Often, parents encourage their children not to talk to strangers – but as you get older, talking to people you don’t know can actually make you happier.

It may feel strange or nerve-racking to strike up a conversation with a stranger, but often that person will like you more than you think and you’ll both be in a better mood afterwards. There’s science to prove it. A recent Wall Street Journal article cited studies that showed people’s mood improved after talking with a Starbucks barista, or interacting with acquaintances in class.

Do you often chat up strangers? How do you feel after the conversation is over? Have you ever kept in contact with a stranger you connected with? Call us at 866-893-5722 to share your story.

Guest:

Gillian Sandstrom, senior lecturer in the Department of Psychology at the University of Essex, in Colchester, England, where she studies interactions between strangers; she tweets