Explore the intriguing world of 'medium friends'—those relationships that fall between best buddies and mere acquaintances. The hosts discuss how adult life redefines friendship tiers and the emotional effort required to maintain these connections. They tackle feelings of insecurity and the evolving nature of friendships, reflecting on how social media can reveal surprises about those close to us. With humor and warmth, the conversation highlights the unique value of low-pressure friendships that still add meaning to our lives.
Understanding the concept of 'medium friends' helps navigate the gray area between bestie and acquaintance.
Medium friendships offer relaxed enjoyment and shared hobbies without the constant upkeep of close friendships.
Navigating friendship tiers involves discomfort and guilt, highlighting the importance of accepting ambiguity and mutual understanding.
Deep dives
Understanding the term 'Unserious'
The podcast delves into the slang word 'unserious', highlighting its humor and versatile usage. It describes 'unserious' as a term used to characterize someone doing something silly without the intentionality associated with words like 'silly' or 'goofy'. The hosts explore its historical roots and how it can be applied beyond lighthearted contexts, such as in criticisms of government actions or public figures' behaviors.
Exploring the 'Medium Friend' Concept
The episode shifts to discussing the concept of the 'medium friend' introduced in a New York Times article. It explains that medium friends are genuine friends with shared experiences, but with limitations on the time and energy invested compared to close friends. The hosts reflect on the invisible lines and gray areas that define these friendships, emphasizing the evolving nature of friendships over time and life stages.
Navigating Friendship Tiers and Ambiguity
The hosts contemplate the dynamics between best friends, medium friends, and acquaintances, acknowledging the shifting nature of these relationships over time. They explore the lack of explicit definitions in friendships, contrasting them with romantic relationships that often have clearer boundaries. The discussion touches on the discomfort and guilt often associated with navigating friendship tiers and the importance of understanding and accepting ambiguity.
Recognizing the Value of Medium Friendships
The hosts express appreciation for medium friendships, highlighting their relaxed and enjoyable nature. They discuss the benefits of medium friendships, such as casual interactions and shared hobbies, providing a sense of fun and fulfillment without the weight of constant upkeep. They emphasize the honor and significance of being someone's medium friend, acknowledging the potential for these friendships to evolve into deeper connections.
Support and Friendship Dynamics
The episode concludes with a reflection on support dynamics in friendship, particularly in the context of medium friends. The hosts discuss navigating the balance between offering support without overstepping boundaries, considering the impact of providing sympathetic gestures versus maintaining a supportive presence through shared activities or moments. They emphasize the complexity and depth of medium friendships, highlighting the importance of mutual understanding and respect.
Today we dive into the concept of ‘medium friends’, which is the gray area of friendship between bestie and acquaintance. We discuss our thoughts on how to best navigate this ambiguity and overcome feelings of insecurity or guilt in friendship. We chat about the demotion of promotion of friends and how it feels to conceptualize friendship in this way.