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Minimal social interactions include various subtle yet impactful engagements. From the brief exchange of smiles with strangers to expressing gratitude toward acquaintances -- these interactions come in diverse forms.

A study showed that even simple social interactions, such as greetings or expressions of gratitude, significantly enhance life satisfaction. Prompted by extensive research on the impact of close relationships on well-being, this study explored the significance of interactions with acquaintances and strangers, typically overlooked in prior investigations. The researchers revealed a shift in focus spurred by COVID-19, realizing the value of peripheral social connections during times of isolation.

Two diverse participant groups were surveyed on their engagement in various social interactions with acquaintances and strangers. Results consistently demonstrated that frequent greetings, expressions of gratitude, and conversations with both acquaintances and strangers correlated with higher life satisfaction. The study also highlighted the universality of these findings across different cultural contexts, suggesting the universal benefits of simple social interactions. 

However, the study acknowledges limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and the absence of direct measurements of relationship quality. The research nonetheless lays a foundation for future studies to look deeper into the link between various social interactions and their collective impact on well-being.

How to engage in minimal social interactions

Simple greetings, like saying "hello" to a neighbor during a morning stroll or thanking a cashier at the local store, constitute the foundation of minimal social interactions. Engaging in small talk with a co-passenger on public transportation or initiating a conversation with someone sharing a common space, such as a park bench, adds depth to these connections.

Non-verbal interactions, such as making eye contact and offering a friendly nod or a warm smile, create moments of acknowledgment and positivity. Even virtual interactions, such as liking a social media post or sending a brief message of appreciation, contribute to minimal social engagement.