Deal, Meal, or Real? Rethinking Friendship and the Good Life

We often think more connections will make us happier.
The evidence says otherwise.

Decades of research—including the Harvard Study of Adult Development—show that the quality of our relationships matters far more than their number.

In Deal, Meal, and Real, I explore three types of friendships:

• DEAL (exchange-based)

• MEAL (shared enjoyment)

• REAL (deep trust and care)

None are better than the others—but confusing them often leads to frustration, especially in professional life.

The article also includes a short reflection exercise to map your own friendship ecosystem and identify one intentional action you can take.