People do, of course, still talk in today’s world. But it’s also true that conversation has to compete with smartphones and the internet, and that can mean that people often end up staring at their devices instead of conversing with other people.
You won’t be able to change all of society. People are going to be looking at their devices on public transport until the end of days. However, you can nudge people to talk while they’re in your home. Whether you want your family to spend more time chatting or you want your visits to be truly social, the tips outlined below will ensure your home is set up for success.
Go Open Plan
People are much more likely to speak if they can see one another. And they’re much more likely to see each other if they’re hanging out in an open-plan environment. Could now be the time that you ditch the walls? The open-plan decor option has reduced in popularity in recent years, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t buck the trend. In doing so, you’ll increase the chances that people are in the same space — and that conversation gets underway.
Create Meal-Specific Spaces
It’s sometimes nice to have dinner on the couch, or just quickly at a makeshift table. But as a general rule, it’ll be best if you and your family are eating all meals in meal-specific spaces. For example, you could put together a breakfast table that comes complete with custom bench cushions, which will allow you and your loved ones to enjoy a slow breakfast together. For dinner, it’s best to have a set dining area, as well as take the meal seriously. For example, the table should be clear and set, and there should be no devices in sight. Meals are probably the best time for families to talk, so don’t let the opportunity go to waste!
Look At Furniture Arrangement
In most living rooms, the furniture is pointed towards the television. That’s fine for when you want to watch TV, but if you’re looking to talk, then it can have a subtly negative impact. People are much less likely to engage in conversation when their eyes are pointed towards what’s happening on the screen. Instead, look at arranging your living room furniture so that they face each other. Another option is to conceal the television until you want to use it; this will ensure that you consciously switch on the TV, rather than passively.
Consider Screen-Free Hours
There’s no avoiding the fact that many of us — in fact, most of us — spend a significant portion of our days looking at a screen. If you’re looking for a way to naturally increase the amount of conversations had in your home, then consider having screen-free hours. For example, you might decide to switch off the internet after 7 pm or ban screens from certain rooms. Without the option of looking at a screen, you’ll find that people are much more likely to talk.
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© Copyright 2024 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
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