When we’re young, it’s drummed into us that talking to strangers is a scary and potentially dangerous concept. But as adults, the reluctance to talk to people outside of our usual social circles could be limiting our experience of life in a pretty significant way.

A study by the University of Chicago’s Nicholas Epley, Ph.D. found that many of us still have a profound misunderstanding of the psychological effects of social interaction. We mistakenly place a premium on solitary activities (like aimlessly scrolling Instagram) and push the idea of chatting with strangers far down on our mental lists of what we consider enjoyable. Participants in the study predicted that fewer than 47% of fellow commuters would be willing to talk to them. Yet no one in the experiment who made the attempt was rebuffed.

Cue the people pleaser. Another fruit of their curious and approachable nature is a broad and varied social network. Looking for a new job, a place to crash, free entry into your next Saturday night out…? You get the idea. Oh, and they’re a hoot on a jolly too – unafraid to ask for directions in Joey Tribbiani-esque accents and more than willing to strike up conversation with that drop-dead-gorgeous concierge you’ve had your eye on since check in. Vamos de vacaciones?!

In defence of being a humble people pleaser