Your Extraordinary Experience May Be Special Only to You
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iStock/Thinkstock(BOSTON) — Who wouldn’t want to brag about a making a trip around the world to visit all kinds of exotic locations?
Yet, Harvard University psychologist Gus Cooney says be careful about sharing certain stories because they might turn you into a social pariah.
So-called “extraordinary experiencers” who enjoy journeys or other experiences from the norm may actually alienate their friends when boasting about adventures if their acquaintances haven’t done the same, according to Cooney.
He conducted a series of studies in which people believed that “extraordinary experiencers” are happier than everyone else when they’re the center of attention.
But just the opposite happens, says Cooney, since “social interaction is grounded in similarities.” In other words, if people can’t relate to what you’re talking about, they’ll shut you out.
Cooney isn’t telling people not be adventurous, rather, just be mindful of your audience.
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