From Modern Love: Bridget Everett Says a Best Friend Can Be Your Greatest Love

This podcast explores the power of platonic love, particularly focusing on the deep bond between two friends in the HBO series 'Somebody Somewhere'. The conversation highlights the importance of prioritizing friendships, acknowledging that a 'person' can be a friend rather than a romantic partner, and the value of feeling seen and valued within a friendship.

Platonic Love in 'Somebody Somewhere'

• 00:00:16 'Somebody Somewhere' explores a unique friendship between Sam and Joel, showcasing how a platonic relationship can be deeply fulfilling. It challenges the notion that romantic love is the only significant relationship, showing a different kind of love where a friend is a 'person' and not just a person to share a romantic relationship with.

Sam's Character Development

• 00:03:49 The character Sam, inspired by Bridget Everett's own life, exemplifies the struggle with self-doubt and self-worth. Through the show's three seasons, Sam's journey teaches viewers that growth occurs against all odds, encouraging them to stay open to new opportunities and embrace vulnerability.

Friendship as a Central Relationship

• 00:08:02 The podcast highlights the importance of prioritizing friendships, arguing that a friend can be a central person in one's life, similar to a romantic partner. The podcast suggests that in some cases, it is a radical idea that one's person can be a friend who provides care, support, and a unique type of love.

Essay on Friendship

• 00:14:30 The essay, 'When Your Greatest Romance is a Friendship,' by Victor LaTo, shares a poignant tale of an unlikely friendship between an older woman and a younger man. Their bond signifies the importance of platonic connections, emphasizing that genuine friendship can be profound and transformative.

Cultivating Close Friendships in Adulthood

• 00:33:58 The conversation emphasizes the challenges of maintaining close friendships as life changes. However, it also suggests that these friendships matter and can be a priority, even if they are not always at the forefront of life because of romantic relationships and other commitments.