Friends matter, more than you even know. A lack of genuine, open, loving friends can lead to profound loneliness. And that very loneliness can be devastating to both your mental health. But, it goes further than that, the health effects can also wreak more havoc and increase risk of illness, dementia and death, on a level that dramatically exceeds addiction, obesity, and pollution, sometimes combined.
What’s the solution? We tend to look to find our one person to solve the loneliness problem. That dream partner who makes everything okay. Except, as we’ll learn today, that can, and often is, a recipe for disaster. Better approach - reconnect with, or find and make new, platonic, yet intimate, engaged, and loving friendships.
Sure, you say, easy to do as a kid. But, what about as an adult? Here to walk me through the world of friendships, why they matter and how to make new adult friends, is research-driven psychologist, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author, Dr. Marisa Franco. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Platonic, with a research focus on the powerful role of our communities in shaping who we are and why we flourish.
You can find Marisa at: Website | Instagram
If you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Kat Vellos about approaching friendships as a design problem to be solved.
Check out our offerings & partners:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Surprising Secret to Finding Calm in a Stormy Life | Morgan Housel
Science-backed Tools to Dial-down Stress | Dr. Jenny Taitz
How to Unwind Anxiety | Dr. Jud Brewer
How to Set Goals You Actually Achieve (and love along the way) | Jon Acuff
How to Rewrite the Narrative on Aging | Ashton Applewhite
Dismantling Anxiety & Generational Trauma Through Mindfulness | Dan Harris
The Stunning Science of Mind-Body Unity | Ellen Langer
The Science of Memory & How to Keep It | Charan Ranganath
How to Connect Quickly & Deeply With Anyone | Charles Duhigg
How to Hack Your Blood Sugar & Feel Amazing | Jessie Inchauspé
How to Feel Like You Matter | Isaac Prilleltensky
How to Make "Life-changing" Friendships (and why they matter) | Rhaina Cohen
How to Open Hearts & Change Minds | Blair Imani
How to Get the Sleep You Need (a Scientific Approach) | Chris Winter, MD
How to Bring More Pleasure into Life (and Sex) | Emily Nagoski
January Jumpstart | On Belonging
How to Reset Your Stress Response and Rewire Your Brain for Resilience with Harvard Expert Dr. Aditi Nerurkar
January Jumpstart | On Movement
A More Joyful & Less Regret-filled Way to Live | Leo Babauta
January Jumpstart | On Exquisite Attention
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Live Immediately with mike campbell
Curious Freedom with Kirsty Farrugia & friends
The Minimalists Podcast
Health Report - Full program podcast
Eat, Move and Live Better