The Social Fear That Keeps Us Lonely (and the easy fix) | Nicholas Epley

Nicholas Epley, a behavioral scientist, explores why people regularly misread social situations, avoid talking to strangers, and miss out on meaningful connections. Drawing on his research, including a revelation on a Chicago train, he reveals that a single, often-unconscious belief sabotages more conversations than shyness or rudeness. The episode provides an easy fix: test your instinct instead of trusting it, because kind words outperform polished ones and acting outgoing doesn't drain introverts as feared.