The Wonder of Weak Ties

Sunday Blog 220 - 1st February 2026

Last night I had the joy of attending a private musical evening with the sublime Alexia Parenzee singing. She will be touring more over 2026, so 10/10 I would recommend you sign up for updates on when and where and get along.

Before the music began, another gem was deposited in my ear by the host, Ecoburbia’s Shani Graham. She explained about weak ties and strong ties. Strong ties are our parents, partners, children, siblings. Weak ties are our local barista, the people in the dog park whose name you might not remember (known in your own mind as Banjo’s Mum), colleagues in a big office you might chat with at the water cooler.

While strong ties are important for wellbeing, even six or seven interactions with weak ties each day offers benefits equivalent to an hour of counselling, Shani said. There were audible gasps in the room.

While I couldn’t locate the exact paper that mentioned this, I discovered enough articles (like this one) about weak ties to bask in the sunshine of these findings today. This is why I spend my time volunteering in my neighbourhood to increase connection and community.

So I wanted to share this nugget with you, so next time we are schlepping through the supermarket and see someone we know and share a wave, a smile or even a chat, that’s a big tick for our mental health.

And now, as per last week’s blog, time for me to re-focus more on my writing goals and make sure my community volunteering isn’t yet another wily distraction from creative pursuits.