Marisa Franco, a psychologist and author of the bestseller "Platonic," explores the vital role friendship plays in well-being. She highlights that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Franco provides actionable tips for making and sustaining friendships, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity. She discusses attachment theory and its influence on adult relationships, while also addressing how to manage anger and foster intimacy among friends. Listeners will gain insights into rekindling and deepening their connections.
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insights INSIGHT
Loneliness and Connection
Loneliness is as toxic as smoking 15 cigarettes daily, impacting physical and mental health.
Friendship increases oxytocin, the "fountain of youth" hormone, boosting connection and well-being.
insights INSIGHT
Attachment Theory
Early caregiver relationships shape attachment templates, influencing adult relationships and vulnerability.
Secure, anxious, and avoidant attachment styles impact how we perceive and react in friendships.
volunteer_activism ADVICE
Initiating Friendships
Take initiative in friendships; don't wait for organic connections, as this leads to loneliness.
Assume people will like you and join activities to increase familiarity and liking (mere-exposure effect).
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In this enchanting and lyrical memoir, Frances Mayes details her experiences restoring an abandoned villa named Bramasole in rural Tuscany. The book captures the essence of Italian life, from the discovery of hidden treasures like faded frescos and overgrown vineyards, to the vibrant markets and delightful people of the nearby hill towns. Mayes brings her poetic voice, the eye of a seasoned traveler, and the palate of a cook and food writer to invite readers to explore the pleasures of Italian life and culture.
Platonic
How The Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends
Marisa G. Franco
In 'Platonic', Dr. Marisa G. Franco explores the latest findings on the bonds between people, debunking myths such as the idea that friendships happen organically. She emphasizes the importance of understanding one's attachment style—secure, anxious, or avoidant—to improve and deepen friendships. The book provides a practical and research-based blueprint for forging strong, lasting connections and becoming happier and more fulfilled selves.
The Tipping Point
How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference
Malcolm Gladwell
In The Tipping Point, Malcolm Gladwell examines the phenomenon of social epidemics and how ideas, products, and behaviors spread rapidly. He introduces three key principles: the law of the few (the role of connectors, mavens, and salespeople in spreading ideas), the stickiness factor (how messages or trends must be memorable to spread), and the power of context (how environment and circumstances influence human behavior). Gladwell uses various examples, such as the rise in popularity of Hush Puppies shoes, the decline in New York City's crime rate, and the success of children's TV programs like Sesame Street, to illustrate these concepts. The book provides insights into how small changes can lead to large-scale social and behavioral transformations.
How important is it to have friends?
Loneliness has reached epidemic levels in many countries, with research suggesting that it’s harder than ever for us to make and keep friends. And according to Marisa Franco, the issue isn’t trivial. “ Loneliness is as toxic for our bodies as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” she says. “We are fundamentally social creatures… it's okay that you really want friends.”
In this episode, she explains why friendship is a crucial aspect of a flourishing life, and gives helpful advice for those looking to make and keep friends.
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