In this podcast episode, the host delves into the idea of "normal" friendships, blending data with personal insights. She examines Dunbar's number, which suggests we can maintain about 150 relationships, and explores Rawlins' research on the key functions of friendship—such as communication, reliance, and enjoyment. Through conversations with her mother and an evolutionary psychologist, along with a personal exercise mapping her own friendships, the host uncovers a crucial insight: it's not just about how many friends we have, but the quality and purpose of those connections. She emphasizes that the nature of our friendships evolves as we move through different stages of life.
