Friendship
by Lydia Denworth
A science journalist traces the biology and evolution of friendship, from baboons to adolescents to aging adults, and shows how strongly friendship predicts health and longevity. It is reporting rather than advice, and it makes a persuasive case that friendship is a need, not a nicety.
Read it if…
you want the science that explains why friends matter before you work on having them.
Skip it if…
you want a how-to; pair this with Platonic.
Three things you will actually use
- Treat friendship as health behavior.
- Protect time for friends as you protect exercise.
- Stay in touch; frequency matters more than grand gestures.
Do this first
Count the people you have spent real time with this month, and call one you have not.
Our verdict
Engaging science; a good 'why' for a neglected part of life.
Compare with other Relationships books
The Book of Boundaries
Melissa Urban · Relationships
A practical script book; useful when words fail you.
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The Mastery of Love
Don Miguel Ruiz · Relationships
Simple and gentle; a parable on self-love.
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