Episode 34: "How not to die alone."

Magda and Doug are each at a point where it’s time to make some new real-life, face-to-face friends: Magda because she has moved across the country to live with her husband, and Doug because he is a man.

And really, how hard could it be? All you have to do is live in a place where at least a few like-minded people are, find the places where those like-minded people hang out, be at least a little bit extroverted (or convince yourself you can be, in short bursts), be forthright but not thirsty, have a plan but be flexible, be innovative but follow a lot of well-traveled advice—and set aside the unnerving thought that a lot of people are just straight-up weird.

Don’t believe the pessimists! Friendship after fifty is definitely possible. On top of all the options you can find anywhere online—volunteering, continuing ed, friendship apps, etc.—we talk about some specific, slightly eccentric examples that worked wonderfully. And with less effort than you might think.

We also answer several burning questions: Is being friends after you get divorced always a good thing? Is there such a thing as hopeful cynicism? And do you really have to kiss a lot of people dressed as frogs?

Other links:

• Usher’s “boop-boop” song

• The Whoever vs. Who Cares Super Bowl cake

• Travis Kelce goes berserk on his coach

• Don’t be the “get in the hole!” guy

• Chris Stevens predicted the isolation of technology 30 years ago

• John Laroche moves on from loving fish

• Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H

• Find your people on Bumble for Friends

Former episode mentioned:

Episode 20: "I knew I was very much falling head over heels there."