Leading psychologist Nicholas Epley explains why our social fears are often mistaken and how small acts of connection can transform our lives.

We are among the most social species on the planet, uniquely equipped to connect with others. Doing so makes us happier, healthier and more successful. Yet so often we shy away from it – whether that’s saying hello to the stranger who sits next to us, or moving beyond small talk with a work colleague, or expressing our gratitude to people we appreciate. Why?

In this inspiring book, psychologist Nicholas Epley reveals how misplaced social fears interrupt our instinct to connect and how to overcome them. Drawing on decades of research, he shows that bridging the gap between two people is far easier than we think and success is more likely than we imagine. Whether introvert or extrovert, we all can benefit from being just a little more social. And as Epley shows, gradually building wiser social habits can ultimately have life-changing results.