Why being nice matters in a complex world

Coan says practicing kindness, be it big or small, is a one-two punch for your health and for those around you. That includes "weak ties," the casual, micro-relationships people form. "People often deride small talk as shallow," he said. "Well, it's not. Small talk and weak ties are really important. These are the connections we have with people in our community—like the person who runs the coffee shop we visit. Small acts of kindness become more likely when we engage with people at all, and engaging often means making small talk."