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We interact with people every day: A brief nod to a neighbor. A friendly chat in the school pick-up line. A heart-to-heart with a friend.
Together, these moments add up to your “social biome,” a term coined by the communication researchers Andy Merolla, of the University of California, Santa Barbara, and Jeffrey Hall, of the Universy of Kansas, to describe the complex ecosystem of relationships that can shape your quality of life.
In their new book, “The Social Biome,” Dr. Merolla and Dr. Hall argue that there are several key elements that contribute to a vibrant, healthy social biome.
Our daily routines and rhythms are different, the researchers acknowledge, and there is no one right or best way to boost social well-being. But this 15-question quiz can help you take stock of your habits, and the results will offer simple suggestions to strengthen your social biome.
Don’t overthink it. Social patterns can change over time, so just pick the answer that feels right for you now.
Diverse Social Interactions
It takes a village to have a healthy social life. “Friends, family, colleagues, teammates, neighbors, spouses and children all have something different to offer us,” Dr. Merolla and Dr. Hall write. How diverse are your daily interactions?
1 of 15
I am friendly with my next-door neighbors — and make an effort to say hello whenever I see them.
2 of 15
When I don’t see eye to eye with someone on a topic, I try to get out of that conversation as fast as I can.
3 of 15
I have people in my life who challenge my viewpoints respectfully.
Restorative Solitude
We all need alone time. “Because all social interactions are energy depleting, time alone is restorative,” Dr. Merolla and Dr. Hall contend. How do you handle solitude?
4 of 15
Even when I’m alone, I feel a sense of connection to the important people in my life.
5 of 15
I can sense when I’ve had too much social interaction and need to be alone.
6 of 15
When I’m alone, my first instinct is usually to grab my phone to catch up on news or social media.
Meaningful Talk
The quality of our social interactions is just as important as the quantity. “A healthy social biome is both cause and consequence of these little acts of kindness and sociability,” Dr. Merolla and Dr. Hall write. How meaningful are the words that you share throughout your day?
7 of 15
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a meaningful face-to-face interaction with a friend.
8 of 15
Throughout the day, I often find moments to joke around with others.
9 of 15
I make a point of expressing affection, whether it’s telling family members I love them or offering colleagues genuine compliments.
Communication With Strangers
Small talk can have big benefits. “On days when people feel happier, more upbeat and more energetic, they tend to be more open to the world, friendlier and warmer,” according to research cited in “The Social Biome.” How often, and how easily, do you interact with strangers?
10 of 15
I can’t remember the last time I had a conversation with a stranger.
11 of 15
I feel comfortable chatting with people when I’m out in public, like at a grocery store or a coffee shop.
12 of 15
Meeting new people is stressful! Most times, I don’t enjoy it.
Choosing Sociability
Wanting to connect with others is powerful. “Choosing an interaction is a sign that people want to invest energy in a person, conversation or situation,” the authors find. How much agency do you have over your social interactions?
13 of 15
I make sure lunch or dinner with friends is regularly on my calendar.
14 of 15
If I have plans to hang out with friends, but just don’t feel like going, I will probably cancel.
15 of 15
I don’t mind being the one who reaches out to people to make plans to hang out.