I Tried Saying 'Hi' To Strangers Every Day For 30 Days As Part Of A Social Experiment. What I Learned Spoke Volumes.

"As a single person with a love-hate relationship with dating apps, I noticed how often I default to my phone instead of connecting with the people around me."

Not too long ago, I found myself standing face to face with a very handsome stranger at a Starbucks. It was a moment. I wanted to say “hi,” but I couldn’t.

Instead, I dropped my gaze, grabbed my coffee and silently hoped he’d say it first. He didn’t. I rushed out the door, and I’ve regretted not saying “hi” ever since.

Can you relate? Be honest. Are you head-down, scrolling on your phone whenever you sit in a coffee shop, stand in line or find yourself alone at a friend’s party?

Let’s face it: Our devices often feel like the death of real-world connection. People — especially members of Gen Z — tend to think small talk is cringe-worthy, so asking someone for their number can feel socially catastrophic. And yet, dating app fatigue is at an all-time high. If you’re single and tired of doom-scrolling or nervous about talking to strangers, how do you actually meet and connect?

Enter the “Triple H Challenge” from dating expert Benny Hart, which I learned about this past summer. In August, Hart launched the 30-day challenge: Say “hi,” “hey,” or “hello” to one stranger every day for a month. No fancy pickup lines — just practicing the basics of putting yourself out there and making organic, real-world connections.