Every once in a while, the universe taps you on the shoulder and says, "Here ya go … this one's one of yours." That's exactly what happened when I discovered Pete Bombaci, Founder & CEO of GenWell, Canada's Human Connection Movement — and the man behind Talk To A Stranger Week, happening November 24–30 in Canada. As many of you know, I'm the author of How To Talk To Strangers: Advice From a Professional Stranger Talker, so when I found out about Pete's work, I thought, "Yup. This is my kinda guy. He won't be a stranger for long! " LOL  Pete and I are kindred spirits with the same mission.  To educate, empower and catalyze people in about the importance of face-to-face social connections as a proactive step that we can all take for our own health and happiness or the health and happiness of others and society.   The Big Truth: Human Connection Is Not Just Emotional — It's Biological We've all heard "connection matters," but the science behind it is mind-blowing: Face-to-face interaction activates nine times more brain activity than digital communication. 80–90% of communication is nonverbal, so our screens simply can't deliver what our brains and hearts crave. Talking to strangers has been shown to increase happiness nearly 100% of the time — for BOTH people. Regular social connection lowers stress, boosts the immune system, protects heart health, and can even lengthen lifespan.   Read that again. We're wired to connect — literally.   Pete said it beautifully: "Talking to strangers makes us happier, healthier, and more connected. The research proves it." And: "We're all just human beings trying to live a decent life. We're far better off together than separate." Exactly. Exactly. Exactly.   So What Happens During Talk to A Stranger Week? No pressure. No scripts. No "Hi, I'm Debbie from Telemarketing." Just real human warmth in the small everyday moments: Say good morning to the dog walker. Compliment the barista. Shout 'youre doing great!' to a struggling Mom with a wagon full of kids  Call the cousin you always say you're going to get together with. It's about choosing connection over autopilot.   Pete broke it down simply: "It costs nothing. It takes one second. And you may change someone's day — or their life."   The Best Part People who talk to strangers regularly are up to three times happier than those who don't. Three. Times. Happier. If happiness were sold in a bottle, we'd all be lining up! But here it is — FREE — hiding inside hello. And we've been overlooking it.   Listen to  Our Heartfelt, Funny, and Very Real Conversation . We laugh, we learn, we talk Canadian coins and Chatty Cathy dolls (no, seriously), and we lean into what the world needs now — connection. PS So far there's no tariff on importing 'good vibes' :-)   💛 Debbie

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