# Why You Feel More Comfortable with Strangers

> You feel more at ease with strangers than close friends, a paradox more common than we think.
- Title: Why You Feel More Comfortable with Strangers · Psychologies
- Summary: 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…
- Keywords: psychology, social bias, strangers, comfort, conversation, family, research, Feel, More, Comfortable, Psychologies
- Source: Psychologies — https://psychologies.com/moi/moi-et-les-autres-moi/Vous-vous-sentez-plus-a-laise-avec-des-inconnus-quavec-vos-proches-ce-paradoxe-est-plus-courant-quon-ne-le-pense-642524
- Author: Nina Parage
- Published: 2026-10-04T05:02:42+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: psychology, social bias, strangers, comfort, conversation, family, research
## 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.
## Key takeaway

People often believe they'll feel more comfortable with strangers than close friends, but research shows this paradox is more common than people realize.