Marisa Franco: How to Make (and Keep) Friends According To Science

How important is it to have friends?  Loneliness has reached epidemic levels in many countries, with research suggesting that it’s harder than ever for us to make and keep friends. And according to Marisa Franco, the issue isn’t trivial. “ Loneliness is as toxic for our bodies as smoking 15 cigarettes a day,” she says. “We are fundamentally social creatures… it's okay that you really want friends.”  In this episode, she explains why friendship is a crucial aspect of a flourishing life, and gives helpful advice for those looking to make and keep friends.  Show Notes  Resources:  “Platonic” by Marisa Franco  The US Surgeon General’s Advisory on the Healing Effects of Social Connection and Community  Similar NSE episodes:  Alexandra Solomon: How to Have Flourishing Relationships  Kristin Neff: The Power of Self-Compassion  Robert Waldinger and Marc Schulz: The Good Life - Lessons from the World’s Longest Study on Happiness  Kelly Corrigan: How Vulnerability Leads to Connection  PDF of Lee's Interview Notes  Transcription Link  Want more NSE? JOIN NSE+ Today! Our subscriber only community with bonus episodes designed specifically to help you live a good life, ad-free listening, and discounts on live shows  Great Feeling Studios, the team behind No Small Endeavor and other award-winning podcasts, helps nonprofits and brands tell stories that inspire action. If your organization has a message that deserves to be heard, start your podcast at helpmemakeapodcast.com.  Subscribe to episodes: Apple | Spotify | Amazon | Google | YouTube Follow Us: Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Follow Lee: Instagram | Twitter Join our Email List: nosmallendeavor.com  See Privacy Policy: Privacy Policy  Amazon Affiliate Disclosure: Tokens Media, LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising a… Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices