Sympiphany
You Got Ghosted. Now What?
Being ghosted stings. But the science says it's usually inertia, not cruelty — and there's a practical protocol for both sides. Here's exactly what to do when a connection goes silent.
Ren Castillo·Social Skills
11 articles
Ren Castillo·
Your Social Life Has a Blind Spot. It's Called Mentorship.
Most people invest in friendships and family — and overlook the one developmental relationship research says shapes us most. Here's the science behind mentorship bonds, and five practical moves to build yours.
Jules Nakamura·
Laughter Is Social Touch
You don't need to be funnier. You need to laugh more — and with intention. Here's the evolutionary science behind laughter as a bonding mechanism, plus three practical levers to put it to work.
Ren Castillo·
Men Don't Have Friends. Here's Why.
There's a quiet friendship recession among men — and it's well-documented by science. Here's what research reveals about why it happens, and four evidence-backed moves to fix it.
Jules Nakamura·
Talk to Strangers. Seriously.
Your barista probably liked that conversation more than you think — and the science backs it up. Here's what research on weak ties and the "liking gap" means for your Tuesday morning routine.
Jules Nakamura·
Your Social World Won't Rebuild Itself
You moved, retired, or started over — and your social calendar went blank. Here's a 5-step framework for rebuilding your social world from scratch, backed by science.
Ren Castillo·
Your Phone Isn't the Problem. Your Apps Are.
The "social media ruins everything" panic isn't well-supported by the science. What matters isn't how much tech you use to connect — it's what kind. Here's the research, plus a 3-step audit to fix your digital social diet.
Ren Castillo·
Volunteering Is a Cheat Code for Connection
Feeling disconnected? The most evidence-backed fix isn't another networking event — it's structured volunteering. Here's exactly how to use it as a connection strategy, with the science to back it up.
Ren Castillo·
Empathy Is Stickier Than You Think
Why empathy builds social bonds that actually last — and why the key to unlocking it is simpler than you'd expect. Here's the neuroscience, plus three moves you can try tonight.
Jules Nakamura·
You're Apologizing Wrong. Here's the Fix.
Most apologies don't actually repair anything. Here's a 4-step framework rooted in Nonviolent Communication to turn conflict into genuine reconnection — in one conversation.
Ren Castillo·
The Long Thaw: Why Adult Friendships Take Forever — and How to Speed Them Up
Deep adult friendships don't happen by accident. Here's what the research says about why they're so hard to build — and the specific moves that actually make them real.
Dani Okafor·