Social Health in the New York Times

Plus, you're invited to events in San Francisco, Boston, and online.

Among the people in this newsletter community, we represent 49 countries and 47 US states (update in 2025: now 78 countries!). That means that together, our actions are changing the world in both big and small ways. Whether professionally through the work you do, or personally through the interactions you have with your friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors, you are part of improving social health globally.

Let’s take it to the next level.

The Art and Science of Connection comes out NEXT WEEK on June 18

It’s currently the #1 New Release in the friendship category on Amazon 👀 We can build on that momentum!

Pre-ordering it now ensures that you’ll get the book right away and be one of the first people to read it. Plus, pre-orders tell publishers how many to print (so it doesn't sell out and leave anyone hanging), tell bookstores that a book is in demand (so they get it in stock and put it out on display), and generally help the book have impact (so more people can lead connected, healthy lives).

The bigger the splash we make next week, the bigger the impact we can all have. Here’s how:

✅ The book empowers people with research insights and practical tips to take the reins in their lives and cultivate fulfilling relationships and community ➡️ Happier, healthier world for us to live in.

✅ The book calls on our leaders in government, healthcare, technology, education, and other sectors to prioritize and invest in social health ➡️ More funding and support for our work!

✅ The book spotlights inspiring stories from many of you and brings attention to the importance of connection for health and longevity ➡️ Greater awareness and momentum for what we care about.

If you want the knowledge, skills, and environment to live a meaningfully connected life—and if you want that for others, too—get a copy and help spread the word. If every single one of us does, we can trigger a tsunami of support for the work we do and the future we envision.

Are you a Butterfly, Firefly, Wallflower, or Evergreen?

You may be an introvert or extrovert depending on the amount of interaction you prefer. But that doesn’t capture the type of connection you enjoy. Both of these dimensions matter when it comes to optimizing your social health.

In The Art and Science of Connection, I describe four social health styles that go beyond introvert and extrovert: the Butterfly, Firefly, Wallflower, and Evergreen.

I’m honored (and still shocked!) that the New York Times reached out to bring that idea to life with a fun quiz that kicked off their 5-day Friendship Challenge this week.

Check it out and then let me know your style 😊

Day 3 of the challenge also includes tips from the book: Put your friendships on autopilot and (one of my personal favorites) write a “to-love” list. These come from the chapter dedicated to making social health a priority even if you’re busy (who isn’t) and if you’ve let your relationships fall to the wayside (who doesn’t sometimes).

I went live on FOX TV in Seattle and DC to talk about the quiz and The Art and Science of Connection. You can watch the interviews here and here (you’d never know I was wearing sweatpants!).

I’d love to see you in the coming weeks 🎉

I’ve teamed up with people I admire in places I adore for gatherings that are sure to be fun and insightful with YOU. Join us and others who care about connection at book events in San Francisco, Boston, and online—starting on Monday.

Tickets are limited, so grab a spot now while they last:

• June 17: Virtual in conversation with Kat Vellos — REGISTER (free)

• June 21: Virtual in collaboration with Meetup — REGISTER (free)

• June 26: San Francisco in conversation with Smiley Poswolsky — REGISTER ($10)

• July 10: Virtual in conversation with Marci Alboher — REGISTER (free)

• July 16: Boston in conversation with Sandra Harris — REGISTER (free)

Don't see your city? Comment below and let’s see if we can organize something together!

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Resource Roundup

New and noteworthy:

• Explore the Social Trust Map that Weave just launched and see how your neighborhood scores. If you want inspiration for how to connect with people in your own backyard, this is it.

• Hey Australia, when can I visit? There’s a lot of social health momentum in the land down under. Check out these innovators.

Events:

• Next week, Blooming Health is hosting a conference on “Powering Communities for Better Social Health” with an impressive lineup of speakers. Register here.

• Shout-out to my collaborators at the Global Loneliness Awareness Summit earlier this week who are doing incredible work. Watch the recordings here.

The Art and Science of Connection in the news this week:

• Podcast: The Proof — you can listen or watch the video on YouTube

• Podcast: WebMD — their first-ever content about “social health” (!!)

• Podcast: That’s Helpful — such a fun conversation

• Article: New York Times quiz — in case you missed it above

• Article: New York Times tips — sneak peek into the book!

• TV: FOX DC — describing the four social health styles

• TV: FOX Seattle — like I said, you’d never know I was wearing sweatpants…

P.S. It’s your LAST CHANCE to win a one-on-one Connection Call with me!