The Power of Friendship

The Power of Friendship is a practical and accessible handbook that draws on more than thirty years of social science research and insights from modern psychology on how to create, maintain, and deepen relationships. Decades of research show that strong relationships are at the very top of the list of what makes us happy and what helps us live long and healthy lives. Yet, we receive relatively little guidance when it comes to developing and nurturing our friendships as adults. This book unlocks the secrets to thriving social relationships and reveals the formula to create deep bonds and extraordinary connections. It contains more than forty exercises and techniques originating from authentic relating, non-violent communication, functional analytic psychotherapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and much more. What makes some friendships last while others fade away? How can we deepen our connection with an acquaintance or someone we have known for years? How can we manage conflicts so that our friendships are not weakened but rather strengthened by them? When can and should we break up with a friend? All of these and more questions are answered and illuminated. Learn how to:

• Make new friends
• Move from mutual acquaintance to real friendship
• Connect even deeper with the friends you have
• Turn your vulnerability into an advantage
• Break free from old habitual patterns
• Skillfully manage and prevent conflict

The Power of Friendship is written by three friends with a burning passion for relationships: two clinical psychologists and one researcher with a PhD in neuroscience.