Prioritize the Right Friends This Year
And friendships formed "in the trenches"
Which friends should you prioritize in 2024? The answer depends on the friendship situation you’re in right now.
Are you looking to make new friends?
Have you spread yourself too thin and need a renewed focus?
One of my answers to both scenarios is an old favorite saying of mine— You should hang out with people you like. Yes, that seems obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people need the reminder. Friendship is a choice. Lean towards the people you genuinely enjoy.
There is a more complicated answer, which I didn’t answer alone. On Danielle Bayard Jackson’s podcast, Friend Forward, Danielle invited me to think through this issue.
In a mere 19 minutes, we covered why certain friends should get more of our attention this year. We also encouraged letting go of friendship hangups that may be keeping us from feeling relaxed about some of the relationships in our lives. Your friendships might be healthier than you think they are!
Danielle is a major voice in the friendship space with a book coming out in 2024. And I cannot wait for you to hear Danielle on Dear Nina in February with an extra juicy topic that gives me a stomachache just thinking about. Stay tuned for that. It’s a good reason to come back!
Friendships Formed “In the Trenches”
The friendships formed during difficult, even dark, periods of our lives create a lasting impact unlike any other bond. These friendships can come in many forms—a health crisis, a traumatic experience, or an especially intense work environment with a harsh boss and terrible hours.
This week’s guest, Jenny Leon, talks about a special and irreplaceable friendship she made with a fellow young mom who was on the same chemotherapy schedule when Jenny was diagnosed with breast cancer in her 33rd week of pregnancy. Jenny’s new friend, Alli, was one of the few people who could understand Jenny’s experience. Their bond was crucial and irreplaceable.
In addition, Renee Shuls-Jacobson talked about finding camaraderie during clonazepam withdrawal, reaffirming the profound support we discover in our darkest times. You can learn more about Renee’s story in her memoir, Psychiatrized.
🎧 Listen to episode 82 of Dear Nina anywhere you get your podcasts!
Articles and Other Finds About Friendship
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!
Two strangers met when their flight was delayed on Christmas Eve in 1975. Here’s how they became friends for life. (CNN)
WBUR’s On Point podcast had an episode I liked titled, “Why Americans Are Spending Less Time With Friends and What Do About it.” It features former Dear Nina guest, Dr. Marisa Franco, and upcoming guest, Danielle Bayard Jackson. There was also an important part, halfway, about friendships with people who hold diverse views being a cornerstone of democracy.
Oprah and Gayle discuss their friendship in this short NYT Culture Desk podcast.
Books, Shows, Recipes
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang is the the next pick for The Dear Nina Book Club. This is a pop-up type of book club. Come to all, come to just one. We’re meeting on Zoom on January, 28th at 7:00 (central time.) Tickets are here.
See my full 2023 reading list and the beginning of my 2024 list, which I update on my website throughout the year. A habit I’ve kept at ninabadzin.com since 2011!
I’m watching Julia on Max. I’m only in the first season, but I love every single thing about it— the story, the relationships, the cast, their acting, the costumes, the set, the food, etc.
I made a version of this dressing with my leftover parsley and mint.
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Have a great week everyone! Links to bookshop.org and Amazon are affiliate links