For #RandomActsOfKindnessWeek, I'm sharing #Talking2Strangers stories that started w a kind act. Getting comfy w #Talking2Strangers allows you to deliver a compliment, offer directions, check if someone's ok.
In my book #OnceUponAStranger (LINK IN BIO), Chp 7's all about Kindness
In my book #OnceUponAStranger (LINK IN BIO), Chp 7's all about Kindness
February 20, 2026 at 1:49 PM
For #RandomActsOfKindnessWeek, I'm sharing #Talking2Strangers stories that started w a kind act. Getting comfy w #Talking2Strangers allows you to deliver a compliment, offer directions, check if someone's ok.
In my book #OnceUponAStranger (LINK IN BIO), Chp 7's all about Kindness
In my book #OnceUponAStranger (LINK IN BIO), Chp 7's all about Kindness
On holiday, I stopped to talk to a man who had (temporarily) lost his dog, Ringo Starr. It turns out he’s a musician (the man, not the dog), nicknamed Juke (short for jukebox) & he sang one of the songs from his album as we stood by the sea. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
February 20, 2026 at 1:49 PM
On holiday, I stopped to talk to a man who had (temporarily) lost his dog, Ringo Starr. It turns out he’s a musician (the man, not the dog), nicknamed Juke (short for jukebox) & he sang one of the songs from his album as we stood by the sea. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
For #RandomActsOfKindnessWeek, I'm sharing #Talking2Strangers stories that started w a kind act. Getting comfy w #Talking2Strangers allows you to deliver a compliment, offer directions, check if someone's ok.
In my book #OnceUponAStranger (LINK IN BIO), Chp 7's all about Kindness
In my book #OnceUponAStranger (LINK IN BIO), Chp 7's all about Kindness
February 18, 2026 at 1:27 PM
For #RandomActsOfKindnessWeek, I'm sharing #Talking2Strangers stories that started w a kind act. Getting comfy w #Talking2Strangers allows you to deliver a compliment, offer directions, check if someone's ok.
In my book #OnceUponAStranger (LINK IN BIO), Chp 7's all about Kindness
In my book #OnceUponAStranger (LINK IN BIO), Chp 7's all about Kindness
Lunch break after a hefty climb & then knee-busting descent (pics: view, lunch spot). When a man walked past, I offered him a carrot. I asked where he was visiting from: Shropshire. He chose Shropshire simply b/c he hadn't lived there before. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger #RAKWeek
February 17, 2026 at 4:17 PM
Lunch break after a hefty climb & then knee-busting descent (pics: view, lunch spot). When a man walked past, I offered him a carrot. I asked where he was visiting from: Shropshire. He chose Shropshire simply b/c he hadn't lived there before. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger #RAKWeek
During a visit to Winchester cathedral, a man in ecclesiastic robe was greeting visitors. I asked how he was doing & he said I'd made his day-nobody ever asks him: that's *his* job. I offered a hug & he accepted.
Have you ever hugged a stranger?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Have you ever hugged a stranger?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
January 23, 2026 at 3:18 PM
During a visit to Winchester cathedral, a man in ecclesiastic robe was greeting visitors. I asked how he was doing & he said I'd made his day-nobody ever asks him: that's *his* job. I offered a hug & he accepted.
Have you ever hugged a stranger?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Have you ever hugged a stranger?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
On a chilly Feb evening, I chatted w a woman carrying a fancy camera. After watching an awe-inspiring starling murmuration side by side, we were moved to share a hug.
Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
January 21, 2026 at 1:15 PM
On a chilly Feb evening, I chatted w a woman carrying a fancy camera. After watching an awe-inspiring starling murmuration side by side, we were moved to share a hug.
Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
At a pub after a spectacular walk in the Lake District, I asked the frazzled-looking barkeeper: "Rough day?" I asked whether he'd like a hug, and he surprised me by taking me up on my offer.
Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
January 19, 2026 at 4:38 PM
At a pub after a spectacular walk in the Lake District, I asked the frazzled-looking barkeeper: "Rough day?" I asked whether he'd like a hug, and he surprised me by taking me up on my offer.
Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you?
#NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
The 🇬🇧 cover for #OnceUponAStranger is simpler in design than the 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 one, but beautifully conveys the idea that everybody has a story, that #Talking2Strangers creates memorable moments of shared humanity.
🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
January 15, 2026 at 2:15 PM
The 🇬🇧 cover for #OnceUponAStranger is simpler in design than the 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 one, but beautifully conveys the idea that everybody has a story, that #Talking2Strangers creates memorable moments of shared humanity.
🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
The fun 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 cover for #OnceUponAStranger shows a range of contexts in which people are already #Talking2Strangers. Many details in the images represent stories I share in the book (e.g., waitress w sailboat earrings, pina coladas in Paris, rainbow).
🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
January 14, 2026 at 2:30 PM
The fun 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 cover for #OnceUponAStranger shows a range of contexts in which people are already #Talking2Strangers. Many details in the images represent stories I share in the book (e.g., waitress w sailboat earrings, pina coladas in Paris, rainbow).
🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
A few years ago, the sun was shining on Boxing Day. At the spot where this photo was taken (at beautiful Seaford Head), I saw a young boy and asked him if Santa had paid him a visit. He nodded happily. Then he touched my heart by asking: Did he visit you too?
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
December 18, 2025 at 2:01 PM
A few years ago, the sun was shining on Boxing Day. At the spot where this photo was taken (at beautiful Seaford Head), I saw a young boy and asked him if Santa had paid him a visit. He nodded happily. Then he touched my heart by asking: Did he visit you too?
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
My dad loves #Talking2Strangers & kids are his favourite targets. He asked a young boy if Santa would be visiting. The boy took his time, then said "I've been *pretty* good." Years later, we still laugh at (& appreciate) his honesty (diplomacy?)
#OnceUponAStranger
#OnceUponAStranger
December 16, 2025 at 12:14 PM
My dad loves #Talking2Strangers & kids are his favourite targets. He asked a young boy if Santa would be visiting. The boy took his time, then said "I've been *pretty* good." Years later, we still laugh at (& appreciate) his honesty (diplomacy?)
#OnceUponAStranger
#OnceUponAStranger
On the train, I asked these gents about their roller skates. They were headed to Santa Skate: a festive street skate through London (20th anniv skate: 13-Dec-2025). Our convo reminded me of the time I won a shoot-the-duck contest. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
December 12, 2025 at 1:23 PM
On the train, I asked these gents about their roller skates. They were headed to Santa Skate: a festive street skate through London (20th anniv skate: 13-Dec-2025). Our convo reminded me of the time I won a shoot-the-duck contest. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
On campus, I hurried to catch up with a dog. I stole a line from @thedogist & asked for any funny stories. Turns out, Otis once ate a(n old) PhD thesis (pic = mine). We shared a laugh when I joked that Otis was hungry for knowledge.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
December 10, 2025 at 11:11 AM
On campus, I hurried to catch up with a dog. I stole a line from @thedogist & asked for any funny stories. Turns out, Otis once ate a(n old) PhD thesis (pic = mine). We shared a laugh when I joked that Otis was hungry for knowledge.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Walked out of class to a gorgeous full moon. Someone pulled out his phone to take a pic, so I used the moon as a convo starter. We talked about the class he was teaching, how we (2 expats) had ended up in the U.K., the future of academia...
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
December 8, 2025 at 2:30 PM
Walked out of class to a gorgeous full moon. Someone pulled out his phone to take a pic, so I used the moon as a convo starter. We talked about the class he was teaching, how we (2 expats) had ended up in the U.K., the future of academia...
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
This podcast interview @ NPR LifeKit results in a spike of visits to my website *every time* it re-airs. I talked about the liking gap & my scavhunt study, which shows that practice makes progress when it comes to #Talking2Strangers. #OnceUponAStranger
www.npr.org/2019/08/15/7...
www.npr.org/2019/08/15/7...
How to make friends? Accept the awkwardness
Friendship is hard, but the best way to tackle it is to talk about it. In this episode, you'll learn from the experts about how to make new friends and deepen your existing relationships.
www.npr.org
December 5, 2025 at 1:34 PM
This podcast interview @ NPR LifeKit results in a spike of visits to my website *every time* it re-airs. I talked about the liking gap & my scavhunt study, which shows that practice makes progress when it comes to #Talking2Strangers. #OnceUponAStranger
www.npr.org/2019/08/15/7...
www.npr.org/2019/08/15/7...
This podcast interview @hiddenbrain.bsky.social is a fave. From the pre-meetings to the recording, I was encouraged to lean into storytelling. I'm grateful to all the listeners who reached out after hearing this episode.
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/rela...
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/rela...
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
December 3, 2025 at 2:28 PM
This podcast interview @hiddenbrain.bsky.social is a fave. From the pre-meetings to the recording, I was encouraged to lean into storytelling. I'm grateful to all the listeners who reached out after hearing this episode.
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/rela...
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/rela...
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
I refer to this invited piece for @psychmag.bsky.social as my #Talking2Strangers manifesto. I wrote about why many of us are reluctant to talk to strangers & what the benefits are (inc. making the world a better place).
www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...
#OnceUponAStranger @bpsofficial.bsky.social
www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...
#OnceUponAStranger @bpsofficial.bsky.social
December 1, 2025 at 1:53 PM
I refer to this invited piece for @psychmag.bsky.social as my #Talking2Strangers manifesto. I wrote about why many of us are reluctant to talk to strangers & what the benefits are (inc. making the world a better place).
www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...
#OnceUponAStranger @bpsofficial.bsky.social
www.bps.org.uk/psychologist...
#OnceUponAStranger @bpsofficial.bsky.social
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
On hols in Tenby, I approached a dog. Learned about his human's accidental career in wig-making. Invited us to his house for a drink. Ended up playing a duet on his piano. Epic!
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
On hols in Tenby, I approached a dog. Learned about his human's accidental career in wig-making. Invited us to his house for a drink. Ended up playing a duet on his piano. Epic!
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
November 21, 2025 at 1:23 PM
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
On hols in Tenby, I approached a dog. Learned about his human's accidental career in wig-making. Invited us to his house for a drink. Ended up playing a duet on his piano. Epic!
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
On hols in Tenby, I approached a dog. Learned about his human's accidental career in wig-making. Invited us to his house for a drink. Ended up playing a duet on his piano. Epic!
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
Walking in Tokyo, I asked through gestures if I could pet a man's shiba inu. The dog was friendly (& sooo soft!) & the man used his limited English to tell me the dog's name/age.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Walking in Tokyo, I asked through gestures if I could pet a man's shiba inu. The dog was friendly (& sooo soft!) & the man used his limited English to tell me the dog's name/age.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
November 20, 2025 at 12:22 PM
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
Walking in Tokyo, I asked through gestures if I could pet a man's shiba inu. The dog was friendly (& sooo soft!) & the man used his limited English to tell me the dog's name/age.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Walking in Tokyo, I asked through gestures if I could pet a man's shiba inu. The dog was friendly (& sooo soft!) & the man used his limited English to tell me the dog's name/age.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
Walk in the woods. Met 2 dogs w lovely beaded collars from Kenya, where their human had lived for many yrs. She misses: wide open views, the bush, the animals, the people.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Walk in the woods. Met 2 dogs w lovely beaded collars from Kenya, where their human had lived for many yrs. She misses: wide open views, the bush, the animals, the people.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
November 19, 2025 at 12:17 PM
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
Walk in the woods. Met 2 dogs w lovely beaded collars from Kenya, where their human had lived for many yrs. She misses: wide open views, the bush, the animals, the people.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Walk in the woods. Met 2 dogs w lovely beaded collars from Kenya, where their human had lived for many yrs. She misses: wide open views, the bush, the animals, the people.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
I met Benton on one of my regular afternoon walks. He is:
- vigilant: barks at stone hedgehogs
- serious about his skin: likes a mud treatment
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Longer version here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
I met Benton on one of my regular afternoon walks. He is:
- vigilant: barks at stone hedgehogs
- serious about his skin: likes a mud treatment
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Longer version here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
November 18, 2025 at 2:14 PM
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
I met Benton on one of my regular afternoon walks. He is:
- vigilant: barks at stone hedgehogs
- serious about his skin: likes a mud treatment
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Longer version here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
I met Benton on one of my regular afternoon walks. He is:
- vigilant: barks at stone hedgehogs
- serious about his skin: likes a mud treatment
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Longer version here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
People with dogs are especially easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
I met George while climbing Walla Crag & ended up walking with his fascinating human for >1hr. She told stories of exotic scuba-centric travels & taught me about ice marathons.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
I met George while climbing Walla Crag & ended up walking with his fascinating human for >1hr. She told stories of exotic scuba-centric travels & taught me about ice marathons.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
November 17, 2025 at 12:22 PM
People with dogs are especially easy to talk to, so this is dog week.
I met George while climbing Walla Crag & ended up walking with his fascinating human for >1hr. She told stories of exotic scuba-centric travels & taught me about ice marathons.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
I met George while climbing Walla Crag & ended up walking with his fascinating human for >1hr. She told stories of exotic scuba-centric travels & taught me about ice marathons.
#Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
On a walk in the Lakes, I included a couple in a photo, to give perspective. I caught up w them later & offered to send them the pic. When I did, they sent one they had taken of me. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Longer version of the story here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
Longer version of the story here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
November 12, 2025 at 5:27 PM
On a walk in the Lakes, I included a couple in a photo, to give perspective. I caught up w them later & offered to send them the pic. When I did, they sent one they had taken of me. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Longer version of the story here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
Longer version of the story here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
At a katsu restaurant in Tokyo, I used a woman's Cath Kidston bag as a convo starter. She likes Great British BakeOff & its cutaways to cute animals, so I showed her this lamb vid that I took shortly before my travels. She offered travel recs. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
November 10, 2025 at 3:32 PM
At a katsu restaurant in Tokyo, I used a woman's Cath Kidston bag as a convo starter. She likes Great British BakeOff & its cutaways to cute animals, so I showed her this lamb vid that I took shortly before my travels. She offered travel recs. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
I chatted w a couple who were finishing the last legs of the 100-mile South Downs Way. They hit the jackpot w the weather this weekend! I asked: What's your next challenge? We shared faves & I've added the Cairngorms to my wishlist. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
November 8, 2025 at 4:56 PM
I chatted w a couple who were finishing the last legs of the 100-mile South Downs Way. They hit the jackpot w the weather this weekend! I asked: What's your next challenge? We shared faves & I've added the Cairngorms to my wishlist. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger