TED Talks Daily The case for spending more time with your friends | Rhaina Cohen
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Dec 20, 2025 
Rhaina Cohen, a journalist and author of "The Other Significant Others," explores the essential role of deep platonic friendships in combating loneliness. She shares her personal journey that inspired her research and emphasizes how strong friendships can enrich romantic relationships. Rhaina identifies barriers to connection in modern life and recommends practical steps to deepen friendships, including planning regular meetups and fostering in-person connections. She also discusses the impact of technology on relationships and the importance of viewing friendships as vital as family.
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Friendship Is Historically Bigger
- We limit friendship by assuming it can do less than it actually can.
- History shows friendships once included public commitment and deep affectionate roles now reserved for romance.
A Neighbor Friend Became A Partnership
- Rhaina found a neighbor friendship in her 20s that felt more like partners than 'best friends.'
- That relationship prompted her to research intense platonic partnerships and write her book.
Friendship Creates Life Resilience
- Expanding friendship builds resilience for life's surprises like breakups or caregiving needs.
- Close friends can act as backstops and broaden the ways you find meaning and support.