Postmodern Love | Interpersonal Closeness

In January 2015 I read a NY Times piece written by Mandy Len Catron entitled To Fall in Love With Anyone, Do This. In the article, Mandy shares her own experience trying out the 36 questions which, according to 1997 research by Arthur Aron, from the University of New York, are a catalyst for interpersonal closeness, supposedly the key ingredient for romantic love.

The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness: A Procedure and Some Preliminary Findings

I suppose one of the things which resonated with me the most was the idea that love is a choice. The most remarkable aspect of this questionnaire to me is that two people need to agree on going through it together. I guess that in itself is already a commitment. And, if approached wholeheartedly, a beautiful example of how to allow one's vulnerability to shine. Isn't this the perfect example of Brené Brown's words "what makes you vulnerable makes you beautiful"?


A few months later I came across the following TED Talk, Mandy's fairly more pragmatic take on the same subject. I find they absolutely complement each other.

FALLING IN LOVE IS THE EASY PART




And to my surprise, before 2015 was over, one of my favourite bands, Seafret - who I got to interview for my retired music blog Postmodern Mixtape - released the music video below.

TED Talks | The Brené Brown Trilogy

I first came across Brené Brown 4 years ago. And she's changed my life, no exaggeration here.

Brené is a researcher-storyteller and there is very little I can say which you won't benefit more from hearing from her in the following three talks. My only two cents are to do so in this order. And to every so often come back to them (I do it at least once a year!).

The Hermione Granger in me has the need to take notes as she learns. So below some of these in case you find them useful too.


THE POWER OF VULNERABILITY