Mary Gaulke: Content strategist, feminist, theater enthusiast, nerd
In 2016, a research article analyzed how, for couples in romantic relationships, watching the same TV shows or reading the same books performs a similar function as having mutual friends.
This past weekend I attended XOXO, a conference for people who are creative on the internet with a special focus on inclusivity and mental health.
Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what makes a good friend. What, specifically, can you do to nurture a friendship and keep it strong?
Mourning a friendship is a peculiar process. It requires you to harden yourself against future heartbreak, and yet stay tender and learn. It’s often oddly secretive; you’ve lost one of your biggest confidantes, and the people left in your life probably don’t understand the magnitude of your loss. You’re embarrassed, and you’re either blaming yourself or — even worse — you’re diving into an impulse to blame everyone else.
