FOR YOUR HEALTH, PICK UP THE PHONE

Ever since e-mailing and texting came along, many of us have relied on them to stay in touch, in part because we think a call might be more intrusive. However, when subjects in a Texas study were randomly assigned to reconnect with an old friend by either e-mail or a phone call, calling gave them a stronger feeling of being bonded—without the additional awkwardness many had expected. Feeling connected to others is essential for health and well-being, so when it comes to long-distance or socially distanced relationships, we should limit text-based communication and choose calls or video chats more often.