You're getting warmer...

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INCREASING CLOSENESS EXERCISES. They use icebreakers because a cold environment keeps people from sharing their warmth...

Maybe you've noticed that in your work or personal life the chill has been palpable for too long so you're finally taking the initiative. These exercises can increase your capacity to feel at ease with classmates or colleagues or other people you care about.

When in doubt, thaw it out!

Social situations often involve polite small talk, not heart-to-heart conversations, so it's difficult to really connect deeply with people. Research suggests that spending just 45 minutes engaging in self-disclosure with a stranger can dramatically increase feelings of closeness between you. When everyone on a team or in any interaction can understand each other's point of view, shared goals can be reached with greater satisfaction since everyone is more engaged.