In 2009, I read the newly released nonfiction book, The Happiness Project, by a new-to-me author, Gretchen Rubin. I loved the voice and concept so much that I’ve read every book Gretchen has published since then. That’s 14 years of fandom right there.
With that in mind, you can imagine how UNBELIEVABLY EXCITED I was for Gretchen to record an episode of Dear Nina and listen to me prattle on about my take on her newest book, Life in Five Senses. Don’t worry, I let her speak too.
Gretchen and I discussed how being aware of our five senses can improve our friendships.
We covered examples such as:
listening better for what’s being said and not being said
making plans to see new sights with friends
paying attention to where our eyes are focused (not on our phones or Apple watches)
hugging friends (a challenge for me, but it’s not for the reason you’d think like issues with personal space or anything like that)
taste experiments as a fun event with friends
leaning into nostalgia through discussing memories of smells and tastes
the perfect sense experience of the bygone mixtape
Why my birthday tradition with my husband, Bryan, makes him a classic "upholder," a reference from Gretchen’s book, The Four Tendencies. I’m an “obliger.”
You can take Gretchen’s personality tendency quiz here. And her most neglected sense quiz here.
FIND EPISODE #57 with Gretchen ON APPLE PODCASTS, SPOTIFY, OR ANYWHERE YOU LISTEN TO PODCASTS!
Latest TV Shows I’m Watching and Books I’m Reading
I started watching Jewish Matchmaking. I rarely watch reality TV, but I couldn’t miss this one! Right!? I’m happy to say, it’s pretty good.
I’m right there in the thick of the final season of Succession. I thought I wouldn’t care what happens to Roy family or to their company at this point, but I was wrong. I had a fun Instagram post last week about Tom and Greg that people enjoyed commenting on.
I know we all like to rag on the new season of Ted Lasso, and that was mostly fair, but these last few weeks have improved. I loved Ted’s mom’s visit this past week.
I’ve started several books, but I’m not sure if I will finish them so I’m not naming them yet!
My on-going 2023 reading list with pithy reviews is here.
Articles and Episodes About Friendship I’ve Liked Lately
I see so many friendship-related things, either because I find them myself or listeners send them to me. I love hearing from listeners and readers!
- ’s piece in Substack, “I Don’t Want to Text Anymore”
I enjoy checking in on the Captain Awkward advice column from time to time. Here’s a good one from a person whose friend will never let them hang up even when the conversation is clearly over.
I was a guest on The Creative Superheroes Podcast last week, and I LOVED my conversation with host, Andrea Scher. We covered so many aspects of adult friendships, and I got a bit more personal than I sometimes do on my own show when I’m highlighting the guest.
You’ve Outgrown This Friendship (For Now)
The most recent question is about letting a 20-year friendship fade away when it’s clear the other person isn’t interested in keeping in touch, visiting, or traveling together. But I also advise: DO NOT SET A FADING FRIENDSHIP ON FIRE!
A new question and answer is coming in early June. Don’t miss it!
Have an anonymous question or an episode idea you want to share with me?
You can do that here, and I will never know it was from you.
If you’ve been enjoying the podcast . . . ?
I’m asking for one—okay fine—two favors because podcast growth comes from two things:
#1. Word of mouth. All you have to do is tell some friends!
#2. Ratings and reviews. Annoying, I know. The direct link to my podcast’s Apple page is here. Scroll down from there to leave five stars and write a short review. Spotify accepts stars and reviews, too. Thank you!
Have a great week everyone!
Links to Bookshop and Amazon are affiliate links.
So excited to listen to this episode of Dear Nina! I’m a big Gretchen Rubin fan also.
The last ep of Lasso was so good I watched it twice, just for Roy Kent's reactions. Not sure I'm ready for the end of Succession, but I surely was not ready for the end of this season of Yellowjackets. Who ends a season on ep 9?!? xo