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Gillian Sandstrom

@gilliansocial.bsky.social
237 followers 225 following 59 posts

Psychologist studying kindness and #Talking2Strangers. Classical music lover. Outdoor enthusiast. Author of #OnceUponAStranger linktr.ee/drgilliansandstrom

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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 10/04/2026
It's easy to feel hopeless about our ability to change our world, our community, or even ourselves. One way I cope with feelings of hopelessness is to take action, however small. In a new article for The Psychologist, I list 10 *simple* actions you can take to tend to your social health.
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
On holiday, I stopped to talk to a man who had (temporarily) lost his dog, Ringo Starr. It turns out he’s a musician (the man, not the dog), nicknamed Juke (short for jukebox) & he sang one of the songs from his album as we stood by the sea. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Me, to someone working in his garden: You've got a great helper! (Referring to a big ginger cat, sprawled out nearby) Him: That's Reggie. He's not mine, but he likes to visit. I learned that his garden is an act of kindness, created to attract pollinators. #Talking2Strangers
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 17/02/2026
Lunch break after a hefty climb & then knee-busting descent (pics: view, lunch spot). When a man walked past, I offered him a carrot. I asked where he was visiting from: Shropshire. He chose Shropshire simply b/c he hadn't lived there before. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger #RAKWeek
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
A few yrs ago, I saw a woman working in her garden. I commented on her pieris japonica (I❤️their delicate white bell-shaped flowers & the new leaves that come in a vibrant red). I told her where I was walking & she recommended an Italian restaurant nearby. #Talking2Strangers
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 04/02/2026
A few yrs ago, I talked to a man who likes #Talking2Strangers (he talked w enthusiasm about the time he met a jockey). He had planted 3 trees in the park, inc a Judas tree. A couple of wks later, I used an app to identify a pretty tree & it was a Judas tree. Serendipity!
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
#Talking2Strangers email from a student who had bus probs while travelling home for the hols. "What would've been a stressful moment w just me&my headphones turned into a delightful chat w a lady (J) about the festive period, Charles Dickens & what we were both doing that day."
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
A few yrs ago, a student emailed: "I was on the train when someone sat next to me watching one of my fave Marvel shows. Inspired by your #Talking2Strangers tweets, I started a convo about the show. This short convo w a stranger really lifted my spirits & boosted my confidence."❤️
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 23/01/2026
During a visit to Winchester cathedral, a man in ecclesiastic robe was greeting visitors. I asked how he was doing & he said I'd made his day-nobody ever asks him: that's *his* job. I offered a hug & he accepted. Have you ever hugged a stranger? #NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
On a chilly Feb evening, I chatted w a woman carrying a fancy camera. After watching an awe-inspiring starling murmuration side by side, we were moved to share a hug. Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you? #NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 19/01/2026
At a pub after a spectacular walk in the Lake District, I asked the frazzled-looking barkeeper: "Rough day?" I asked whether he'd like a hug, and he surprised me by taking me up on my offer. Have you ever hugged a stranger? Would you? #NationalHugDay #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
The 🇬🇧 cover for #OnceUponAStranger is simpler in design than the 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 one, but beautifully conveys the idea that everybody has a story, that #Talking2Strangers creates memorable moments of shared humanity. 🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
The fun 🇺🇸/🇨🇦 cover for #OnceUponAStranger shows a range of contexts in which people are already #Talking2Strangers. Many details in the images represent stories I share in the book (e.g., waitress w sailboat earrings, pina coladas in Paris, rainbow). 🚨Pre-order link in bio.🚨
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 18/12/2025
A few years ago, the sun was shining on Boxing Day. At the spot where this photo was taken (at beautiful Seaford Head), I saw a young boy and asked him if Santa had paid him a visit. He nodded happily. Then he touched my heart by asking: Did he visit you too? #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 16/12/2025
My dad loves #Talking2Strangers & kids are his favourite targets. He asked a young boy if Santa would be visiting. The boy took his time, then said "I've been *pretty* good." Years later, we still laugh at (& appreciate) his honesty (diplomacy?) #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 12/12/2025
On the train, I asked these gents about their roller skates. They were headed to Santa Skate: a festive street skate through London (20th anniv skate: 13-Dec-2025). Our convo reminded me of the time I won a shoot-the-duck contest. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
On campus, I hurried to catch up with a dog. I stole a line from @thedogist & asked for any funny stories. Turns out, Otis once ate a(n old) PhD thesis (pic = mine). We shared a laugh when I joked that Otis was hungry for knowledge. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 08/12/2025
Walked out of class to a gorgeous full moon. Someone pulled out his phone to take a pic, so I used the moon as a convo starter. We talked about the class he was teaching, how we (2 expats) had ended up in the U.K., the future of academia... #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 05/12/2025
This podcast interview @ NPR LifeKit results in a spike of visits to my website *every time* it re-airs. I talked about the liking gap & my scavhunt study, which shows that practice makes progress when it comes to #Talking2Strangers. #OnceUponAStranger www.npr.org/2019/08/15/7...
