[Book Summary] Platonic—Marisa G. Franco, PhD

Rating: ★★★☆☆

I wonder why this book is so high in demand that the waiting line for each copy is 12 people long. And there is more than one copy in Boston Public Library! Maybe in the digital era, people are more isolated than ever.

The author first explained how our past experience shapes our friendship bonding and how our friendship impacts our lives. Like other audiobooks that I listened to before, modern Western culture focuses heavily on a romantic relationship so that platonic relationship is often forgotten once a person finds their "soul mate." And oftentimes, they'll crawl back to their long-forgotten friends once their soul mate leaves them.

There are six approaches to making and keeping friends. They're listed below.

1. Taking Initiative
   Be active, not passive. Everyone is bonded by loads of duties and pursues. If no one starts reaching out, the connection will fall apart.
2. Expressing Vulnerability
   I don't recommend starting this phase too early. It can be dangerous.
3. Pursuing Authenticity
4. Harmonizing with Anger
5. Offering Generosity
   This one can be a bit sensitive. Not everyone's love language is about gifts. Check out [Book Summary] The 5 Love Languages SINGLES EDITION—Gary Chapman and [Book Summary] The 5 Love Languages MEN'S EDITION—Gary Chapman.
6. Giving Affection
   This one can be awkward to do but is relatively easy. When I catch up with my friends and mentors, I will end the conversation with how much I appreciate that they spare their time for me and how much I cherish the friendship that we share.

By the way, do you know July 30th is International Friendship Day? And the author mention Brené Brown at least twice. How about checking out [Book Summary] Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience—Brené Brown