Do People Need Small Talk to Be Happy?
Psychologists (心理学家) have long said that connecting with others is an important part of happiness, but just how much conversation we require is under examination. In one study， researchers found that small talk made up only 10% of their conversation related with happiness.
. Scientists believe that small talk could promote bonding. Late last year, Princeton researchers reported that small talk keeps closeness with loved ones, and isn' t merely the stuff of awkward exchanges with strangers.
Still, chatting with strangers could brighten your morning. In a series of experiments, psychologists gave Chicago passengers different directions about whether to talk with fellow passengers-something they typically avoided. . None of the chatters reported being rejected.
Small talk can also help us feel connected to our surroundings. People who smiled at， made eye contact with, and briefly spoke with their Starbucks baristas (服务员) reported a greater sense of belonging than those who rushed through the transaction (交易). One report found that when volunteers broke the silence to chat with gallery goers, the visitors felt happier and more connected to the exhibit than those who were not approached.
. In one study, people who were rated " less curious" by researchers had trouble getting a conversation rolling on their own, and had greater luck building closeness with others when they were supplied with questions that encouraged personal disclosure (透露). But people who were considered " curious" needed no help when transforming conversations about ordinary things into personal exchanges. .
A. The same is true of gallery goers.
B. They found that small talk is related with happiness
C. But don' t play down small talk just yet.
D. Of course, some people are better than others at turning small talk into something bigger.
E. A " curious mindset" ，the author concluded, can lead to " positive social interactions" .
F. Making small talk is an important skill for all the social situations.
G Those told to chat with others reported a more pleasant journey.