npr.org
How to make friends? Accept the awkwardness
Friendship is hard, but the best way to tackle it is to talk about it. In this episode, you'll learn from the experts about how to make new friends and deepen your existing relationships.
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 03/12/2025
This podcast interview @hiddenbrain.bsky.social is a fave. From the pre-meetings to the recording, I was encouraged to lean into storytelling. I'm grateful to all the listeners who reached out after hearing this episode. www.hiddenbrain.org/podcast/rela... #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 01/12/2025
I refer to this invited piece for @psychmag.bsky.social as my #Talking2Strangers manifesto. I wrote about why many of us are reluctant to talk to strangers & what the benefits are (inc. making the world a better place). www.bps.org.uk/psychologist... #OnceUponAStranger @bpsofficial.bsky.social
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 28/11/2025
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's. 5: What should I say? To start a conversation, think QUICK: K is for kindness We're all doing our best to get by. A small act of kindness that acknowledges our shared humanity goes a long way. Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 27/11/2025
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's. 4: What should I say? To start a conversation, think QUICK: IC is for "in common" Use your observational skills to bring their attention to something in your shared location/situation. Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have q's. 3: What should I say? To start a conversation, think QUICK: QU is for question Tap into your curiosity. Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025) & you may have questions. 2: How will it go? Here's what I've learned as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert). Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
It's #TalkToAStrangerWeek (Nov 24-30, 2025)& you may have q's. 1: Why should I do it? Here's some advice as both a psychology prof who studies minimal social interactions & as a human who loves #Talking2Strangers (despite being an introvert). Read more at www.talktoastrangerweek.org
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week. On hols in Tenby, I approached a dog. Learned about his human's accidental career in wig-making. Invited us to his house for a drink. Ended up playing a duet on his piano. Epic! #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 20/11/2025
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week. Walking in Tokyo, I asked through gestures if I could pet a man's shiba inu. The dog was friendly (& sooo soft!) & the man used his limited English to tell me the dog's name/age. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 19/11/2025
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week. Walk in the woods. Met 2 dogs w lovely beaded collars from Kenya, where their human had lived for many yrs. She misses: wide open views, the bush, the animals, the people. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
People w dogs are esp easy to talk to, so this is dog week. I met Benton on one of my regular afternoon walks. He is: - vigilant: barks at stone hedgehogs - serious about his skin: likes a mud treatment #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger Longer version here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 17/11/2025
People with dogs are especially easy to talk to, so this is dog week. I met George while climbing Walla Crag & ended up walking with his fascinating human for >1hr. She told stories of exotic scuba-centric travels & taught me about ice marathons. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 12/11/2025
On a walk in the Lakes, I included a couple in a photo, to give perspective. I caught up w them later & offered to send them the pic. When I did, they sent one they had taken of me. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger Longer version of the story here: www.instagram.com/drgilliansan...
