The case for spending more time with your friends | Rhaina Cohen

This TED Talks Daily podcast features an interview with Rhaina Cohen, author of "The Other Significant Others," by Whitney Pennington Rodgers, discussing the importance of platonic friendships and chosen families. Cohen argues for a more expansive view of friendship, suggesting that it can be central to our lives if we remove the limitations imposed by societal norms. She shares personal experiences and research, highlighting how deep friendships can provide support, enhance well-being, and challenge traditional views on relationships and family. The conversation explores practical steps for developing intentional platonic relationships, addressing barriers to closeness, and the need for broader recognition and support of these bonds in workplaces and communities. Cohen also touches on the impact of technology and demographic trends on the future of friendships, emphasizing the value of vulnerability and challenging the prioritization of romantic relationships over platonic ones.