Proving the old adage that to give is to receive, it turns out that greeting strangers with a simple ‘Good morning’ and chatting to those we don’t know can boost our own happiness.

Following a study of 60,000 people, including 40,000 Britons, researchers said: ‘Momentary interactions, greeting and thanking, can increase wellbeing.’ They suggest it works by increasing a sense of belonging.

The team analysed data from two groups who had been asked about their interactions with people they didn’t know.

A study of 60,000 people, including 40,000 Britons, showed that those who had more conversations with strangers enjoyed greater life satisfaction

A study of 60,000 people, including 40,000 Britons, showed that those who had more conversations with strangers enjoyed greater life satisfaction

A study of 60,000 people, including 40,000 Britons, showed that those who had more conversations with strangers enjoyed greater life satisfaction

The results, published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, showed that those who had more conversations with strangers enjoyed greater life satisfaction.

Study leader Dr Esra Ascigil, of Sabanci University in Turkey, said: ‘Having a sense of belonging involves feeling like you are accepted and valued by other people – it is often considered a fundamental human need.’

Kate Jopling, an adviser to the Campaign To End Loneliness, said: ‘These things help to make us feel like we belong. They cost so little, but are worth a lot.’

This post first appeared on Dailymail.co.uk

You May Also Like

Upright Go 2 Review: A Posture Trainer That Works

I always knew I slouched a little. I’m not outrageously tall at…

Hurry! Apple AirPods are back at their lowest price EVER on Amazon – now on sale for just £99

Products featured in this Mail Best article are independently selected by our…

Ford Vows to Phase Out Gas Cars in Europe by 2030

BERLIN— Ford Motor Co. said it would invest $1 billion in a…

Just Got a Meta Quest 2? These Are Our Favorite Games

Before you can actually play, there are a few things you need…