The hottest Friendship Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Health & Wellness Topics

An open letter to 56 people I know

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 4473 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Relationships Friendship Self-reflection Personal Growth Communication
  1. It's important to recognize and appreciate the goodness in yourself, even if it's hard to see. Everyone has value, and it's essential to remind ourselves of that.
  2. Friendship can deeply impact our lives, providing support during tough times and helping us grow. A genuine connection can make us feel normal and understood.
  3. We often admire others for their unique talents and perspectives, which might inspire us to reflect on our strengths and insecurities. It's great to have people in our lives who challenge and motivate us.

The Loneliest Decades of Our Lives

Culture Study • 4988 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Friendship Community Loneliness Social Trends Aging
  1. Many people experience a drop in friendships during their late 20s to 40s. This period can feel lonely as work and family take up most of our time.
  2. Older adults tend to have more close friends, possibly because they have more time to socialize and engage in community activities. They often bring a practiced understanding of building and maintaining friendships.
  3. Prioritizing friendships can be tough in today's busy world. It's important to recognize this struggle and find ways to make time for friends and community, even amidst life's other demands.

The importance of odd friendships

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 319 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Philosophy Literature Civility Education
  1. Odd friendships can be beautiful and meaningful. They show us that people with different backgrounds can connect and grow together.
  2. Like the writer Hannah More, we can have friends from all walks of life. It's important to embrace those differences and find common ground.
  3. Having friends who challenge our beliefs can help us hold strong convictions while still being open-minded. This balance enriches our lives and helps us understand others better.

some thoughts on friendship

bookbear express • 770 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Personal Growth Social Dynamics Communication
  1. True friendship can feel like a marriage, taking time to develop and evolve. It's important to appreciate the journey of getting to know each other deeply over the years.
  2. Making friends is a lot like dating, with excitement and a bit of uncertainty. It takes time to figure out the friendship dynamics and sometimes requires patience to see if it grows.
  3. Friendship can be asymmetrical; one person may want more closeness than the other. It's okay to feel hurt by this, but it's also essential to recognize that not all friendships will be balanced.

#206: Hosting parties, having babies, being “original”

Maybe Baby • 1192 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Friendship Parenting Socialization Originality Connection
  1. Making friends can happen at any age, and it's normal to want connection. Even if life changes, there are always people looking for friendship.
  2. Hosting parties can be a great way to connect with others, even for introverts. It's about taking a chance to invite people and create opportunities for fun together.
  3. Knowing when you're ready to have kids is personal, and it's okay to feel unsure. Communication with your partner is key, and thinking about your family dynamics can help you decide.
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My Friend Max

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2624 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Memoir Friendship Art Travel Death
  1. Max was a unique and thoughtful person who had a passion for living life to the fullest. He was obsessed with exploring new places and tried new adventures often.
  2. He valued the concept of 'value' in various forms, whether it was calculating the best meal deals or considering the impact of choices he made in life, like his charitable efforts.
  3. Despite his quirky habits and passions, Max had a deep love for the people in his life. His friendships were authentic, and he left a mark on everyone he met.

How to Be a Joiner

Culture Study • 4155 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Community Tradition Friendship Inclusivity
  1. Joining a community helps you feel a sense of belonging. When you meet new people who share your interests, it can be uplifting and comforting.
  2. Participating in regular traditions or rituals can make life more enjoyable. These simple routines, even if they seem silly, create positive energy in your week.
  3. It's normal to feel nervous about joining new groups. Just showing up a few times can help you feel more comfortable and connected, which is worth the initial awkwardness.

Small P Podcasting

offscript • 98 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎙 Podcasts Audio Content Communication Media Friendship Culture
  1. Podcasting can be a fun way for friends to stay connected, even when they can't talk frequently. Creating podcasts can help maintain close friendships and share experiences over time.
  2. Having a podcast doesn't mean you want to be famous or better than others. It's just a new way of expressing yourself and sharing thoughts with a small group.
  3. As technology changes, more people will see podcasting as normal and accessible, similar to how writing and blogging have become common. Everyone can have a voice now, not just professionals.

Baby's first PR crisis

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 4017 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Cancel Culture Social media Political Discourse Public Relations Friendship
  1. Cancel culture can quickly turn a person's life upside down. It often feels more like bullying than actual justice.
  2. People can change their opinions and turn against someone really fast to fit in or make themselves look better. This back-and-forth can hurt businesses and reputations.
  3. It's important to stick by friends during tough times. Real support means standing strong together, even when facing mob mentality.

