Why Your New Year’s Resolutions Should Involve Your Interpersonal Relationships

In his latest book, “The Art of Danish Living,” Meik Wiking, chief executive of the Happiness Research Institute in Copenhagen, explores the concept of “arbejdsfællesskab,” which translates loosely to “work community.” The idea, he said, is for friends or neighbors to rally around a project that would be less fun if done alone.

His friend, for example, gathered a few families to build a chicken coop; not only were they spending time together, but they were also driven by a collaborative purpose. “I think that sense of accomplishment, even though it’s not your chicken coop, is also useful,” he said.

Gretchen Rubin, author of “The Happiness Project” and host of the podcast “Happier,” suggested asking the head of a local recreation center or neighborhood association if there’s a task they need help with — whether it’s organizing boxes or planting flower beds — and then gathering people in your community to complete it.

Upgrade strangers into acquaintances and acquaintances into friends

Research has shown that striking up a conversation with a stranger can boost well-being. Such interactions can also serve as low-stakes “practice” if your New Year’s goal is to meet new people, said Elizabeth Earnshaw, a relationship therapist and author of “’Til Stress Do Us Part.” When you compliment a cashier’s hair or chat with someone in line, “you’re going to have these moments that start to feel good, and it’s going to make the slightly more scary, risky social interactions feel a little bit easier,” she said.

Investing in relationships with our “weak ties” — casual acquaintances we see regularly — can also make us happier by conferring a sense of belonging and connection, Ms. Harrison said. When you run into that neighbor, make a note of any interests or concerns they express, which may open up common ground or even ways you can support them, like making an introduction to someone else.

For acquaintances you’d like to upgrade to friends, Ms. Rubin suggested changing the context in which you usually interact. If you see them only at the playground, invite them to coffee. By showing that you want to hang out beyond the usual scope of your interactions, “you’re moving into this greater zone of intimacy,” she said.