Platonic

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

By: Marisa G. Franco PhD

Narrated by: Marisa G. Franco PhD

Length: 10 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2022 Marisa G. Franco (P)2022 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Dr. Marisa G. Franco and Platonic have been invaluable guides on my journey to nurture and deepen my friendships. Her advice is wise, concrete, and effective—and my friendships are better for it.”—Glennon Doyle, author of Untamed, Founder of Together Rising

“Dr. Franco’s book ‘Platonic’ is an ode to modern friendship, complete with a practical guide to making and keeping friends. It reminds us of the importance of platonic love in today’s society—bucking the notion that romantic love trumps everything else in our lives…the depth of research Ms. Franco weaves into the book sheds light onto an aspect of our world that—like an old and trusted pal—it may be too easy to take for granted.”—Wall Street Journal

"A remarkable examination of the epidemic of loneliness and sound advice for alleviating it...A pleasing mix of research, advice, and humor, this book is a useful tonic to a key social ailment."—Kirkus Reviews (starred)

A better person 💕✨

Thank you for your views on friendship! This has helped me not only with my relationship and friendships but my connection with myself. I will practice being a good friend to myself and others daily because of this book. I’ll be going to get an actual copy of this book for my personal library!

Great Read!

Great in so many ways! Definitely multi-genre. This book shines a light on so many unspoken and ignored topics. A good spark for meaningful conversations

Really helpful

This was such a great book tackling a really difficult topic for most adults. I found so many helpful tips and realized some unconscious mistakes I was making while trying to grow my friend group as an adult. Very grateful for the insight.

Really great book!

This book includes research and addresses current cultural issues as well as historical information. Must read!

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.

Loved loved loved

Wow! What a wonderful book, one I will read over and over as I have struggled and relate with the examples of others written about in this book, it is eye opening and extremely motivational. Written so well you won’t be able to put it down, Thank you , your research is going to change so many lives!

Loved this book!

So good! Culture changing! If we can shift to nuturing all of our connections, loneliness will improve in this country

Intriguing Book About the Science of Friendship

There is so much I love about this book! It really dives into the science behind platonic friendships, and the benefits that are social connections can have to our lives. It also talks about different attachment styles, and ways that I had never learned about before. Overall, I’m walking away after reading this book knowing a lot more about the power of connection and why it’s important for me to invest in my friendships.