Where We Can Get Stuck In Modern Friendships—And What To Do About It

Season of Stuck

In this episode of Season of Stuck, Deanna chats with Anna Goldfarb, a journalist called “the New York Times friendship correspondent” and the author of “Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections.” During their conversation, Deanna and Anna explore the complexities of adult friendships—including areas where people can get stuck. . Anna shares her insights on how to effectively navigate modern friendships, including some of the challenges of friendships in the modern age, how to show up in friendships in a way that fosters connection, and why negotiating your friendships can be key in getting unstuck. She also shares why a strong “about” is a non-negotiable in any active friendship—and how to find that ‘about’ in the relationships you value most.

Tune in to learn about:

• The significance of friendships in adulthood and their role in overcoming feelings of being stuck
• The complexities of maintaining adult friendships
• How friendship has changed—and the challenges facing friends in the modern age
• How to create a strong “about” that keeps you connected to your friends
• Strategies for negotiating and rekindling friendships
• How to better navigate conflict in friendships
• How to be a better friend—and inspire your friends to do the same

Thoughts from the episode:

“Research says three to five friends are totally optimal. You don't need a ton of people! You really just need to be a sensational friend to a handful of people.”
"Every friendship needs an ‘about’—and the ‘about’ needs to be clear and compelling to both people…and it needs to be something apart from the two people in the friendship."

About Anna Goldfarb:

Called “the New York Times’ friendship correspondent,” Anna Goldfarb's reporting has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, Vox, and more. Her new book, “Modern Friendship: How to Nurture Our Most Valued Connections,” explores the nuances of navigating adult friendships in a hyperfluid society.

Connect with Anna Goldfarb:

On the web:

Anna’s website

Subscribe to her newsletter

On social media:

Instagram: @annagoldfarb

Stay connected with Season of Stuck:

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****DISCLAIMER****

Season of Stuck is for general information only and should not be considered health, financial, or any other type of professional advice. The views expressed by guests are their own and their appearance on Season of Stuck is not an endorsement. We do not verify the accuracy of the information that guests present. Adult language may be present. Our producer and host disclaim any liability arising out of your reliance on Season of Stuck.

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Bölümler

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Importance of Friendships (00:01:56)

3. Friendship's Role in Overcoming Stuckness (00:02:30)

4. Navigating Changing Friendships (00:04:43)

5. Introduction of Guest Anna Goldfarb (00:05:51)

6. Anna's Background and Inspiration (00:08:58)

7. Exploration of Modern Friendship (00:10:43)

8. The Change in Diversity of Friendships (00:12:40)

9. Challenges of Maintaining Friendships (00:15:00)

10. Friendship Cohesion and Community (00:17:06)

11. The Importance of a Compelling "About" (00:23:27)

12. Negotiating Friendships (00:26:03)

13. The Evolving Nature of Friendships (00:27:27)

14. Empowering Mindset in Friendships (00:30:06)

15. Conflict Resolution in Friendships (00:35:49)

16. Importance of Face-to-Face Interaction (00:40:21)

17. Top Tips for Overcoming Friendship Stuckness (00:42:31)

18. Advice from Future Self (00:49:06)

19. Rapid Fire Questions (00:53:18)