Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close

Reflect on the historical and cultural context of Shine Theory as presented by Sow and Friedman. How does its application in Big Friendship challenge traditional competitive narratives surrounding female relationships in media and society?

Examine the roles of transparency, vulnerability, and communication in sustaining a Big Friendship. How do these elements act as themes throughout the book, and what broader implications do they have for understanding friendship in real life?

Big Friendship discusses the importance of rituals, assurances, and openness in maintaining friendships. Analyze how these elements are depicted in the book and their relevance to the contemporary understanding of social bonds.

In what way is Big Friendship a love story? What tropes and structures do Sow and Friedman borrow from romantic genres like rom-coms to tell the story of their friendship? What does that suggest about the way they propose friendship ought to be culturally understood?

Big Friendship touches on the idea of friendship breakups. Compare and contrast the societal narratives around the end of romantic relationships versus friendships. Why might friendships lack rules and processes for breakups, and what are the implications of this for the individuals involved?

Big Friendship introduces the concept of the friendweb. Discuss how this concept reflects modern social networks and contrasts with traditional notions of friendship. Consider the impact of digital media on friendship formation and maintenance. How and where do friendwebs form in contemporary life?

Explore the significance of the “seven-year itch” and the “too big to fail” concepts as they pertain to personal relationships in Big Friendship. How do Sow and Friedman’s experiences challenge or reinforce these concepts? What does applying idioms from romantic relationships and economic theory suggest about the nature and significance of friendship?

In Big Friendship, Sow and Friedman address the challenges of turning a friendship into a business partnership. Discuss the potential risks and rewards of mixing personal relationships with professional endeavors, drawing on examples from the book.