Ever feel like society's constantly giving you the side-eye for being happily single? In this episode of The NEXT Best Thing Podcast we're chatting with Dr. Kris Marsh from the University of Maryland, whose book "The Love Jones Cohort" is shaking up everything we thought we knew about relationships. 

Dr. Marsh introduces us to a growing group of college-educated, financially comfortable single Black Americans who are absolutely thriving without wedding rings. Named after that classic 1997 film (you know the one!), these folks are rewriting the rules of success and happiness.

"But aren't single people just... waiting to find someone?" Not according to Dr. Marsh's research! She breaks down how those strong friendships in your life might actually be delivering more happiness than that relationship you think you're supposed to be chasing. We get real about whether marriage still holds the same value it once did (spoiler alert: it's complicated), and why your net worth might matter more than your paycheck when it comes to being "middle class" today.

The most refreshing part? Dr. Marsh's take on friendship. While everyone else is swiping right and stressing about dating, she's got the data showing how those ride-or-die friends might be the real MVPs in your happiness story. If you've ever felt that pressure to couple up just because everyone keeps asking "so, are you seeing anyone?" at family gatherings, this episode will feel like someone finally gets it. Dr. Marsh doesn't just understand—she's got the research to back up why your life choices are completely valid.

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Stay in touch with Dr. Kris Marsh:
Get The Love Jones Cohort: https://www.amazon.com/Cohort-Cambridge-Studies-Stratification-Economics/dp/1316612910
IG: https://www.instagram.com/drkrismarsh/
Bio: https://socy.umd.edu/facultyprofile/marsh/kris