Optimal Being

New research suggests that even the simplest forms of social interaction, like greeting or thanking someone, can significantly boost our life satisfaction. The findings, published in   Social Psychological and Personality Science , highlight the often-overlooked value of everyday, minimal social interactions. The motivation behind this study stemmed from decades of scientific research on the impact of close relationships, like family and friends, on psychological well-being. However, interactions with acquaintances and strangers – the people we might casually greet on our morning walk, thank a bus driver, or exchange a few words with at the supermarket – had not been as thoroughly explored. This gap in understanding prompted researchers to investigate whether these minimal interactions could be just as crucial to our overall happiness as the deeper connections we share with close ones. “I’ve been involved in relationship research for almost ten years but I focused solely on close r...

Researchers have unearthed a significant factor in personal goal achievement: the phenomenon of “shared reality” with instrumental others. These findings, published in the  Journal of Personality and Social Psychology , offer fresh insights into the age-old question of why some individuals attain their objectives more readily than others. Shared reality   refers to the perception of sharing inner states – feelings, beliefs, or concerns – with others regarding the world. This concept goes beyond mere liking or closeness in relationships. It involves creating a common understanding of external events, people, and objects, which is crucial for navigating and succeeding in the world.   Instrumental others   refers to individuals in our lives who significantly aid or facilitate our ability to achieve our goals. These can be mentors, colleagues, friends, family members, or any other key figures who actively contribute to our journey towards success.   Traditionally, p...