From Project BFF HQ, Terri + Manya riff about the so-called Dunbar number--that describes the numerical limits on how many connections an individual can have.

The conversation centers around Robin Dunbar, Emeritus Professor of Evolutionary Psychology at Oxford University. Based on his research, he believes the size of the neocortex in our brains is linked to the size of a cohesive social group--that ratio limits the complexity of the social systems we can handle.

According to his theory:

• 5 loved ones
• 15 good friends
• 50 friends
• 150 meaningful contacts
• 500 acquaintances
• 1,500 people you can recognize

Resources we discuss:

• You Can Only Maintain So Many Close Friendships, Sheon Han in The Atlantic
• Dunbar's number: Why we can only maintain 150 relationships, BBC
• Friends: Understanding the Power of our Most Important Relationships by Robin Dunbar

#BeAFriend  

*****
Thank you for listening.

After much reflection, we have made the difficult decision to shut down Project BFF and the podcast. Our last podcast episode aired on August 23, 2024. We are leaving the podcast live on Buzzsprout through the end of 2024.

We are proud of this podcast and honored to have hosted such amazing and engaging guests.

Our hope is that Project BFF and Friendshipable have inspired you to form new friendships, strengthen existing ones, and encourage others to do the same

Thank you for being a part of our story. The two of us have truly deepened our friendship during this time, and we look forward to new and memorable adventures together in and around New England, which serves as the adopted home for both of us.

With gratitude and friendship,
Manya and Terri

To contact us, you can email Manya at [email protected]