Why Friendship Can Be Just As Meaningful as Romantic Love | Rhaina Cohen | TED

We tend to consider romantic partners and family ties to be our most important relationships, but deep friendships can be just as meaningful. In a perspective-shifting talk, author Rhaina Cohen introduces us to the people unsettling norms by choosing a friend as a life partner — and shows why we're all better off recognizing there's more than one kind of significant other. (Recorded at TEDNext 2024 on October 23, 2024)

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[irenedog]

I don’t get why there are so many negative comments; I totally agree with her view, and it is a shame modern society diminishes friendship to a less meaningful relationship while it can be life saving

[salhimoussa]

I believe that friendship holds a much deeper meaning and significance than mere emotional attachment. Unlike romantic relationships, which often hinge on various interests—be they sexual or material—true friendship is grounded in genuine connection and mutual support, free from ulterior motives.

[chetthebee]

"I'm not waiting on a lady,
I'm just waiting on a friend"
-The Rolling Stones (1981)

[alisabethalyse]

I believe it takes like minds to agree and accept the emotional closeness this calls for. We’ve been so conditioned to traditional aspects of relationships that we don’t realize how much loneliness there is out there. Even so called “close “ friends aren’t forth coming about their inner most feelings of disconnection because it makes you vulnerable and then what’s the solution. The Village aspect is especially needed today - so many are suffering in silence. Not only that people just need support. I’m not talking about financial - but true step outside of your comfort zone help. We all need it!

[JaeJekyll]

As an asexual that was never in a serious relationship til my 30s the message in this TT is soo needed for a LOT of people.

[misanthrobot]

I love how Cohen mentioned the other dynamics of relationships in older societies, like ancient Rome. There is a clear difference between the ancient and modern idea of relationships. Today, it is common for us to expect to receive the most intimacy from marriage, but *that* can become more of an expectation than a reality. I'm absolutely on board with Cohen's perspective and significant value of friendships.

[justanotherfrog]

Loved her book! I’ve always felt that our society doesn’t put enough emphasis on friendship and needlessly promotes the idea that a romantic partner needs to be everything. It’s unrealistic to put that burden on one person

[XondamirXudoyberdiyev-unkw]

I think we need to look for friends who are loyal and kind to us.❤

[caver]

I am lucky to have such friends that mean so much. Great perspective.

[TracyVang-de]

psychprofile AI fixes this. Friendship equals romantic love's meaning.

[andycordy]

Thank you. When we are so not over social programming, sttereotyping, homophobia and all manner of isolating factors, this seems like a long term goal for our society or worse, a place we came from a very long time ago to which we cannot return.

[marinanathanson]

Friendship is a great relationship, and when you have it its amazing. Living nearby is important for creating that kind of intimate friendship that gives back support. Many communes are living on that, everybody helps everybody. But the trend of growing lonliness and self reliance made a frienship an unaffordable luxury for many .

[lamedumbjoker]

In my country we're trying to pass "Companion law" where two adults living together and agree to be "partners"(w/o romance involved) can be given the same privilege as married couple. Very much an uphill battle, but I would love for it to be a thing.

[kevindomenechaliaga]

Everyone should consider merging friendship and romantic relationships

[exodor]

Watch any video on The Villages, FL. They always mention their friends. All the friends they have.

[Ainagulova]

And this pops up in my feed when I'm contemplating the relationship between Carol and Daryl.

[FraeyaWhiffin]

Relationship anarchy explained very well!

[LesliePastor-jbqq]

Great talk! Marriage isn't for everyone, and that's okay. I'm not trying to normalize couples who don't get married, but I don't need a husband to be successful, healthy, or happy.

[zarahp]

Yes, The Village! We have that idea going as well, my friends and I. This talk is so important because our society is so conditioned to only recognize and value romantic or sexual love - but there are SO many types of love and they can be just as important.
Great talk! Thank you. ❤

[marki]

I had a friend who was my confidante and brother ( sadly passed away in his 30s ) and I’ve never had anyone like that to confide in again