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    <lastmod>2025-11-04</lastmod>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Give the Gift of Connection - Say Hello to the Season of Connection</image:title>
      <image:caption>The holidays are a time of giving — but sometimes the most meaningful gifts aren’t wrapped. They’re shared through presence, warmth, and small moments of connection. In a world that can feel increasingly busy and distant, one simple hello can make someone feel seen again. This season, let’s give the gift of connection — a genuine smile, an invitation to coffee, or simply saying someone’s name when you greet them. Those small gestures ripple outward. This message lies at the heart of my book, Say Hello First. It’s about rediscovering the joy of everyday connection — with friends, coworkers, neighbors, and even ourselves. Because confidence, friendship, and belonging are the gifts that last long after the wrapping paper is gone.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Give the Gift of Connection - Have something to share?</image:title>
      <image:caption>The response to Say Hello First has been incredible — thank you to everyone who’s read, shared, or reviewed the book so far. Here’s what readers are saying: ⭐ “Deeply relatable and full of useful tools.” ⭐ “From overthinking to real conversation.” ⭐ “A must-read for anyone who wants to belong.” If you’ve read it, I’d be so grateful if you’d take a minute to leave a review on Amazon — they make a huge difference in helping others discover the book. ⭐️ Share your thoughts with Bianca ⭐️ Leave a review on Amazon ⭐️ Rate on Goodreads</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Give the Gift of Connection - Quote of the Month (from Say Hello First)</image:title>
      <image:caption>“The two things that predict whether or not you’re happy are how much time you spend with friends and family, and how much time you’re physically around other people.” — Dr. Laurie Santos</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Give the Gift of Connection - Happiness Boost</image:title>
      <image:caption>Here’s this month’s Greater Good Science Center Happiness Calendar — filled with small, science-backed actions to boost gratitude and joy during the holidays.</image:caption>
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    <lastmod>2025-10-28</lastmod>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Friday’s Rescue Story: A Lesson in Connection - Friday’s Journey: From Trash Can to Trusted Reviewer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Many of you have already met Friday, my playful little pup and unofficial book mascot. She recently gave her “review” of Say Hello First by chewing the hardcover (fortunately not the ebook!). But her story is much deeper than a funny post. Friday was one of the “garbage-pail puppies” rescued in a heartbreaking situation—abandoned in a garbage can and nearly drowned—until the right person walked by and saved them. You can read the full story on The Dodo here: Pile of Babies Almost Drowned in Garbage Can—Then the Right Person Walked By. Today, Friday is thriving—and even “Friday Approved” when it comes to books. Her resilience is a powerful reminder that second chances and small acts of kindness can change a life.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Friday’s Rescue Story: A Lesson in Connection -  Podcast Pick of the Month Stop Waiting — Be the One Who Waves First</image:title>
      <image:caption>In her recent podcast, Try It For 1 Week: 3 Small Habits That Change Your Body, Energy, and Life (Episode #309), Mel Robbins encouraged listeners: “Stop waiting for everybody else to go first and just become the person who waves, because it's those tiny moments of connection, they add up.” Mel gives us the why: small, everyday gestures of connection can transform your life. My new book, Say Hello First, gives you the how. It’s filled with warm, science-backed steps to help you build confidence, overcome loneliness, and create friendships that last.</image:caption>
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    <image:image>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Friday’s Rescue Story: A Lesson in Connection - For College Students: A Free Companion Guide</image:title>
      <image:caption>Now that fall semester is in full swing, many students are navigating the stress of new classes, dorms, and friendships. To make that transition easier, I created a College Guide filled with tips and conversation starters for meeting people and building connections. Download the FREE College Companion Guide Please feel free to share this resource with students, parents, or educators you know.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Friday’s Rescue Story: A Lesson in Connection - Say Hello First is Now Available</image:title>
      <image:caption>I’m thrilled to share that Say Hello First: A Therapist’s Guide to Building Confidence and Finally Making Friends is available in hardcover and ebook formats! If you’ve picked up a copy, I’d be so grateful if you’d leave a quick review on Amazon or Goodreads. Reviews are one of the best ways to help others discover the book. ⭐️ Leave a review on Amazon</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - Friday’s Rescue Story: A Lesson in Connection -  Happiness Boost</image:title>
      <image:caption>Check out UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center Happiness Calendar for September — packed with daily, science-backed ways to boost your mood and connect with others. View the September Happiness Calendar</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - How a Puppy, a Podcast, and a Baseball Game Inspired More Hellos</image:title>
      <image:caption>Passenger seat queen – Friday loves her car rides and surveys the world like she owns it.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - How a Puppy, a Podcast, and a Baseball Game Inspired More Hellos - ⚾ A Mets Game to Remember</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mother–daughter moment at the Mets game — accidental matching outfits and all.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - How a Puppy, a Podcast, and a Baseball Game Inspired More Hellos - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Boston Brainstormers lunch crew — great conversation with even greater people.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>BLOG - How a Puppy, a Podcast, and a Baseball Game Inspired More Hellos - The Countdown to Friday, August 15</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mark your calendar for Friday, August 15 (our favorite day of the week… and our favorite dog). In just a few days, Say Hello First will be available everywhere books are sold. This book is my love letter to anyone who’s ever felt awkward, lonely, or unsure how to make that first connection. It’s filled with stories, science, and practical tips for building confidence, beating loneliness, and making real friends—whether at a ball game, on a city sidewalk, or during a walk with your dog. GET THE BOOK</image:caption>
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