Platonic

How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make--and Keep--Friends

By: Marisa G. Franco PhD

Narrated by: Marisa G. Franco PhD

Instant New York Times bestseller

Is understanding the science of attachment the key to building lasting friendships and finding “your people” in an ever-more-fragmented world?

How do we make and keep friends in an era of distraction, burnout, and chaos, especially in a society that often prizes romantic love at the expense of other relationships? In Platonic, Dr. Marisa G. Franco unpacks the latest, often counterintuitive findings about the bonds between us—for example, why your friends aren’t texting you back (it’s not because they hate you!), and the myth of “friendships happening organically” (making friends, like cultivating any relationship, requires effort!). As Dr. Franco explains, to make and keep friends you must understand your attachment style—secure, anxious, or avoidant: it is the key to unlocking what’s working (and what’s failing) in your friendships.

Making new friends, and deepening longstanding relationships, is possible at any age—in fact, it’s essential. The good news: there are specific, research-based ways to improve the number and quality of your connections using the insights of attachment theory and the latest scientific research on friendship. Platonic provides a clear and actionable blueprint for forging strong, lasting connections with others—and for becoming our happiest, most fulfilled selves in the process.

A must read for everyone

What a life changing book this was for me. I am happy the author read it instead of someone who didn’t care about the topic and was monotone, Marisa does a great job. This book teaches you how to be a better friend and partner and how to show compassion and love to strangers and make new friends. I will probably end up reading this again after I begin to work on all of the areas I didn’t know I needed to work on until now. Must read for anyone looking to learn more about yourself, others, and how to become closer to those around you.

Great book

a slap in the face on friendship and a great resource on how to for friends. Highly recommend

Really enjoyed it

I thought the historical references are particularly interesting. It’s sad that close friendship between men today have been conflated with homo-hysteria. I count myself lucky to have many close friendships with men. The author does a really great job, narrating the book which is rare. Definitely recommended!

So nice I listened twice

And I may listen a third time. After a recent friend breakup that left me feeling disheartened, I found this book and it has given me inspiration to be a better friend, make and keep boundaries and get out and meet new friends with loving intention. The history of friendship peppered with anecdotal stories made it all the more interesting. Her narration makes the book as well since you can hear her passion and feel for the topic. 10 outta 10!

Intellectual and human

This book skillfully combines hard data with real life and makes the psychology of relationship accessible to all through plain, beautiful language.