Friends Matte, For Life
Dr Kimberly Horn
I quite like this book. The writing is easy to follow. It offers some psychology behind it’s chapters as well as examples and reflections.The author follows a specific pattern in her chapters which is explained at the end of the book. It’s interesting how the conclusion revealed how the author did that. I did like the messages this book offers and as a neurodivergent there are some concepts I struggle with. However, I did gain some useful information. Props to the author, you can tell that she thought a lot throughout the book on how to convey her messages.

This book offers an in-depth examination of the intricate dynamics that underlie human friendships. It delves into the multifaceted nature of these relationships, illustrating how they can profoundly influence various aspects of our lives, including our emotional health, happiness, and overall sense of well-being.

Throughout the chapters, the author provides insightful anecdotes and research findings that highlight the significant benefits of nurturing authentic connections. By sharing personal stories and expert insights, the book vividly conveys the idea that meaningful friendships can serve as a vital support system during both challenging and joyous times.

After finishing this captivating read, I felt an invigorated sense of purpose to actively cultivate and appreciate the friendships I have in my life. It opened my eyes to the true value of these relationships and the positive impact they can bring.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone looking to deepen their understanding of interpersonal connections and seeking to create a more fulfilling and enriched life through the power of friendship. Whether you’re navigating existing relationships or looking to form new ones, this book serves as an invaluable guide.

Envision yourself in the midst of life’s hustle and bustle—juggling work commitments, family obligations, and never-ending to-do lists. While you long for meaningful friendships that go beyond the surface, the path to forging and sustaining such connections often feels like a maze with unforeseen challenges and constant diversions. But you’re not alone.

In a world where connections often feel fleeting and relationships constantly evolve, the significance of friendships cannot be overstated. Yet, the journey of establishing and maintaining adult friendships can be challenging. Navigating this intimate and sometimes uncharted territory, Dr. Kimberly Horn offers a rich tapestry of insights, research-backed strategies, and real-life anecdotes which will resonate with anyone seeking meaningful bonds.

Experience a fresh perspective that goes beyond conventional friendship advice. This unique approach introduces a Framework of Dynamic Friendship, taking you through eight essential tenets filled with practical tools and exercises to cultivate more fulfilling friendships.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. This book made me think about friendships in a whole new way and provided some great lessons reading and understanding nutritional information as it can feel overly complicated sometimes. It is broken down in an easily digestible form and isn’t overly jargony even when introducing the topic of Dynamic Friendship. I also liked that the references are split by chapter as it’s easier to navigate.

As someone who has struggled a lot with very bad friends and these "friend" relationships having made me a little gun shy with making new friends, any book that centers around making friends/making lasting friendships is very helpful for me.

Friends are the cornerstone of a life well lived, but as we get older and life demands more and more of our time, it can be hard to find and keep our friends. Dr. Horn has assembled a book that offers a look at how friendships affect our lives along with more practical applications for friendship. A quick easy, read that gives lots of practical advice on how to find new friends, maintain current friendships, and move on when a friendship is no longer viable.

Friends especially later in life really matter and unfortunately it's a topic that's hard to discuss and perhaps get results or improve upon. I appreciated the insight in this book. Will take it with me and hopefully apply to life in productive ways.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own

I seem to have a healthy view on friendships and I am part of good friend groups. I found the book dryer then the fun cover lead me to believe it would be, but informative. I think Safeguarding was the chapter I got the most out of.. I tend to be a little standoffish when they may need intervening because I don't want cause more trouble. I can do better

A basic guide to the tenants of friendship, it’s very basic but covers a lot of important topics like how friendships grow, change, deal with conflict and more. It’s more basic than I was looking for. I think a lot of people picking this up are likely dealing with loneliness or friendship conflicts and this is high level. However, I highly recommend it as a quick read as we would all benefit from the information. I loved that Dr. Horn kept the book actionable, each chapter has a reflection and action exercise.

Friends Matter, For Life is a non-fiction book written by professor and research psychologist Kimberly Horn.
The book talks about eight tenets of friendship, each detailed and well-structured.
I enjoyed the different scenarios, the emphasis on openness and acceptance, the evaluation of the dynamics, and accepting dynamic friendships and self-friendship aspects the most.

Friendships have always been a valuable source of happiness and joy in my life - from the moment I first went off to school, when I moved as a shy, young girl, those awkward teenage years, the fun-filled freedom of college days, marriage, divorce, dating, new jobs. So many versions of friendships that have touched and shaped my life as each left a mark on my heart. The friendships we build and nurture in our adult lives are like no other. The thoughtful approach on how to best grow and maintain those is shared in Friends Matter, For Life. Detailing eight tenets for a Framework of Dynamic Friendship, Kim provides the reader with valuable, impactful ways one can strengthen and deepen their relationships. I especially like the “Reflect” sections with probing questions to ask yourself how YOU show up for friends. My favorite tenet was Self-Friending with the reminder on how we should be treating ourselves with the same kindness, support, and care offered to a friend. I consider myself a good friend but this book has shown me I never want to take any of my friendships nor their impact on my life for granted.

Friends Matter, for Life by Dr. Kimberly Horn is a game-changer for understanding adult friendships. Dr. Horn offers practical advice, backed by research and real stories, to help you build and maintain meaningful connections. This book shows the powerful impact of friendships on our happiness and health, reminding us to be a good friend to have good friends.

Loved this one! Great and fun read. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for my ARC.

Friends. What a topic! Now with kids it's become an even bigger one. But I know I have to practice what I preach with my kids. This book was beautifully done! Such a complex topic, and this book explained it so simply and well. I highly recommend. As a mom of four, I'm realizing you need those friends to get you through life. They are crucial. But it's hard to commit to that deep relation. Wonderfully done! Such great words and advice.

I love my friends and enjoy spending time with them. However, I have noticed as I get older my circle is getting smaller. When I saw the title of this book, I thought I'd learn more about friendship as an adult. I enjoyed Horn's theories on the power of friendship, but I felt like I already knew that. I also thought that the advice was pretty basic. Perhaps it is because I've given so much time to nurturing myself and am truly spending time with the people I desire to already? Either way, I liked the book and think it will help a lot of women struggling. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Four stars.