The Importance of Saying Hello

According to a new Gallup survey released this week, saying hello to the people you encounter could have a notable impact on your own well-being: Adults who greeted up to six people regularly boosted their own social, physical, financial, career, and community health in remarkable ways.

"The sweet spot as far as well-being is concerned is six greetings," said Dan Witters, research director for the national poll that has been conducted quarterly since 2008. "After six, there aren't any greater benefits from greeting your neighbors. But six is better than five, five is better than four, all the way down to zero."

According to researchers, the length or manner of the greeting is not important, although a verbal "hello" is more likely to lead to greater engagement than a wave from afar. The survey also compared the greetings to whether a person is "thriving" as defined in Gallup's Life Evaluation Index. In the national index, individuals are asked to rank themselves on a ladder of achievement, with 10 representing the best possible life and 0 signifying the worst possible -- both now and in five years. According to Witters, those who do not say "hello" to others ranked at only 38.1% thriving, while those who greet at least five neighbors regularly ranked at a 60.5% chance of thriving.

The poll also found that the tendency to say "hello" increases steadily with age: Older generations tend to greet others, while younger generations may be looking down at their devices and miss the opportunity. Most Americans regularly say hi to five people they encounter, while 27% greet six or more neighbors, according to the study.

Consider the close of 3 John near the end of the New Testament: "I have much to write you, but I do not want to do so with pen and ink," John writes to Gaius, a leader of the churches in Asia Minor. "I hope to see you soon, and we will talk face to face."  John acknowledges here that while pen and ink serve their purpose, there is a need in each of us for healthy face-to-face interaction.

How do you fare in your current life stage? What changes will you make to ensure that you are actively greeting five or six people regularly, ensuring your own improved health as well as allowing you an opportunity to share God's love with others?

Blessings on your week,

Jennie