Today's Hot Topic is one that has been a loooong time coming. We're joined by bestselling author, professor, and psychologist Dr. Marisa G Franco. Having written "Platonic: How The Science Of Attachment Can Help You Make—And Keep—Friends", Marisa is particularly well equipped to help us tackle the complicated world of platonic friendships. If you struggle when it comes to friendships, or you'd like more friends but don't know how to get started, or feel like you're doing all the work in your friendships, OR perhaps you'd like to end a toxic friendship.... let's just say this conversation is for you.More Marisa:Book: Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and—Keep FriendsInstagram: DrMarisaGFrancoWebsite: www.DrMarisaGFranco.com (take a quiz to assess your strengths and weaknesses as a friend!)Time Stamps:0:00 - Welcome To Dr. Marisa G Franco!1:25 - What Inspired Her To Write A Book On Platonic Friendship3:15 - Biggest Thing She Learned About Herself In Writing “Platonic”7:25 - The Most Surprising Fact About Platonic Relationships9:48 - Attachment Styles12:35 - How To Make New Friends24:55 - Is She An Introvert Or Extrovert?26:01 - How To Maintain Long Distance Friendships27:24 - Does Our Easy Access Culture Affect Our Friendships?31:18 - What If It Feels Like You’re Doing All The Work?35:02 - Vice Versa36:49 - When You’re The Connector But End Up Feeling Left Out40:45 - Can You Be Friends With Someone You’re Attracted To?45:22 - The Proper Way To End A Toxic Friendship49:29 - Is It Ever OK To Power Fade A Friendship?52:23 - How To Maintain Friendships When Your Lives Are Heading In Different Directions55:25 - Script For How To Turn An Acquaintance Into A Friend56:06 - How To Deal With A Friend Who Constantly Copies You58:38 - Shandy DebriefIf you have a relationship question, write us at: dearshandy@gmail.comSupport Dear Shandy: https://redcircle.com/dear-shandy/donationsSubscribe and watch the episodes on YouTube! https://bit.ly/SubscribeDearShandyMore Dear ShandyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/dearshandyFacebook - https://fb.me/dearshandyMore SharleenInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/sharleenjoyntBlog - http://www.alltheprettypandas.comMore AndyInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/machinelevineProduced by Gabrielle Galon - https://www.instagram.com/gabsamillionSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/dear-shandy/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy