A Little More Social - by Nicholas Epley (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

We know that social connection enriches our lives--so why do we hesitate to connect?

"A Little More Social explores the power and promise of the human connections that most of us never make--but could make so easily if we just opened our eyes. This is the eye-opener. Insightful, engaging, scientifically grounded and beautifully written, A Little More Social is one of those rare books that might actually change your life." --Daniel Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author of Stumbling on Happiness

There is a fundamental paradox at the core of human life. We are a highly social species uniquely equipped to connect with other people and doing so is better for us. Yet we so often choose to be unsocial. We avoid talking to the stranger who sits next to us. We struggle to move beyond small talk with an acquaintance. We are reluctant to express our gratitude to people we appreciate. Every day, we avoid opportunities to connect with strangers, neighbors, colleagues, friends, and family. By missing those moments, we miss out on all the benefits of a more social life--one that is happier and healthier for everyone.

University of Chicago psychologist and author of Mindwise, Nicholas Epley has spent his career studying the way we connect, and he has found that our social fears often keep us from reaching out. But bridging the gap between two people is easier than we think--and success is more likely than we imagine. We just have to be a little more social. Epley shows us how to seize the small moments with insights such as:

• Social connection is a choice we make based on expectations about how others will respond to us--expectations that tend to be overly pessimistic.
• Introverts and extroverts alike benefit from choosing to be a little more social.
• Mistaken expectations can cause us to avoid interacting in ways that create strong connections--such as having a conversation--in favor of less satisfying interactions--such as social media or texting.
• While many books promise one big fix, making a habit of small connections is much more likely to improve your life.
• The habits and practices that Epley advocates are approachable. The beauty of this book is that small acts have an outsized impact on the most important parts of our lives.

Epley draws on decades of research, his own experiences, and the stories of everyday people to deliver groundbreaking conclusions about the psychology behind our social decisions. A Little More Social shows how we can put science into practice and change our lives, one small choice at a time.

Review Quotes

"Nicholas Epley's work is brilliant, fascinating and--particularly now--vitally important. Why do we, the most social species, often choose silence over connection? In A Little More Social, Epley shows us that our happiness, health, and longevity hinge on human connection--even though we underestimate the power of simply saying hello. Drawing on a decade of groundbreaking research and personal stories, Epley demonstrates how small acts of connection create profound results. Everyone should read this beautiful book--and learn to use the transformative power of reaching out to build a more meaningful life." --Charles Duhigg, New York Times bestselling author of Supercommunicators and The Power of Habit

"A Little More Social explores the power and promise of the human connections that most of us never make--but could make so easily if we just opened our eyes. This is the eye-opener. Insightful, engaging, scientifically grounded and beautifully written, A Little More Social is one of those rare books that might actually change your life." --Daniel Gilbert, New York Times bestselling author of Stumbling on Happiness

"Brilliant, eye-opening, and deeply practical, A Little More Social will change how you think about everyday connection. Nick Epley reveals why we so often hold back from the very social connections that would make us happier and healthier--and how tiny, intentional choices can transform our daily lives. A Little More Social is smart, surprising, and brimming with insights about how to reach out, overcome our self-imposed walls, and rediscover the joy of being human." -- Sonja Lyubomirsky, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, and author of The How of Happiness and How to Feel Loved

"In A Little More Social, world-renowned behavioral scientist Nicholas Epley masterfully blends cutting-edge research with unforgettable stories to reveal how small acts of connection can make your life richer and happier. This brilliant, humane, and inspiring book will forever change how you see and reach out to other people." --Katy Milkman, author of How to Change

About the Author

NICHOLAS EPLEY is the John Templeton Keller Professor of Behavioral Science and Faculty Director of the Roman Family Center for Decision Research at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. He is the author of Mindwise: Why We Misunderstand What Others Think, Believe, Feel, and Want. He lives with his family in Chicago.