The new rules of friendship

“Why did you do all this for me?’ he asked. “I don’t deserve it. I’ve never done anything for you.”

“You have been my friend,” replied Charlotte. “That in itself is a tremendous thing.” 

~E.B. White, Charlotte’s Web 

While researching the topic of friendship for an article several years ago, I discovered the work of Irene S. Levine, PhD, the popular psychologist and author known as the Friendship Doctor. Soon after, Irene became my go-to expert when I needed quotes and tips for relationship articles or columns. She also became a treasured and supportive friend. Today, nearly every time I thumb through a national magazine, I see Irene quoted in yet another article — and I’m always proud to know her.

As Irene reminds me, a growing body of research suggests that healthy friendships are essential to our physical and emotional well-being. And while there’s plenty of advice out there for romantic relationships, it’s not always easy to locate practical information on how to keep our friendships in good order.

With that in mind, Irene and integrative wellness coach Sheryl Kraft launched a new Substack newsletter, Friendship Rules, offering practical tips to help us address the ups and downs of friendships at various stages of life.

Got a friendship question? These two experts can answer your most challenging dilemmas. Additionally, their newsletter offers interviews, first-person essays, guest posts, and other advice and tips on friendship. Subscribers receive a copy of the Friendship Rules newsletter in their inbox every Sunday, along with full access to the searchable archive of past newsletters.

This week, I’m pleased to let you know that “The Gift of Gab,” my essay about reviving the art of balanced conversation, is featured on Friendship Rules. You can read it online here, and I hope you’ll be inspired to subscribe to the newsletter. ~CL