Many organized religions use a shared text to bring people together. But could a similar sense of belonging and shared values come from a non religious text? Caspar thought of a colleague who'd started a reading group using only the novels of charlotte bronte. Also has another suggestion, sign up for a class. A kind of communal learning environment is a great way to meet people in a way that's not very intense.
Loneliness is a far more common and far more serious problem than we think. It affects one in five Americans, and takes a toll on our bodies and minds. To thrive we need to several types of social interactions - both casual and more intimate.
With the help of US Surgeon General Vivek Murthy; Harvard Divinity School fellow Casper ter Kuile; and friendship expert Marisa Franco; Dr Laurie Santos looks at how loneliness might be affecting you or someone you know, and what science-back steps you can take to increase your circle of friends.
For further reading:
Vivek Murthy - Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World.
Marisa Franco - Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends as an Adult.
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