Welcome to the Good Life Chronicles, where living a good life takes center stage.
Lately, I’ve taken to inviting random people from LinkedIn (maybe you were one of them) to join me on a Saturday afternoon at the Time Out Market in Dubai Mall. It’s an easy, informal way to meet — no need to commit to an entire awkward dinner, and people can stay as long or as little as they like...
...and they do!
It’s been unexpectedly rewarding for everyone. People say thanks, what a great idea. I haven't met new people in so long. It's also easy, stand and chat. Don't like that person? Move on to the next. Don't want to come alone? Bring in a friend. I don't mind. Eat and drink what you like, it's open to all.
I too, get to keep learning, connecting, and meeting people from all walks of life and yes, staying top of mind for others, too. It’s a great business strategy, but it also pays off in ways that go beyond work. I’ve learned about fintech, digital architecture, AI ethics, the art of negotiation, and that I don't like fried tomatoes. Every conversation opens up something new.
That’s the thing — we often say that relationships are the foundation of happiness, but we tend to focus only on our closest ones. We invest in the people we already know, forgetting that new people add something essential: perspective, energy, and opportunity.
Social scientists call this social capital, and it’s one of the strongest predictors of happiness and success. Your “weak ties”, the acquaintances, colleagues, and people you occasionally meet often create more opportunities for growth than your inner circle does. They bring new ideas, broaden your worldview, and keep you curious.
Yet as adults, we rarely make time for them. Our calendars fill with family obligations, recurring dinners, and the same familiar routines. It feels safe, but it’s also stagnant. Without new people, our lives narrow. We stop being surprised, and that’s when life loses its spark.
Studies on wellbeing consistently show that people with more diverse networks report higher life satisfaction and lower stress. Variety in who we interact with keeps our minds flexible and our moods more positive. Novel people, places, or ideas, stimulates the same parts of the brain as joy and curiosity.
Sure, meeting new people requires effort. It can feel awkward and uncertain. But the reward is energy. A wider social world makes us more adaptable and resilient too.
So this week, try expanding your circle. Say yes to a coffee with a LinkedIn connection, join a meetup, attend a talk, or reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in years. Be curious. Ask questions. Listen without trying to impress.
New people don’t replace your old ones; they renew you. They bring oxygen to your social world and help you see life through fresh eyes.
Because living a Good Life isn’t just about who’s already in it, it’s also about the people you haven’t met yet.
Who’s someone new you could reach out to this week? Better yet, can you create a social event so that others can live their Good Life? Tell us about it!
Share it in the comments here or below depending on your platform. Remember to sign in to leave a comment.
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Have a great week!
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