N4L 129: "Friendship" by Lydia Denworth

Nonfiction4Life

Content provided by Janet Perry, Janet Perry: podcaster, and Nonfiction book lover. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by Janet Perry, Janet Perry: podcaster, and Nonfiction book lover or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

4+ y ago 46:46

MP3•Episode home

Archived series ("Inactive feed" status)

When? This feed was archived on October 02, 2021 03:09 (3y ago). Last successful fetch was on September 01, 2021 08:40 (3y ago)

Why? Inactive feed status. Our servers were unable to retrieve a valid podcast feed for a sustained period.

What now? You might be able to find a more up-to-date version using the search function. This series will no longer be checked for updates. If you believe this to be in error, please check if the publisher's feed link below is valid and contact support to request the feed be restored or if you have any other concerns about this.

SUMMARY

Celebrated science journalist Lydia Denworth coalesces decades of research to bring us her book, FRIENDSHIP: THE EVOLUTION, BIOLOGY, AND EXTRAORDINARY POWER OF LIFE’S FUNDAMENTAL BOND. Studies in history, biology, neuroscience, genetics, sociology, and epidemiology confirm we humans are deeply wired to connect with others. Furthermore, we now know making and keeping those connections is critical to our health.

KEY POINTS

Friendship is a biological imperative. We must invest in it accordingly.
Like diet and exercise, friendship is equally essential to staying healthy.
Three qualities marking a friendship: long-lasting, positive, and cooperation/reciprocity
Gift-giving – often a sign of true friendship
Friendship styles – discerning, independent, acquisitive (selectively and unconditionally)
Loneliness – the opposite of friendship (increases mortality and depression, blood pressure, aggressiveness, stress and decreases sleep quality)
Kids do better in school when they collaborate with friends.
Social buffering – the protective, positive effect of one individual on another; the power of one person to reduce another’s stress
After puberty, parents no longer buffer stress for children; friends can take their place.
The strength of relationships at 50 predicts health at 80.

QUOTES FROM DENWORTH

“The need to belong and the desire to connect really does unite us all.”
“Learning to be a good friend and make a good friend is one of the most important skills [for kids] as they get older.”
“At its best, friendship makes you feel valued and supported.”
“A friendship’s rewards should outweigh its costs.”
“Women…are more likely to expect their closest friends to offer emotional nourishment and support.”
“We must make friendship a priority and factor it in to the way we plan our time—and our children’s time. Yes, you can choose your friends, but you must also more generally choose friendship—embrace it, invest in it, work at it.”
“People vary in their appetite for friendship.”
“Put time and attention into building quality relationships. Be mindful of your social convoy. You cannot afford not to.”
“Good relationships don’t just protect our bodies, they protect our brains.”
“Shared interest and purpose are some of the best ways to connect with people.”

BUY Friendship: The Evolution, Biology, and Extraordinary Power of Life's Fundamental Bond

RECOMMENDATIONS

Watch the short YouTube video from “The Loneliness Project” in Britain. (#endloneliness)

Listen to author Mary Pipher discuss friendship, marriage, and aging and her book WOMEN ROWING NORTH (Episode 75 of Nonfiction4Life).

BUY Still Connected: Family and Friends in America Since 1970

Connect with us on social media!

Special thanks…

114 episodes