So often we prioritize romantic relationships above all others - whether it’s searching for a ‘soul mate’, choosing who we spend our time with or who takes priority in our lives…But according to Rhaina Cohen, the idea that a romantic partner is the only kind of relationship that can fulfill our emotional needs and bring meaning to our life is an incorrect one.  Rhaina is an award winning producer and editor for NPR and she’s the Author of The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center. Want to become a podcast sponsor, got some feedback for me or just fancy a chat? Email me - [email protected] CONNECT WITH US Connect with ⁠That's Helpful on Instagram. Find Rhaina on Instagram⁠ & via ⁠her website. BOOKS The Other Significant Others: Reimagining Life with Friendship at the Center TIMESTAMPS 00:00:00 - Intro 00:01:00 - The relationship that made Rhaina re-think friendship 00:02:28 - The similarities between falling in love 00:03:46 - The hierarchy of relationships 00:07:00 - Why the phrase ‘just friends’ is BS 00:09:23 - What defines a relationship when sex doesn’t 00:10:10 - What we’re missing out on by not prioritising friendship 00:12:50 - The lessons romantic relationships & friendships can take from each other 00:14:54 - The scripts of relationships 00:17:17 - How to make deep friendships 00:20:10 - Other people’s reactions to close friendships 00:22:00 - Friendship break-ups 00:24:42 - How to nurture friendships to deepen them 00:27:00 - Reimaging friendship can help reinvent your life 00:29:57 - Dealing jealousy over close friendships 00:32:49 - Marriage is not a monopoly on closeness