Thanks For Asking cover image

Thanks For Asking

Interview: Making and keeping friends as a grown-up with Marisa Franco

Oct 15, 2024
Marisa Franco, a professor and author of "Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends," dives into the nuances of adult friendships. She discusses the rise of loneliness and how tech is shaping social connections, highlighting the importance of platonic love for mental health. Franco emphasizes how our childhood perceptions of love affect adult relationships and offers insights on navigating social interactions. This conversation offers invaluable tips on strengthening friendships amidst life's challenges.
28:36

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Loneliness is now recognized as a serious public health issue, affecting more people than diabetes and smoking-related conditions.
  • Understanding attachment theory is crucial for developing deeper friendships, as it influences how we interpret social interactions and connections.

Deep dives

The Urgency of Addressing Loneliness

Loneliness has been identified as an urgent public health issue, with studies indicating that it may impact more individuals than diabetes or smoking-related ailments. The U.S. Surgeon General’s advisory underscores the growing prevalence of loneliness, suggesting that modern work and living conditions contribute to a disconnection from social bonds. Industrialization, technological advancements, and increasing individualism have exacerbated this phenomenon, leading to fewer social interactions and weaker community ties. The shift from communal living to a more isolated lifestyle has resulted in many grappling with feelings of loneliness, signaling a need for societal change and a reemphasis on connections.

Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts

Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
App store bannerPlay store banner