Journalist Rhaina Cohen, author of "The Other Significant Others," highlights the often-overlooked importance of friendships in modern culture. She explores how friendships can provide deep emotional support, rivaling romantic relationships. Rhaina also discusses the historical evolution of friendship, emphasizing its past significance. The podcast delves into the complexities of balancing friendships and romantic ties, the grief of losing friends, and proposes a rethinking of societal norms around relationships to honor these vital bonds.
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insights INSIGHT
Historical Significance of Friendship
Modern culture undervalues friendship, prioritizing romance and marriage.
Historically, friendships held a higher status, exemplified by sworn brotherhood rituals and emotional intimacy.
insights INSIGHT
The Decline of Friendship
The decline of friendship's importance is linked to the changing view of marriage and the stigmatization of same-sex intimacy.
Increased emphasis on love in marriage and fear of homosexual labels diminished the emotional and physical closeness in friendships.
insights INSIGHT
Love vs. Lust
Love and lust, while often intertwined, are distinct drives governed by different neurochemicals and brain networks.
Passion and infatuation can exist without sexual desire, as seen in intense, non-sexual friendships.
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The Science of Getting from Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Katy Milkman
In this ground-breaking book, Katy Milkman reveals a proven path to help readers move from where they are to where they want to be. Drawing on her original research and the work of her world-renowned scientific collaborators, Milkman shares strategic methods for identifying and overcoming common barriers to change, such as impulsivity, procrastination, and forgetfulness. The book offers innovative approaches like 'temptation bundling,' using timely reminders, and creating 'set-it-and-forget-it systems' to make change more achievable. It emphasizes the importance of tailoring solutions to specific roadblocks and using science to stack the deck in favor of successful change.
The Other Significant Others
Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center
Rhaina Cohen
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].
Journalist Rhaina Cohen believes that modern culture undervalues friendships and discusses the ways in which deep friendships are distinct from but no less meaningful than romantic partnerships.
The Gray Area with Sean Illing 
