The Dude Therapist

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a clinical psychologist specializing in adult friendships, discusses the importance of friendships and social connections in our lives. She shares her journey of researching adult friendships and the challenges of building and maintaining them. Dr. Kirmayer emphasizes the need for knowledge translation and making evidence-based information about friendships accessible and relatable. She also explores the dynamics of childhood friendships and how they differ from adult friendships. Dr. Kirmayer provides insights on overcoming social anxieties, being open and vulnerable in friendships, and the importance of self-talk and positive cues in building and maintaining connections.

Bio:

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer is a clinical psychologist, leading friendship expert, and influential speaker on human connection and social support. 

With over a decade of research on the science of friendship, Dr. Miriam is revolutionizing the way we show up for, mentor, and connect with each other. 

Dr. Miriam is one of the first and only clinical psychologists to specialize in friendship and shares guidance on navigating relationship changes and challenges through her writing, courses, and online community.

As a speaker and consultant, Dr. Miriam helps people, teams, and organizations to bridge the connection divide and readily build resilient, supportive relationships. She currently sits on the Mental Health Advisory Board for Wondermind, a mental fitness company co-founded by Selena Gomez and consults for The Foundation for Social Connection.

Dr. Miriam regularly contributes research-driven insights and relatable advice to top outlets including The Atlantic, BBC, Forbes, The New York Times, Time, and more. 

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer received her Ph.D. from McGill University and lives in Montreal, Canada with her husband and their two children.

Connect with Dr. Miriam @miriamkirmayer and learn more at MiriamKirmayer.com.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:44 The Power and Importance of Adult Friendships

08:48 Navigating the Challenges of Building and Maintaining Friendships

15:38 The Role of Self-Talk and Positive Cues in Building Connections

20:53 Embracing New Connections and Initiating Friendships

28:00 Recognizing and Embracing the Evolution of Friendships

32:46 Gender Differences in Friendships

39:19 Men's Need for Intimacy and Self-Disclosure in Friendships

42:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts