Gillian Sandstrom
@gilliansocial.bsky.social
Psychologist studying kindness and #Talking2Strangers. Classical music lover. Outdoor enthusiast. linktr.ee/drgilliansandstrom
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
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's.
5: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: K is for kindness
We're all doing our best to get by. A small act of kindness that acknowledges our shared humanity goes a long way.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
5: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: K is for kindness
We're all doing our best to get by. A small act of kindness that acknowledges our shared humanity goes a long way.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
November 28, 2025 at 1:37 PM
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's.
5: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: K is for kindness
We're all doing our best to get by. A small act of kindness that acknowledges our shared humanity goes a long way.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
5: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: K is for kindness
We're all doing our best to get by. A small act of kindness that acknowledges our shared humanity goes a long way.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's.
4: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: IC is for "in common"
Use your observational skills to bring their attention to something in your shared location/situation.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
4: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: IC is for "in common"
Use your observational skills to bring their attention to something in your shared location/situation.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
November 27, 2025 at 2:12 PM
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's.
4: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: IC is for "in common"
Use your observational skills to bring their attention to something in your shared location/situation.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
4: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: IC is for "in common"
Use your observational skills to bring their attention to something in your shared location/situation.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's.
3: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: QU is for question
Tap into your curiosity.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
3: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: QU is for question
Tap into your curiosity.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
November 26, 2025 at 2:31 PM
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's.
3: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: QU is for question
Tap into your curiosity.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
3: What should I say?
To start a conversation, think QUICK: QU is for question
Tap into your curiosity.
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have questions.
2: How will it go?
Here's what I've learned as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
2: How will it go?
Here's what I've learned as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
November 25, 2025 at 12:43 PM
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have questions.
2: How will it go?
Here's what I've learned as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
2: How will it go?
Here's what I've learned as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025)& you may have q's.
1: Why should I do it?
Here's some advice as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
1: Why should I do it?
Here's some advice as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
November 24, 2025 at 1:47 PM
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025)& you may have q's.
1: Why should I do it?
Here's some advice as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
1: Why should I do it?
Here's some advice as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert).
Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
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
At a service area w a beautiful lake I met a couple who had broken down nearby & were waiting for a tow truck. She joked about buying some wine at M&S if things went downhill. I offered hugs, which were initially declined & then accepted. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
November 7, 2025 at 2:48 PM
At a service area w a beautiful lake I met a couple who had broken down nearby & were waiting for a tow truck. She joked about buying some wine at M&S if things went downhill. I offered hugs, which were initially declined & then accepted. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
Waiting for the train, I chatted w a woman whose grandparents hosted an 11yo Jewish refugee during WWII. The families kept in touch & the woman is meeting up w the Jewish woman's son (who lives in Australia) in a few weeks.
Makes me think about the passage of time...
#Talking2Strangers
Makes me think about the passage of time...
#Talking2Strangers
August 5, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Waiting for the train, I chatted w a woman whose grandparents hosted an 11yo Jewish refugee during WWII. The families kept in touch & the woman is meeting up w the Jewish woman's son (who lives in Australia) in a few weeks.
Makes me think about the passage of time...
#Talking2Strangers
Makes me think about the passage of time...
#Talking2Strangers
Chatted w Colin, who was admiring some wildflowers. I said something about 🦋 & turns out he's into butterflying (his word) & birding. I got tips on: a good meadow for 🦋 & places where I might be able to spot a barn owl & kingfishers. Can't wait to check them out! #Talking2Strangers
an owl sitting in a hole in a tree trunk
ALT: an owl sitting in a hole in a tree trunk
media.tenor.com
June 7, 2025 at 12:55 PM
Chatted w Colin, who was admiring some wildflowers. I said something about 🦋 & turns out he's into butterflying (his word) & birding. I got tips on: a good meadow for 🦋 & places where I might be able to spot a barn owl & kingfishers. Can't wait to check them out! #Talking2Strangers
I know 3 camel proverbs. One: "When the camel's nose enters the tent, the camel will soon follow."
Academic equivalent: "Activate your account for the [journal name] Editorial Manager site"
We all know what camel will follow in the next email...
Academic equivalent: "Activate your account for the [journal name] Editorial Manager site"
We all know what camel will follow in the next email...
a close up of a camel 's face with a blue sky behind it
ALT: a close up of a camel 's face with a blue sky behind it
media.tenor.com
April 8, 2025 at 8:15 PM
I know 3 camel proverbs. One: "When the camel's nose enters the tent, the camel will soon follow."
Academic equivalent: "Activate your account for the [journal name] Editorial Manager site"
We all know what camel will follow in the next email...
Academic equivalent: "Activate your account for the [journal name] Editorial Manager site"
We all know what camel will follow in the next email...
Academic friends: I think a miracle has occurred? I received a review request yesterday, and when I went to respond today, I got this message. I was going to say yes, but I’m very glad I don’t have to!
February 27, 2025 at 9:53 PM
Academic friends: I think a miracle has occurred? I received a review request yesterday, and when I went to respond today, I got this message. I was going to say yes, but I’m very glad I don’t have to!
On a walk today:
Me: Isn’t this (happy sigh)?
Woman, walking on her own: It’s how I manage to live in London.
#Talking2Strangers
Me: Isn’t this (happy sigh)?
Woman, walking on her own: It’s how I manage to live in London.
#Talking2Strangers
January 25, 2025 at 6:12 PM
On a walk today:
Me: Isn’t this (happy sigh)?
Woman, walking on her own: It’s how I manage to live in London.
#Talking2Strangers
Me: Isn’t this (happy sigh)?
Woman, walking on her own: It’s how I manage to live in London.
#Talking2Strangers
Awww...I ❤️ these stories about the kindness of strangers. If you need a positivity pick-me-up today, check out this article: www.positive.news/society/we-a...
We asked: when have you experienced the kindness of strangers?
When meeting our need to feel safe, secure and loved, we tend to focus on our immediate support network. But what happens when you cast your net wider, whether by choice or circumstance?
www.positive.news
January 21, 2025 at 5:13 PM
Awww...I ❤️ these stories about the kindness of strangers. If you need a positivity pick-me-up today, check out this article: www.positive.news/society/we-a...
Adrienne Matei @theguardian.com asked what makes me happy. I told her: dogs. And I love (some of) the same things as dogs: fresh air, treats, cuddles, #Talking2Strangers. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
‘The two of us book a karaoke room for an hour. It’s like tiramisu for the soul’ What’s on your dopamine menu?
From a ‘starter’ of dishing out compliments to a ‘dessert’ of smashing laptops in rage rooms, scientists and authors share 15 portion-sized ideas for a positivity boost
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2025 at 8:42 PM
Adrienne Matei @theguardian.com asked what makes me happy. I told her: dogs. And I love (some of) the same things as dogs: fresh air, treats, cuddles, #Talking2Strangers. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
I asked a flight attendant about the note on a long box she was carrying. Pilot bought orchids in Singapore & left them behind. She lived near him in 🇨🇭 so she picked up the forgotten orchids while passing through Heathrow to hand-deliver to the pilot. #Talking2Strangers
a white vase filled with white flowers and seashells has a watermark that says virigak romantic picmix on it
ALT: a white vase filled with white flowers and seashells has a watermark that says virigak romantic picmix on it
media.tenor.com
January 19, 2025 at 12:23 PM
I asked a flight attendant about the note on a long box she was carrying. Pilot bought orchids in Singapore & left them behind. She lived near him in 🇨🇭 so she picked up the forgotten orchids while passing through Heathrow to hand-deliver to the pilot. #Talking2Strangers