Happier with Gretchen Rubin cover image

Happier with Gretchen Rubin

More Happier: Friendship Roundtable: How to Make, Keep & Deepen Friendships

Mar 22, 2025
Laurie Santos, a Yale professor and host of "The Happiness Lab," teams up with Reshma Saujani, founder of Girls Who Code and bestselling author, for an insightful discussion on friendship. They delve into the evolution of friendships through life stages, especially midlife. Key topics include tackling the challenges of forming new connections, balancing close friendships with a wider circle, and understanding how personality types influence relationships. The conversation is peppered with personal anecdotes and practical advice for nurturing meaningful bonds.
37:02

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Quick takeaways

  • Recognizing the varying types of friendships—intimate, relational, and communal—helps individuals appreciate their unique roles in personal happiness.
  • Intentional efforts to reach out and prioritize friendships can significantly enhance connections and counter feelings of isolation in adulthood.

Deep dives

The Importance of Friendships

Friendship is recognized as a crucial element for a happier life, supported by both ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists. People often confuse close friends with mere acquaintances, especially during life changes like the 'empty nest' phase. Through discussions, it becomes evident that the value of friendship is frequently underestimated. Acknowledging its significance leads many to reevaluate and prioritize their connections, enriching their lives with deeper relationships.

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