Geeking-Out May 8, 2026

How Friends Shape Us

Curated by Meg Birmingham

One of the strangest things I am learning as an adult is how to make new friends, especially with the way much of the world functions now (thanks to the tiny computers in our pockets). I’m having luck actually talking to my neighbors, intentionally spending time with them, and starting to rely on them when I need help or connection. It’s important, and this Psychology Today article does an excellent job of explaining why:  “Good friends. Casual acquaintances. Even strangers who stop you on the street. They are not just accessories to a fulfilling or interesting life, they are biological necessities as much as emotional ones, and, like food and movement, they underwrite your ability to function well.” Read more on this.