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đź’š How to Forge More Meaningful Friendships
Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends by Marisa G. Franco, PhD
Do you want to build deeper, more meaningful friendships?
In Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends, psychologist Marisa G. Franco, PhD reveals how understanding the science of connection can revolutionize our approach to friendships. Franco combines cutting-edge research with practical advice to show why friendships are crucial for our health and happiness, and how we can cultivate deeper, more lasting connections.
SMARTEST TAKEAWAY
The Principles of Building Lasting Friendships
➡️ Assume Connection: Approach potential friendships with the belief that people will like you. This mindset increases your chances of making connections.
➡️ Be Proactive: Don't wait for friendships to happen. Actively seek out opportunities to meet new people and deepen existing relationships.
➡️ Embrace Vulnerability: Opening up and sharing personal experiences helps create stronger bonds and encourages reciprocal vulnerability.
INSIGHTFUL EXAMPLE
The Friendship-Initiating Challenge
Franco shares the story of a client who struggled with loneliness after moving to a new city. Following Franco's advice, the client embarked on a "friendship-initiating challenge," committing to reach out to one new potential friend each week.
Despite initial discomfort, this proactive approach led to several meaningful connections, including a hiking buddy and a book club companion, significantly improving the person’s social life and overall happiness.
This example illustrates how taking intentional steps to initiate and nurture friendships can lead to a richer, more fulfilling social life.
A QUOTE TO REMEMBER
Friendship is Vital
"Friendship isn't just a 'nice to have'—it's a fundamental need, as vital to our well-being as food and water."
A WORD FROM OUR SPONSOR
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DID YOU KNOW?
Health Benefits of Friendship
Franco's research in Platonic reveals surprising insights about the impact of friendships on our health and well-being:
Longevity: Strong social connections can increase our lifespan by up to 50%, comparable to the effect of quitting smoking.
Mental Health: People with strong friendships are less likely to develop depression.
Physical Health: Those with robust social networks have a 50% higher chance of surviving life-threatening illnesses.
LEVEL UP CHALLENGE
Reconnect with a Friend
Think of a friend that you haven’t talked to in a while, but whom you’ve been meaning to reach out to. Can you send them a quick note now?
Even a message as simple as “I was just thinking about you” can go a long way.
Friendships thrive on consistent, small gestures, so don’t wait for a special occasion—take a moment to show you care now!
Publication date: September 6, 2022
Print length: 336 pages
4.5 on Amazon (512 ratings)
4.1 on Goodreads (6,120 ratings)
Listening length: 10 hours and 57 minutes
Narrator: Marisa G. Franco, PhD
*This book is currently included in Spotify Premium
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