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Consequential Strangers

Why All Relationships Matter

Bullying
Occupy Wall Street: Just Say No to the Bullies

Melinda Blau on November 13, 2011

Don't we all have a little bully in us, even though we may prefer to call it "competitiveness" or "ambition"?

Don't we all have a little bully in us, even though we may prefer to call it "competitiveness" or "ambition"?

Education
Learning From Digital Natives: 6 Surprising Benefits

Melinda Blau on January 12, 2011

Talking about technology with kid is like talking about sex: You need to keep having “the discussion.” It will help both of you.

Talking about technology with kid is like talking about sex: You need to keep having “the discussion.” It will help both of you.

Extroversion
Elizabeth Edwards' Secret Weapon

Melinda Blau on December 8, 2010

How the ability to connect helped Elizabeth Edwards live a good life despite all she endured.

How the ability to connect helped Elizabeth Edwards live a good life despite all she endured.

Media
Social Movements Need Strong and Weak Ties

Melinda Blau on December 5, 2010

Can the “weak ties” we forge and nourish via social media motivate us to put our lives on the line for a worthy cause?

Can the “weak ties” we forge and nourish via social media motivate us to put our lives on the line for a worthy cause?

Social Life
Four Reasons to Thank Everyone in Your Life

Melinda Blau on November 23, 2010

Thanksgiving is a time for family and close friends.  But why not make it a time to express gratitude to everyone, not just our intimates?

Thanksgiving is a time for family and close friends.  But why not make it a time to express gratitude to everyone, not just our intimates?

Relationships
Social Strategies for Hard Times

Melinda Blau on August 16, 2010

After a layoff, the loss of connection is just as important as loss of income--maybe more so. 

After a layoff, the loss of connection is just as important as loss of income--maybe more so. 

Social Life
Outsiders Can Make a Marriage Stronger

Melinda Blau on March 22, 2010

Understandably, many studies stress togetherness in marriage--but that's far from the whole story.  Outsiders can bring new life into a relationship.

Understandably, many studies stress togetherness in marriage--but that's far from the whole story.  Outsiders can bring new life into a relationship.

Relationships
The Paradox of Fleeting Relationships in Small Places

Melinda Blau on March 7, 2010

Relationship research suggests that we don't share our private selves only with our loved ones.  Sometimes, in fact, it's easier to open up to a complete stranger.  Here's why.

Relationship research suggests that we don't share our private selves only with our loved ones.  Sometimes, in fact, it's easier to open up to a complete stranger.  Here's why.

Relationships
The Truth About Consequential Strangers

Melinda Blau on March 5, 2010

Such is the paradox of consequential strangers.  On her deathbed, psychologist Mindy Greenberg won’t be saying, “I wish I had spent more time with my doormen.”  Little Louie is replaceable. But he is also a one-of-a-kind, a person who changes her day in small, wonderful ways.

Such is the paradox of consequential strangers.  On her deathbed, psychologist Mindy Greenberg won’t be saying, “I wish I had spent more time with my doormen.”  Little Louie is replaceable. But he is also a one-of-a-kind, a person who changes her day in small, wonderful ways.

Relationships
Making Time for Connections--or Not

Melinda Blau on October 2, 2009

A psychologist likes the idea of connecting with people, just not with everyone.

A psychologist likes the idea of connecting with people, just not with everyone.

Relationships
Will Pink Cleats Help NFL Players Win the Game?

Melinda Blau on October 2, 2009

Many social scientist today look at “the self” as broader concept, an identity shaped not only by our individual experiences but also by our relationships, mostly our consequential strangers. Each of us, of course, has a “personal” self that strives to be unique. But we are also “extended” selves, who seek connection and strive to be part of something bigger--beyond our selves, beyond our loved ones.

Many social scientist today look at “the self” as broader concept, an identity shaped not only by our individual experiences but also by our relationships, mostly our consequential strangers. Each of us, of course, has a “personal” self that strives to be unique. But we are also “extended” selves, who seek connection and strive to be part of something bigger--beyond our selves, beyond our loved ones.

Relationships
Michael, We Think We Knew Ya

Melinda Blau on June 30, 2009

Did you feel like you "knew" Michael Jackson?  Can celebrities have relationships with mere mortals?  And what about the new niche-celbs who rise to online fame.  The author of a new book about casual relationships ponders our connections to the cult of celebrity--on and off the Internet.

Did you feel like you "knew" Michael Jackson?  Can celebrities have relationships with mere mortals?  And what about the new niche-celbs who rise to online fame.  The author of a new book about casual relationships ponders our connections to the cult of celebrity--on and off the Internet.

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March 2025
Are You Too Nice?

Being overly polite might seem kind, but it often leads to problems anyway, in relationships, with friends, and at work.

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