Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry cover image

Maiden Mother Matriarch with Louise Perry

What Women Really Mean - Tania Reynolds | Maiden Mother Matriarch 101

Aug 4, 2024
Tania Reynolds, an Assistant Professor of psychology at the University of New Mexico, dives into the fascinating world of female friendships. She explores what women truly seek in friendships and the intricate balance of support and competition among them. The discussion also touches on how societal pressures shape women's choices and dynamics. From the impact of pregnancy on relationships to the subtleties of women's communication, Reynolds unpacks the complexities of female connections in a way that's both enlightening and engaging.
47:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Women prioritize kindness and loyalty in friendships, deeply valuing emotional support during vulnerable times, especially in historical contexts.
  • Pregnant women engage in 'social nesting' behaviors, favoring agreeable companions to foster a secure environment that benefits both mother and child.

Deep dives

The Nature of Female Friendships

Women often seek kindness, loyalty, and interpersonal devotion in their friendships. Research indicates that women are particularly distressed when friends fail to demonstrate these qualities, such as remembering important events like birthdays or being supportive during tough times. This desire for loyal and kind friends may be rooted in historical contexts where women relied on each other for support after marriage, often in patrilocal societies. This framework emphasizes the need for friendships that offer emotional security and social stability, reflecting evolutionary strategies that prioritized reciprocal altruism among female peers.

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