I grew up thinking that romantic relationships sit at the top of the relationship hierarchy. I read in your book that there's a very interesting connection that exists between friendship and self identity. So can you tell us a bit more about this connection? Each person that we interact with is an advertisement for the kaleidoscope of ways in which we can live.
It's a mistake to prioritize romantic and familial relationships over friendship, argues psychologist Dr. Marisa Franco. Strong, supportive friendships expand our sense of self, she says, and are associated with greater well-being and health. Marisa offers research-based strategies to make new friends and deepen our existing friendships, including helpful concepts like mutuality and the mere-exposure effect. Marisa and Maya also discuss how to stay friends through big life changes, why fighting could make your friendship stronger, and how to break up with a friend with clarity and kindness.
For more on Marisa's work, check out her book, “Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends."
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