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 10/11/2025
At a katsu restaurant in Tokyo, I used a woman's Cath Kidston bag as a convo starter. She likes Great British BakeOff & its cutaways to cute animals, so I showed her this lamb vid that I took shortly before my travels. She offered travel recs. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 08/11/2025
I chatted w a couple who were finishing the last legs of the 100-mile South Downs Way. They hit the jackpot w the weather this weekend! I asked: What's your next challenge? We shared faves & I've added the Cairngorms to my wishlist. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 07/11/2025
At a service area w a beautiful lake I met a couple who had broken down nearby & were waiting for a tow truck. She joked about buying some wine at M&S if things went downhill. I offered hugs, which were initially declined & then accepted. #Talking2Strangers #OnceUponAStranger
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Waiting for the train, I chatted w a woman whose grandparents hosted an 11yo Jewish refugee during WWII. The families kept in touch & the woman is meeting up w the Jewish woman's son (who lives in Australia) in a few weeks. Makes me think about the passage of time... #Talking2Strangers
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 07/06/2025
Chatted w Colin, who was admiring some wildflowers. I said something about 🦋 & turns out he's into butterflying (his word) & birding. I got tips on: a good meadow for 🦋 & places where I might be able to spot a barn owl & kingfishers. Can't wait to check them out! #Talking2Strangers
media.tenor.com
an owl sitting in a hole in a tree trunk
ALT: an owl sitting in a hole in a tree trunk
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 08/04/2025
I know 3 camel proverbs. One: "When the camel's nose enters the tent, the camel will soon follow." Academic equivalent: "Activate your account for the [journal name] Editorial Manager site" We all know what camel will follow in the next email...
media.tenor.com
a close up of a camel 's face with a blue sky behind it
ALT: a close up of a camel 's face with a blue sky behind it
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 27/02/2025
Academic friends: I think a miracle has occurred? I received a review request yesterday, and when I went to respond today, I got this message. I was going to say yes, but I’m very glad I don’t have to!
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 25/01/2025
On a walk today: Me: Isn’t this (happy sigh)? Woman, walking on her own: It’s how I manage to live in London. #Talking2Strangers
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 21/01/2025
Awww...I ❤️ these stories about the kindness of strangers. If you need a positivity pick-me-up today, check out this article: www.positive.news/society/we-a...
positive.news
We asked: when have you experienced the kindness of strangers?
When meeting our need to feel safe, secure and loved, we tend to focus on our immediate support network. But what happens when you cast your net wider, whether by choice or circumstance?
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 20/01/2025
Adrienne Matei @theguardian.com asked what makes me happy. I told her: dogs. And I love (some of) the same things as dogs: fresh air, treats, cuddles, #Talking2Strangers. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle...
theguardian.com
‘The two of us book a karaoke room for an hour. It’s like tiramisu for the soul’ What’s on your dopamine menu?
From a ‘starter’ of dishing out compliments to a ‘dessert’ of smashing laptops in rage rooms, scientists and authors share 15 portion-sized ideas for a positivity boost
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 19/01/2025
I asked a flight attendant about the note on a long box she was carrying. Pilot bought orchids in Singapore & left them behind. She lived near him in 🇨🇭 so she picked up the forgotten orchids while passing through Heathrow to hand-deliver to the pilot. #Talking2Strangers
media.tenor.com
a white vase filled with white flowers and seashells has a watermark that says virigak romantic picmix on it
ALT: a white vase filled with white flowers and seashells has a watermark that says virigak romantic picmix on it
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Gillian Sandstrom @gilliansocial.bsky.social · 17/01/2025
I❤️this piece by @brownoftheglobe.bsky.social, esp the opening #Talking2Strangers anecdote w convo starter: "Why so many pannetone?" I once asked something similar: "Why so much tea?" 🇬🇧 living in 🇫🇷 & couldn't buy their fave brand of @YorkshireTea there. www.theglobeandmail.com/business/art...
theglobeandmail.com
The world would be a better place if we talked to strangers
It is no surprise that talking to people we don’t know has become a rare habit: Civil discourse in general is on life support
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