A new study has found that smiling at your neighbors from a safe distance can boost their mood and make them more friendly towards you.
The researchers, from the University of Happiness, conducted an experiment in which they asked 100 participants to smile at their neighbors from across the street, from their balconies, or from their windows, for a week. They then measured the changes in their neighbors’ happiness levels, using a scale of 1 to 10.
The results showed that the smiling participants increased their neighbors’ happiness by an average of 3 points, compared to a control group that did not smile. The smiling participants also reported feeling more connected and less lonely with their neighbors.
The researchers explained that smiling from afar can trigger a positive feedback loop, in which the smilee feels appreciated and valued, and reciprocates the smile, creating a bond of mutual respect and goodwill. The study also suggested that smiling from afar can help overcome the social barriers and conflicts that often arise between neighbors, such as noise complaints, parking disputes, or pet issues.