Make Friends As An Adult - Dr. Marisa G. Franco

One of the world’s leading

experts in human connection

DR. Marisa G. Franco

New York Times best-selling author, TED speaker, psychologist, professor, and sought-after friendship & belonging expert.

Here to speak at your organization, provide you with your guidebook to how to make friends, and make finding connection a little easier.

SURVEY: What kind of friend are you?

We all have strengths and weaknesses as friends. This survey is designed to help you figure out what yours are: discover your personal friend profile and use it as a guide to help you connect.

Order your copy of Platonic:

How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—And Keep—Friends!

Platonic book reviews

"Dr. Marisa G. Franco and Platonic have been invaluable guides on my journey to nurture and deepen my friendships. Her advice is wise, concrete, and effective — and my friendships are better for it.”

Glennon Doyle

Author of #1 New York Times Bestseller UNTAMED, Founder of Together Rising

“A remarkable examination of the epidemic of loneliness and sound advice for alleviating it…A pleasing mix of researchh, advice, and humor, this book is a useful tonic to a key social ailment.”

Kirkus Reviews

“Dr. Franco’s book ‘Platonic’ is an ode to modern friendship, complete with a practical guide to making and keeping friends. …the depth of research Dr. Franco weaves into the book sheds light onto an aspect of our world that—like an old and trusted pal—it may be too easy to take for granted.”

-Peter Schmidt

Wall Street Journal

As featured in

Want to make friends?

You might think making friends is an inherent skill that doesn’t need to be taught. It’s not. We can all get better at connection if we try. I’ll save you the scholarly articles (for now) but suffice to say:

People today struggle with fostering and maintaining positive, mutually-rewarding, genuine relationships. It’s a challenge that impacts all facets of life, including work, school, and mental and physical health.

But it doesn’t have to be that way. I have the guidance, tools, and book to help you find the relationships you’re looking for.

Work with Dr. Franco

SPEAKING

I have spoken at conferences, universities, workplaces, places of worship, and fellowship programs on belonging at work, how to make friends, and improving mental health.

In a study of 1000 employees, after my talk on belonging at work, employees reported a significant increase in how much they wanted to connect with colleagues and in their knowledge of how to do so.

To book me to speak, please fill out this inquiry form.

Speaking reviews

" Marisa was in a word…captivating…and in several other words, earnest, humble, funny and vulnerable. As we gathered feedback from our scholars on the last day of our retreat, resoundingly they shared that one of the most significant experiences of the weekend was Marisa’s keynote."

Wim Taylor

American University

"There were over 70 countries represented in the room with people ranging in age from 22 into their 60s, and everyone was able to relate to Marisa’s thoughtful remarks. Marisa has the rare ability to speak with confidence, humility, purpose, passion, and humor."

Jessica Lane

IREX

"Marisa Franco stands out as among the most engaging and dynamic I have had on stage."

Peter Schmidt

Founder and CEO, Profs and Pints.

"Every time I hear her speak, I come away with an understanding of something clear or interesting. She is a deep thinker, demonstrated by well thought out responses at the drop of the dime to audience members. She’s always the stand up in any speaker lineup."

Dr. Olivia Holmes,

Harper Collins Publishers

TED talk: The Secret to Making New Friends as an Adult

Friendship doesn’t happen organically and people who think it does are lonelier. People like you more than you think. Making friends isn’t about who you are; it’s about how you treat people. Listen to a compelling, research-backed take on how to make friends as an adult.

I have spoken at 50+ Places Including:

CONSULTING

Do you want to create more belonging in your organization? Create a curriculum for connection? Understand the research on connection so you can perfect your app or TV show?

I offer private consultation to companies, universities, startups, and more. I’ll help you gain practical, science-backed advice on how to nurture deeper connections.