Rhaina Cohen, a producer and editor for NPR's Embedded and author of The Other Significant Others, dives into the science of deep friendships. She explores how these non-romantic bonds can be just as fulfilling as romantic partnerships. The discussion highlights the evolution of friendship dynamics and the importance of companionship for emotional well-being. Cohen challenges traditional notions of family and love, advocating for the celebration of diverse connections, especially on Valentine's Day.
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A Unique Friendship
Rhaina Cohen's close friendship with "Em" challenged her understanding of friendship.
Their partnership involved shared routines and deep emotional intimacy, blurring the lines between friendship and romance.
insights INSIGHT
Shifting Relationship Dynamics
Societal emphasis on marriage as the primary partnership has overshadowed friendships.
This shift, influenced by economic and cultural changes, has limited our view of intimate connections.
insights INSIGHT
The Importance of Diversification
Overreliance on romantic partners can weaken both marriages and friendships.
Diversifying emotional support networks leads to happier, more stable relationships.
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In 'The Other Significant Others,' Rhaina Cohen delves into the lives of individuals who have prioritized deep friendships as their primary life partnerships. Through personal narratives, historical insights, and social science research, Cohen examines how these relationships defy conventional societal norms. The book features stories of friends who are co-homeowners, co-parents, and caregivers, illustrating the various forms of profound connection that can anchor our lives. Cohen argues that by expecting too much from romantic relationships and too little from friendships, we undermine both. Her work encourages readers to broaden their understanding of meaningful relationships and to recognize the transformative power of authentic, platonic connections[2][3][5].
Love isn’t just about romance. This Valentine’s Day, we’re exploring the power of deep nonromantic bonds. Host Rachel Feltman sits down with Rhaina Cohen, a producer and editor for NPR’s podcast Embedded and author of The Other Significant Others, to discuss the history and psychology of friendship—and the reasons these connections deserve just as much celebration as romantic partnerships.
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Science Quickly is produced by Rachel Feltman, Fonda Mwangi, Kelso Harper, Madison Goldberg, Naeem Amarsy and Jeff DelViscio. This episode was hosted by Rachel Feltman. Our show is edited by Madison Goldberg with fact-checking by Shayna Posses and Aaron Shattuck. The theme music was composed by Dominic Smith.
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