Your Interesting Friend

Culture Study • 1872 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Socialization Community Personal Stories
  1. It's valuable to look closely at our friendships, especially those with unexpected people. You might find deeper connections than you thought.
  2. Some of the best friendships can come from surprising places, like people we don’t usually connect with. These relationships can teach us a lot.
  3. Exploring what makes friends interesting can help us understand ourselves and others better. It's a fun exercise to share these stories.

Friends & Family

Spilled Coffee • 108 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Family Friendship Memories Life lessons Nostalgia
  1. Spending time with friends and family is what really matters in life. It feels like no time has passed when you see them again, no matter how long it's been.
  2. Cherish the memories you have with loved ones, as they are what you will hold onto in the end. Physical things don't last, but the moments shared do.
  3. Don't wait for special occasions or sad events to reconnect with those you care about. Make the effort to reach out and enjoy the time together while you still can.

Hanging out with Lenny Kaye

Patti Smith • 14996 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Movies Poetry Friendship
  1. Patti Smith and Lenny Kaye enjoyed a day together in the city, reminiscing about past performances and exploring the neighborhood.
  2. They watched the movie Poor Things in an old-fashioned theater, appreciating the cinematography and performances.
  3. Their friendship spans over half a century, highlighting the value of long-lasting friendships.

some things I learned about love this year

bookbear express • 941 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Relationships Friendship Personal Growth Media
  1. It's okay to have imperfect friendships. Just keep in touch and stay in each other's lives, even if it's not perfect.
  2. Conflict in relationships isn't as scary as it seems. Listening to each other can strengthen your bonds.
  3. Love and life can be uncertain and scary, but that's normal. Embrace change and find people who want to explore with you.

Found in Translation

Seven Senses • 439 implied HN points • 25 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Communication Society Traditions Relationships
  1. Friendship can look very different depending on where you are from. For example, friendships in the US can be more open but less deep than in many European cultures.
  2. The pace of life affects friendships too. In some places, like France, people take their time to enjoy meals and socializing, while in the US, there's often a hurry to get things done.
  3. Cultural norms shape how we see friendships. In some cultures, having a few close friends is valued, while in others, people might have many acquaintances but fewer deep connections.

What kids wrote in my eighth grade yearbook

Tao Lin • 1278 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Personal Stories Nostalgia Education Friendship
  1. Yearbooks capture memories and feelings from classmates. They show how friends viewed each other during middle school.
  2. Interactions can shape friendships, even if they start with jokes or silly moments. They highlight the fun and awkwardness of growing up together.
  3. People often remember the little things about each other, even if they didn't talk much. These small details can create lasting impressions.

how to be happy in san francisco

bookbear express • 814 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Lifestyle Urban living Friendship Outdoor activities Food culture
  1. Explore outdoor activities like running or hiking regularly. It's a great way to enjoy the beautiful California weather and stay healthy.
  2. Find a few favorite coffee shops near you for those cozy moments. Having a go-to place for your coffee can really brighten your day.
  3. Connect with people around you and build a small friend group. Having a few close friends in the city makes life so much more enjoyable.

Just Friends?

Seven Senses • 279 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Gender Relationships Personal Growth Social norms
  1. Sexual attraction can complicate friendships between men and women. It's common for friends to wonder if there's potential for more than just friendship, especially when they're single.
  2. Crossing the friendship boundary to a romantic relationship can change things, but it doesn't mean the friendship is ruined. Many people find that their friendships can actually become even more meaningful after a romantic connection.
  3. Cultural and gender expectations often affect male friendships too. Guys might feel pressure to appear strong and independent, which can make it hard for them to express vulnerability and create deeper friendships.

The Greatest Love...

Seven Senses • 339 implied HN points • 19 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships Society Personal Growth Cultural Commentary
  1. Friendship is really important and can be more lasting than romantic relationships. Friends give us support and joy throughout our lives.
  2. As we grow older, friendships change but can still be very meaningful. We might not spend as much time with friends, but the connections can get deeper with age.
  3. Friendship breakups can be really painful, and it's natural for friendships to move closer or further apart over time. It's okay for relationships to evolve and still hold love.

Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center

Culture Study • 7245 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Relationships History Society Social norms
  1. Friendship used to be considered a vital part of life through history, becoming sidelined as marriage took priority in emotional connections.
  2. Modern ideals often emphasize a spouse also being a 'best friend', impacting how friendships are valued and maintained.
  3. Cultural norms and societal structures make it challenging to prioritize and nurture friendships over traditional family setups, but it's about understanding the possibilities and taking steps towards meaningful platonic connections.

one more turn...

visa's voltaic verses ⚡️ • 21 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Gaming Writing Leisure Friendship Personal Growth
  1. Playing games like chess and Sudoku can feel really rewarding, especially when there's a sense of progress and learning involved. It's nice to have fun and feel your skills improving over time.
  2. Game sessions can feel well-spent when they involve teamwork and shared goals. Achieving something challenging with friends can create great memories and a sense of achievement.
  3. Writing can be challenging, especially when figuring out how to express ideas in a satisfying way. Finding the right routine and format is key to feeling good about your work.

crying in the coworking space that is our lives

Both Are True • 195 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Personal narrative Social Commentary Emotional Wellness Work Culture Friendship
  1. It's normal to feel overwhelmed and sweaty during busy days, especially when juggling multiple responsibilities. Everyone has those moments of stress and anxiety.
  2. Talking to friends about your feelings can lead to emotional moments, and that's okay. Connecting over shared struggles can help lighten the load.
  3. It's important to embrace vulnerability and share personal stories, even if people sometimes criticize them. Those moments of honesty are what create real connections.

your stories of friendship breakups

bookbear express • 220 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Relationships Emotions Social Issues Personal Stories Friendship
  1. Friendship breakups can be really tough and often involve deep emotions. Many people struggle to understand why they happened and how to cope with them.
  2. Everyone has unique experiences with friendship breakups, including how long the friendship lasted and what caused it to end. Sharing these stories can be helpful for healing and connection.
  3. It's normal to want to reconnect with former friends, but sometimes it takes time for things to change and improve. Not forcing a friendship can lead to better outcomes later on.

Coach Industrial Complex

thestoa • 727 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Self-help Spirituality Friendship Existentialism
  1. Approach the 'coach industrial complex' with cynicism and criticism due to toxic positivity and overpromising.
  2. There is a market demand for 'space holders' like coaches, therapists, and philosophical counselors.
  3. The coach industrial complex has the potential to improve interpersonal skills and lead to widespread positive regard without the need for paid services.

Katherine Goldstein on how to make friends as an adult

Evil Witches Newsletter • 1041 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Friendship Alcohol Time management Parenting Relationships
  1. Making friends as an adult can be challenging, especially after significant life changes.
  2. Factors like changing relationship with alcohol, lack of time for social activities, and difficulty connecting at kid-focused events can impact adult friendships.
  3. Tips for building friendships include staying in touch, setting reasonable goals, and embracing vulnerability.

Aging Badly

SBJournal • 491 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Friendship Family Dynamics
  1. Debi faced unexpected challenges when she was cut from the dancing schedule after years of service.
  2. Debi's life took a drastic turn, including getting married and dealing with a tragic event involving her friends.
  3. The narrator, feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, finally reaches a breaking point and realizes the need for a major change.

Your weekly links and recs round-up #37

The Shift With Sam Baker • 379 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Fashion Relationships Aging Friendship Self-Improvement
  1. The post is a weekly roundup featuring interesting articles on various topics like moving on from chapters in life, divorce stories, resilience, friendships, and interviews with experts.
  2. The content includes thought-provoking pieces on caregiving expectations, being an old friend, and insightful discussions on marriage, divorce, and aging.
  3. The subscribers get access to a curated collection of readings on diverse subjects, as well as exclusive content reserved for paid subscribers.

Peggi Blu on Singing with (and Cooking for) Bob Dylan

Flagging Down the Double E's • 786 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
🎶 Music Interview Collaboration History Cooking Friendship
  1. Peggi Blu had a personal and musical connection with Bob Dylan, singing duets and background vocals for him.
  2. Despite their close friendship, Peggi Blu kept Bob Dylan's personal life private, including his marriage to Carolyn Dennis.
  3. Bob Dylan enjoyed singing with backing singers like Peggi Blu, creating harmonious and enjoyable performances.