TED Radio Hour cover image

TED Radio Hour

Who counts as a significant other?

Feb 7, 2025
Raina Cohen, a journalist and author, explores the significance of platonic relationships; Stephanie Yates-Anyabwile, a marriage and family therapist, shares insights on modern relationship challenges; and Bella DePaulo, a social psychologist and expert on single life, challenges societal norms around companionship. They discuss redefining significant others beyond romantic ties, the value of deep friendships during crises, and embracing solitude as a pathway to personal growth. The role of pets as emotional support is also highlighted.
49:37

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Raina Cohen advocates for broadening the definition of significant relationships to include deep friendships, challenging traditional notions of romantic partnerships.
  • The podcast discusses the emotional and practical benefits of communal living arrangements that include friends, enhancing support networks beyond conventional family structures.

Deep dives

Exploring Platonic Love

The episode features Raina Cohen, who shares a unique platonic relationship with someone she refers to as M. Their bond rapidly deepened, leading to frequent interactions and shared experiences that were reminiscent of romantic relationships, but without the sexual undertones. This connection prompted Cohen to explore the broader implications of deep friendships and the societal misconceptions surrounding them. Her journey culminated in a bestselling book that encourages readers to celebrate intense platonic friendships as valid and significant forms of love.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode