Speaking of Psychology Encore -- Why is it so hard for adults to make friends? With Marisa Franco, PhD
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Jul 30, 2025 
Marisa Franco, PhD, is a psychologist and friendship expert as well as the author of 'Platonic'. In this discussion, she highlights why adults struggle to form and maintain friendships and offers strategies to overcome loneliness. The conversation delves into the complexities of adult friendships, including the impact of ghosting and societal pressures on emotional vulnerability. Franco also explores how friendship dynamics differ between men and women, the health implications of shrinking social networks, and ways to build meaningful connections in a divided world.
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Key Conditions for Friendship
- Friendships form best with continuous unplanned interaction and shared vulnerability.
- Adult environments often lack these, making adult friendships less organic and more intentional.
Friendship Quality Over Quantity
- People have most friends in their twenties, then intentionally shrink friendship circles focusing on quality.
- This reflects socio selectivity, prioritizing meaningful relationships as time feels limited.
Shrinking Friendship Networks
- Friendship networks have shrunk drastically in recent decades, with more people having no friends.
- Loneliness is a public health crisis, harming longevity and mental and physical health.
