Frientimacy is knowing whose name to put as an emergency contact, whom we can call if we’re in trouble, and who would drop life to show up if we sent out an SOS signal.

What is clear is that this gap is a cultural problem.

demonstrate the courage to follow up after anything that was uncomfortable;

IMPROMPTU: Commit to once or twice this month reaching out to someone with a last-minute invite.

quash that fear immediately by validating, empathizing, and appreciating—and praising her for her courage in sharing.

INVITE, DON’T FORCE.

saying one thing that we appreciate about our group friendship and one thing we want more of from the group.

INVITE HONESTY: Most of us are willing to share, but we like to be asked, so choose to be the friend who checks in with others.

We don’t just thrive on feeling emotionally connected to others; research shows that we’re wired to connect with others—that we actually function best when we feel we are woven tightly into relationships.