From Psychologies · Nina Parage · · 1m 10s
Why You Feel More Comfortable with Strangers
You feel more at ease with strangers than close friends, a paradox more common than we think.
In brief
You feel more at ease with strangers than close friends, a paradox more common than we think. People often believe they'll feel more comfortable with strangers than close friends, but research shows this paradox is more common than people realize. Originally reported by Psychologies.
You feel more comfortable with strangers
You feel more at ease with strangers than close friends, a paradox more common than we think.
Why this happens
People underestimate others' interest in what they have to say and overestimate how awkward a real conversation would feel.
Chicago study finds
A 2014 study showed people who talked to strangers felt more comfortable without losing productivity.
People predict the opposite
Others predicted more happiness in solitude before the conversation, but felt less after.
Why strangers feel safer
With strangers, there's no history to protect or image to maintain, so conversations feel less risky.
What this means for you
Ask a close friend a personal question tonight to see if you feel more comfortable with strangers.
Here's the gist
People often believe they'll feel more comfortable with strangers than close friends, but research shows this paradox is more common than people realize.
