Charles Montgomery speaks from the intersection of theory and practice when it comes to city dwelling. In his book Happy City, he wondered (and then investigated): what kind of cities are people happiest in? Where do we feel less lonely, more comfortable, and generally healthier? Speaking of recent “urban experiments” he implemented in cities like Vancouver, Montgomery explained that every city has different needs—but mobility and affordability are two things that go a long way. So do positive social encounters, which can include a casual flirt session. Nay, flirting is vital to the happy city, Montgomery says!

Extrapolation aside, what Montgomery means is that the more at ease we feel with each other—friends and strangers alike—the more at home we feel in our cities. Social trust unites us, and makes us more likely to help each other create “a culture of care and empathy.” But it’s not just up to us. City infrastructure needs to develop accessibilty in diverse, inclusive ways in order to nurture equality. We’ll only all be happy, he argues, when all of us are happy.