The Importance of Outside Friendships for a Healthy Marriage

2min Snip

00:00

Play full episode

Key takeaways

Transcript

Episode notes

Having outside friendships is necessary for a healthy marriage
Research shows that making friends can reduce depression for both spouses
Quality connections outside the marriage can prevent negative impact on cortisol release during conflicts
Close intimate relationships outside the partnership can make women more resilient to difficulties within the marriage
Accessing outside support during times of stress in the marriage can help return to the partnership in a centered and grounded way
Relying solely on the spouse for support can lead to greater impact and devastation during the natural ebbs and flows of a marriage
Understanding the importance of friendship can improve every other relationship in life
Having friends outside of the marriage can make a spouse a better partner

Making friends as an adult can feel like a baffling obstacle course. Why was it so much easier to connect as kids? To help you find well-rounded and fulfilling friendships, psychologist Marisa Franco discusses science-backed tips on how to make (and keep) friends, like the optimism-inducing "acceptance prophecy" and the shame-reducing "theory of chums." Learn more about the power of platonic love and how it can help you experience the full richness and complexity of who you are. (This conversation, hosted by TED current affairs curator Whitney Pennington Rodgers, was part of an exclusive TED Membership event. Visit ted.com/membership to become a TED Member.)