I don’t love talking with strangers. I’m an introvert at heart, and making an effort to engage in social interaction often drains my energy. But still, I do it. Not because I feel like I have to, but ...

It’s a basic, boring question—and one said on repeat to your partner each time you reconnect after a long day: “How was your day?” The response is usually, “Fine. Yours?” Then, “Fine.” And just like ...