How to Make Friends and Keep Them: The Verywell Mind Podcast

Tune in to hear Eric Barker explain the science behind relationships and how to 'be awesome at life.'

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Healthy Mind How to Make Friends and Keep Them With Bestselling Author Eric Barker Amy Morin, LCSW Verywell Mind Editor-in-Chief On today's episode I talk with Eric Barker, bestselling author and creator of a blog called "Barking Up the Wrong Tree," which presents scientific answers about how to 'be awesome at life.' Why Eric Is Mentally Strong Eric doesn't just reshare information that is readily available. Instead, he goes deep into the research studies to separate fact from fiction. He then shares why so many of the lessons we've grown up believing aren't actually true. He also opens up about his own experiences and the lessons he's learning about success and relationships along the way.   If people don't know about your struggles, they can't help." — Eric Barker   What You'll Hear on the Show How many friends it takes to improve your well-being Why friends may matter more than family when it comes to life satisfaction The link between friendship and happiness How friends can improve your health and help you heal from illness faster How spending time with friends might be worth $93,000 How to develop deeper friendships How too much small talk actually hurts relationships and what to do about it How work friends can make you 96% happier with your life Why it can be extra beneficial to have a community of friends who know each other How the modern world is creating more parasocial relationships and why this is a problem The dangers of loneliness Why you can feel lonely in a crowded room The cure for loneliness How to make friends as an adult How to feel like you're lifelong friends with someone in 45 minutes The most important thing you can do to maintain the friendships you already have The two things that show us that we're being a real friend Why we should focus more on connecting with people rather than impressing them What You'll Learn About Mental Health and Mental Strength Many people pursue happiness as an individual goal. But, there's a strong link between social relationships and happiness. Yet, friendship is a topic that is often neglected. We discuss the importance of strong family relationships, yet not everyone has a healthy family that bolsters good mental health. Friends are the relationships you choose. And choosing to develop relationships with people who support you can go a long way toward helping you become the strongest and best version of yourself.   The research consistently shows friends make us happier than any other relationship." — Eric Barker   LISTEN NOW Follow: Apple Podcasts / Spotify / Google Podcasts / RSS EDITOR'S PICK OF THE WEEK Best Online Therapy Services of 2022 READ NOW  › READ THESE NEXT Why Can't I Make Friends? READ NOW  › Social Media Use May Contribute to Depression READ NOW  › How to Make Friends as an Adult (In Real Life!) READ NOW  › You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Healthy Mind newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here. A DOTDASH MEREDITH BRAND 28 Liberty Street, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10005 © 2022 Verywellmind.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy