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809 reviews for:
Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends as an Adult
Marisa G. Franco
4.09 AVERAGE
809 reviews for:
Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make and Keep Friends as an Adult
Marisa G. Franco
4.09 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
medium-paced
funny
informative
slow-paced
I really like Dr. Franco. She’s a real intellectual with an engaging style and a commitment to solid scholarship. And I love her sense of humor.
All in all, this book makes two points:
- Platonic friendship is a good thing for many, many reasons
- we sometimes self-sabotage our own efforts at making friends
Despite the book’s title, there was very little advice on how to end the “loneliness epidemic”, one friendship at a time.
However, I couldn’t help feeling a little alienated by the “just do it” attitude. To me it smelled a bit like telling an obesity patient to “cut calories” or telling a suicidal patient that “it’s not all that bad.” Belaboring the point of how important friendship is does nothing to help me make friends. Perhaps the problem is in the title. I doubt it’s just me.
All in all, this book makes two points:
- Platonic friendship is a good thing for many, many reasons
- we sometimes self-sabotage our own efforts at making friends
Despite the book’s title, there was very little advice on how to end the “loneliness epidemic”, one friendship at a time.
However, I couldn’t help feeling a little alienated by the “just do it” attitude. To me it smelled a bit like telling an obesity patient to “cut calories” or telling a suicidal patient that “it’s not all that bad.” Belaboring the point of how important friendship is does nothing to help me make friends. Perhaps the problem is in the title. I doubt it’s just me.
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
a good book that both recognizes and validates the struggle of adult friendships and maintaining them. this was a quick read with many relatable examples and a lot of discussions on (what i personally thought was just me) quirks that adults learn as children that reflect in our friendship styles today.
If there’s one regret I have about this book, it’s not having bought a physical copy and making copious notes in the margin! I may yet go back and do this.
I also wish I’d read it sooner, as I could have been a better friend to many (no time like the present!).
I’ve come out of reading this book feeling immensely grateful for the friendships I already have, inspired to work harder on some of my more distant friendships, and motivated to seek out new friendships.
I also wish I’d read it sooner, as I could have been a better friend to many (no time like the present!).
I’ve come out of reading this book feeling immensely grateful for the friendships I already have, inspired to work harder on some of my more distant friendships, and motivated to seek out new friendships.
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
This book helped me better understand attachment theory, how and why people are the way they are in friendships (and life!), and understand my own triggers so they don’t drive automatic responses/thoughts.
I think a lot about the connection between social connection and longevity/health/happiness. Honestly, I struggle a lot with feeling like I don’t matter to my friends sometimes, and it contributes to feelings of disconnect — sometimes creating the very isolation i fear.
It is not easy work to reflect and take in information that challenges your behavior and thoughts, but I’m grateful this resource exists.
The world would be a much gentler place if people loved and cared about each other more overtly and freely, but it’s also a gentler place if we have the perspective that people do care and are truly doing their best, and to focus on nurturing the friendships that make us feel safe and loved and mutually appreciated.
I think a lot about the connection between social connection and longevity/health/happiness. Honestly, I struggle a lot with feeling like I don’t matter to my friends sometimes, and it contributes to feelings of disconnect — sometimes creating the very isolation i fear.
It is not easy work to reflect and take in information that challenges your behavior and thoughts, but I’m grateful this resource exists.
The world would be a much gentler place if people loved and cared about each other more overtly and freely, but it’s also a gentler place if we have the perspective that people do care and are truly doing their best, and to focus on nurturing the friendships that make us feel safe and loved and mutually appreciated.
informative
reflective
medium-paced
endlessly fascinating, it did feel very “self help” at times.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Loved this book, especially the beginning about attachment styles, how they show up in friendships.
“Meta-analyses have found, for example, that exercise decreases our risk of death by 23 to 30 percent, diet by up to 24 percent, and a large social network by 45 percent.”
“Meta-analyses have found, for example, that exercise decreases our risk of death by 23 to 30 percent, diet by up to 24 percent, and a large social network by 45 percent.”
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
This book is beautiful and healing. The words are full of joy and power to impact any type of relationship. I feel so grounded and held after reading.