Want to reach out to an old friend you haven’t talked to in a while, but worry they won’t be happy to hear from you? New research may put your mind at ease. A study involving nearly 6,000 participants finds people constantly underestimate how much others in their social circle appreciate an unexpected check-in.
A series of experiments reveal that anything from a surprise phone call to a text can boost the pal’s mental health, so go ahead and contact them. The study also shows that people appreciated the check-in, even more, when the communication was totally unexpected. So surprising someone you love, but haven’t connected with in years will give them an even bigger boost.
The research also suggests that “people are often yearning to connect as much as you are,” explains lead study author, Peggy Liu, associate professor of business administration at the University of Pittsburgh. “If neither of you takes the first step, that’s a sad outcome. I’m hoping this research might prompt people to be the first person to initiate social reconnection.”
SOURCE: Martha Stewart