Call Her Daddy
Call Her Daddy
"The research here is completely clear that having social connection at work feeling connected to our colleagues to our mentors to our supervisors and actually specifically having friends people that we would really label as a friend that that improves basically every measure or outcome that you would be interested in in the workplace sense of belonging productivity retention focus profits from the overall company fewer sick days less absenteeism fewer workplace accidents really across the board social connection is at the heart of healthy corporations and organizations." — Dr. Miriam Kermire
"We need to take ownership over what we have the capacity for in that moment." — Dr. Miriam Kermire
"The other piece to really keep in mind is that people differ in terms of how much they're seeking status or popularity and that potentially becomes less important as we age although not always but what I can say is that that is not a road to connection that is something different and if that's that's a value of yours that's okay that that's a value of yours but that's independent from connection and you still are going to need other meaningful friendships in your life." — Dr. Miriam Kermire
This episode delves into the complexities of friendship, distinguishing between various levels of closeness, from acquaintances to best friends, and also considering contextual friendships like childhood friends or activity-based companions. Dr. Kermire emphasizes that diverse friendships are crucial for individual well-being, allowing different facets of one's personality to be expressed and providing a buffer against over-reliance on a single connection. The conversation highlights the importance of self-awareness, encouraging listeners to identify their needs within friendships and to honestly assess whether those needs are being met.
The discussion addresses the common challenges in friendships, such as imbalances in investment and effort, and offers practical strategies for navigating these issues. These include direct communication, setting realistic expectations, and the concept of "scaling back" one's own effort to restore balance. The episode also explores the benefits and drawbacks of friend groups versus singular friendships, noting that while groups can simplify connection maintenance, they can also present opportunities for conflict. The speakers stress that individuals should not feel pressured to maintain friendships that consistently leave them feeling unfulfilled or depleted, advocating for the courage to seek out connections that are mutually beneficial.
Furthermore, the episode touches upon the significance of workplace friendships, underscoring their positive impact on productivity, retention, and overall company culture, while also advising mindful boundary-setting. The conversation also addresses the nuanced dynamic of a parent being viewed as a best friend, suggesting that while this can be a beautiful aspect of a relationship, it is essential to maintain other distinct friendships to avoid over-dependence and potential enmeshment. Ultimately, the episode champions the idea that friendships are voluntary and consciously chosen connections, which significantly contribute to self-worth and well-being.