Anna Goldfarb Helps You Be a Modern Friend: Part 2

Above (because I just figured out how to actually embed the player) is Part 2 of our conversation about having, making, and keeping social relationships. (Part 1 is here.) Enjoy! The conversation is lighthearted, and I know just tonally that makes it a shift from the written posts, but I really can't stress enough how important personal relationships will be to getting out of this mess. You'll need resources you don't have; emotional support you can't give to yourself; trust for when we do things that are risky, or even outright dangerous. (Especially when even things like speaking out become dangerous.) So if you're listening to the interview and wonder how it has anything to do with saving the country, just remember that going bowling, and removing a dictator, have a shocking amount in common.

In addition, having just finished recording a different interview, I want to speak personally to how much fun they are – in large part because of how social they are. Yes it's professional and yes it's usually not about them "personally," but it is always about something that they care about – and that matters just as much. If it's with someone you've never met before, you've made a new connection – and if it's with someone you know well, you're probably still asking them questions, or about topics, that don't come up in your usual, social, relationship. Especially when you approach interviewing with the respect that it deserves, as a true craft of art, science, and personal touch.

I'm always a little embarrassed to not have a CNN-size audience when I'm inviting someone who I consider to be a big deal, but the interaction is always two-sided. When you ask someone to tell you about their work, you both get to ask them – which is what you want – and they get to tell you! – which is something they want. If this still sounds transactional, you might be very interested in hearing how Anna (my guest in this week's interview) talks about the effectiveness of simple plans and goals for all relationships. Not just "let's hang out ... for some reasons," but "let's hang out ... for THIS reason." Done thoughtfully, it's good for everyone.

In other words, I hope you enjoy this – I hope you do your own, if you're thinking about it – and I hope that you'll tell me about people I should interview, including yourself! Have somebody you want to hear, but don't know personally? I'd be more than happy to see if I can get them. I continue to be amazed by the people who are excited about being on The Plan.

If you made it this far, and you haven't subscribed yet, I'd like to ask as a personal favor that you please subscribe, and share the newsletter with people you know. If I don't know that someone is listening, I have no reason to keep writing – and if I can't pay my rent, I have no ability to keep writing. With my profound gratitude to everyone, both paid and free.

And if we make it to Tuesday, I'll see you Tuesday.