coffee shop, the complete stranger who stops to help you with directions – those kinds of connections are more than just momentary blips of joy.
NPR health correspondent Rhitu Chatterjee did a deep dive into how and why these often small exchanges can have a huge impact on our mental health.
People responded with great enthusiasm to the premise (well, except for a few isolationists who just want to be left alone). So we asked our readers to share their stories. And wow, did they answer, with many wonderful tales of people trying to bring a little light into someone else's day – even when
