A groundbreaking, step-by-step guide to understanding the fundamental mechanics of friendship.

Modern friendships are painfully ambiguous. But they don’t have to be. Journalist Anna Goldfarb has your back. With MODERN FRIENDSHIP, Goldfarb shares a manual for navigating the historically new forces that are pushing our friendships to the brink and provides actionable advice for forming authentic, enduring connections today.

We are in a new social era. Anna argues that expectations for our adult friendships need to be updated to reflect the hyper-fluid society we live in.

It’s never been easier to shed friendships which is precisely why we need a new approach to keeping them strong. The key to forming a lasting bond is what Anna calls “Wholehearted friendship”—proven strategies to enhance enthusiastic connection.

Blending keen insights, cutting-edge social research, and intuitive practical tools, she invites you to explore:

  • Why modern friendships are so ambiguous—and how to get clarity

  • How desire influences friend selection, why friendships fail, and how to hone your friendship intuition

  • Mattering to others—establishing boundaries, being flexible, having fun, and setting up your friendships for long-term success

  • Tools for the tough times—exercises, prompts, scripts and advice on keeping friendships active even when life gets hectic

  • Practicing Wholehearted friendship—how to be caring, curious, appreciative, and supportive to a friend in any situation

Your friendships are precious. They’re vital. They matter. So let’s understand, cultivate, and harness their incredible power,” says Anna. With Modern Friendship, you’ll discover how be a more self-assured and empowered friend to the most meaningful people in your life. Let Anna show you how.

If you have a podcast or need an interview for an article about how to keep a friend, contact me at press@annagoldfarb.com

Buy The Book

Attn: People in Book Clubs

Want some help getting the conversation going? I’ve got your back.

I put together some thought-provoking questions for you to consider if you choose Modern Friendship for your book club.

My hope is that by considering these questions, you’ll open up space to engage in meaningful self-reflection and be inspired to be a caring, confident and empowered friend to those in your life.

My other hope is that you have some fun while you’re at it, too.

Click HERE, or on the image to the right, for the guide.

Yes, this guide is totally free!!! I can’t believe it either, tbh

Awards & Recognitions

What People Are Saying About Modern Friendship

  • "When Anna Goldfarb writes, she makes you feel as if you’re her dearest friend. You’ll laugh, you’ll be charmed, and you’ll learn so much. In the confusing world of friendship, Modern Friendship is the compass we all need. Read it and your friends will be thankful you did.”

    - Dr. Marisa Franco, psychologist and author of
    Platonic: How the Science of Attachment Can Help You Make—and Keep—Friends

  • "Modern Friendship is a must-read for anyone looking to better understand the state of friendships today. Anna's such a witty writer, and her ability to make big ideas engaging and accessible is a gift. Readers are sure to have a few laughs between genuine moments of enlightenment."

    - Danielle Bayard Jackson, Friendship expert and author of Fighting for Our Friendships

  • “Light bulb after light bulb appeared over my head as I read Anna Goldfarb’s wise and funny Modern Friendship. For all of us who feel like our friendships are too few, far-flung, or flatlined, her counsel is a decoder ring for deeper, closer relationships. This stuff really works, so do yourself―and your social life―a favor and read this book cover to cover.”

    - Dr. Ellen Hendriksen, clinical psychologist and author of How to Be Enough: Self-Acceptance for Self-Critics and Perfectionists