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Why do we answer “I’m fine, thanks” even when it isn’t true? Why do we answer superficially when someone asks us how we’re doing? It’s partly because we aren’t sure the other person is really listening. Arguably, the standard question “how are you?” and the polite response “I’m fine, thanks” come with an unspoken understanding: […]Continue readingListening: how to make your social interactions real

Sharing is caring, but so is listening! Building real connection with other people in your life can take some getting used to—especially when it’s so normal in our society to go through the motions and have surface conversations. Studies show that we spend about 70 to 80 percent of our waking hours in some form […]Continue readingTips on how to really listen

It happens every time we say hello. In person, in text, on the phone. Someone asks us how we’re doing. It’s politeness. It’s a social convention. And it’s a way to find out how we’re all doing and connect with each other. But, more often than not, do you find yourself answering, automatically, with “fine, […]Continue readingMore than simply “fine”

Long before there was COVID-19, there was loneliness. In recent years, loneliness has been considered a growing public health problem. Even an epidemic. Researchers started sounding the alarm, and some governments started to take action. In 2018, for instance, the United Kingdom appointed a Minister of Loneliness. So, what exactly is loneliness? Well, you’re lonely […]Continue readingSocial connection is the cure

Every year, in the first full week of May, people rally for CMHA Mental Health Week. It’s a Canadian tradition bringing communities, schools and workplaces together to celebrate, protect and promote mental health. This year, things are looking a little different. We are confined to our individual living spaces, in a time of collective uncertainty […]Continue reading7 ways to #GetReal about how you feel