The Science of Friendship: How to Build, Keep, and Let Go of Friends as an Adult (Podcast Episode 329)

Friendship is one of the most essential yet often overlooked aspects of our well-being. Not only does the research show that friendships keep us mentally healthy, but studies also show they keep us physically healthy. As adults, making and maintaining friendships can feel more complicated than it once did, leaving you feeling disconnected or unsure of how to build meaningful connections. Today, we’ll explore what it truly means to be a good friend, how to create new friendships as an adult, and what makes a friendship healthy and fulfilling. You’ll also learn how to recognize when a friendship is no longer serving you and how to let go with grace and we’ll answer that age-old question, “Can men and women be friends?” Whether you’re looking to strengthen your current friendships, meet new people, or navigate your social anxiety in these situations, you’ll walk away with actionable tools and insights to build the kind of friendships that bring joy, ease, and connection into your life.

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Resources for The Science of Friendship: How to Build, Keep, and Let Go of Friends as an Adult

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How to Stop Overthinking and Let Things Go That Bother You

References:

• Hall, J.A. (2023). The Science of Friendship: What Makes Friendships Last? American Psychological Association.
• Holt-Lunstad, J., Smith, T.B., & Layton, J.B. (2022). Social relationships and mortality risk: A meta-analytic review. PLOS Medicine.
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An Investigation into the Effects of Cross-Sex Friendships on Heterosexual Romantic Relationship Dynamics by Conrad Alexander Corretti

How hard is it to make friends past 30 in Australia? Reddit Australia

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Grant, Kevin Williams. The Loneliness Epidemic: Understanding and Combating the ‘Friendship Recession’ July 20, 2023

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