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

Platonic

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

Marisa G. Franco

★ 4.4 / 5(238 ratings)
Start ListeningDownloadQR code that opens AudiobookHub on the App StoreTry free on iPhoneScan to start in 5 seconds
Categories:
PsychologyMindfulness & Happiness

If You're Curious About These Questions...

You should listen to this audiobook

Listen to Platonic — Free Audiobook

Loading player...

Key Takeaways from Platonic

Learning Tools

Reinforce what you learned from Platonic

Mind Map

Platonic
Importance of Friendship+
Taking Initiative+
Practicing Vulnerability+
Cultivating Authenticity+
Resolving Conflict+
Showing Generosity+
Expressing Affection+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
According to the text, how does Western culture typically view platonic friendships compared to romantic relationships?
  • A. It values platonic friendships equally to romantic relationships.
  • B. It significantly undervalues platonic ties in favor of romantic relationships.
  • C. It considers platonic friendships to be the primary source of personal fulfillment.
  • D. It views platonic friendships merely as a stepping stone to finding a romantic partner.
Question 2 of 7
What is a common misconception people have when trying to make new friends, according to Dr. Erica J. Boothby's research?
  • A. They overestimate how much time is required to build a solid friendship.
  • B. They believe that shared hobbies are the only way to connect with strangers.
  • C. They underestimate just how much new acquaintances actually like them.
  • D. They assume that physical proximity is less important than digital communication.
Question 3 of 7
How do people generally react when a friend displays vulnerability, contrary to popular belief?
  • A. They perceive the person as weak and emotionally unstable.
  • B. They feel burdened and tend to distance themselves from the relationship.
  • C. They view the person as authentic and honest, leading to a deeper connection.
  • D. They use the shared information to pass negative judgment on the person.
Question 4 of 7
How does Dr. Marisa G. Franco distinguish 'authenticity' from 'rawness' in friendships?
  • A. Authenticity is a state of internal honesty, while rawness is simply expressing unfiltered thoughts or criticisms.
  • B. Authenticity requires sharing every single emotion, while rawness involves keeping negative feelings hidden.
  • C. Authenticity is used to protect the relationship from conflict, while rawness invites unnecessary arguments.
  • D. Authenticity means prioritizing a friend's feelings over your own, while rawness is prioritizing yourself.
Question 5 of 7
Why is conflict resolution often more difficult to initiate in friendships compared to romantic relationships?
  • A. Friends are usually less forgiving than romantic partners when mistakes are made.
  • B. People tend to avoid disagreements with friends more and convince themselves they have no right to be upset.
  • C. Friendships lack the foundational trust required to navigate intense emotional arguments.
  • D. There is typically too much external interference from other members of a friend group.
Question 6 of 7
What is a key reason the author gives for why it is important to ask your friends for things in return?
  • A. It tests their loyalty and ensures they are not taking advantage of your kindness.
  • B. It demonstrates equilibrium in the relationship and prevents you from burning out.
  • C. It forces friends to prove their financial stability before the relationship deepens.
  • D. It establishes a clear hierarchy of who holds the most power in the friendship.
Question 7 of 7
What effect does expressing affection have on a budding, new friendship?
  • A. It makes the other person feel safe and more willing to invest in the relationship.
  • B. It often creates awkwardness by blurring the lines between platonic and romantic feelings.
  • C. It signals that you are desperate, which usually pushes the prospective friend away.
  • D. It establishes dominance, ensuring that the new friend respects your boundaries.

Platonic — Full Chapter Overview

Platonic Summary & Overview

Platonic (2022) is an actionable guide to making and keeping friends as an adult. It combines true stories of friendship with psychological research to give you clear, actionable, and practical advice on building better friendships. 

Who Should Listen to Platonic?

  • People who want to become better friends
  • Anyone who’s struggled to make new friends as an adult
  • Friends who’d like to strengthen their relationships

About the Author: Marisa G. Franco

Dr. Marisa G. Franco is a professor at the University of Maryland, where she also earned her PhD in Counseling Psychology. She has done extensive research on friendship, which she presents to various organizations across the United States. 

🎧
Listen in the AppOffline playback & background play
Get App