Think back on the countless times where you have been walking down the street and passed by another pedestrian. Instead of smiling or exchanging a quick greeting, you pull out your phone and pretend to text someone. Or maybe you walk right past without acknowledging their presence.
Whatever it is, we’ve all been there.
With the rise of cell-phone addiction and reliance, our brains have decided that instead of having a split-second interaction with another human, it’s easier and more comfortable to stare at a screen instead. However, this doesn’t mean it’s healthy for us.
Here are a few reasons why we should strive to overcome our social anxiety and greet those we see on the street! You won’t have a personal, human experience like that with your phone, I can guarantee that.
Human beings are social beings
It’s a fact we all know well.
We are born into a social environment and are surrounded by people our entire lives. If a certain amount of time goes by without social interaction, the average person will seek out friends or events where they can interact with others.
When something good or bad happens, humans naturally reach out to others and share what’s occurred because they unconsciously recognize the need for human support.
Interaction with others triggers neurotransmitters that help reduce stress and anxiety, according to this article.
Additionally, Psychologist Susan Pinker says during social interaction, “dopamine is [also] generated, which gives us a little high and it kills pain, it’s like a naturally produced morphine.”
Why then is it so difficult to share a basic greeting with someone in passing?
Get out of your comfort zone
Our phones are a comfortable place for us. They don’t ask questions, they do exactly as their told, and we know what to expect from them. They also provide a place for us to be our so-called “best self.” We can control everything in the world of our smart phone.
When faced with the opportunity to greet someone, our minds kick in with a variety of fears or reasons why we should not engage such as “they might not respond” or “they might be bothered.”
When these excuses berate the mind, it automatically turns straight towards what it knows and can control: the phone.
Clinical Psychologist Goali Saedi Bocci talks about this in her article that discusses the importance of simple greetings.
She addresses the idea that for millennials, being authentic may be too “raw or unscripted.” For some, looking at the phone seems easier than interacting with a variable such as another person.
However, this action causes us to miss out on what can be a very important, innate human experience! So, how do we fix this?
Have a little self-confidence
Put your phone away. Period.
As someone approaches you, crack a smile and say hello. Chances are you’ll not only make their day but you’ll also get quite the confidence boost.
And that’s it.
Don’t overthink it.
Push away all those thoughts and excuses, appreciate the moment in time that you’ve been given, and do something for someone else.
There is something about the basic human function of acknowledging the presence of others that leaves one feeling happy and gratified. It’s a tiny gift we can give to those around us
“The simplest of gestures makes all the difference and saying hello can be a beautiful start.”
Goali Saedi Bocci, Ph.D.
