Friends with similar goals can almost
guarantee people can change certain aspects of their lives. It seems that such
endeavors with friends reap more success than doing it alone. Researchers James
Fowler and Nicholas Christakis have demonstrated that weight loss can spread through friend
groups. For example, people will be more inclined to start dieting when they
see their friend dieting. It may not be an immediate response but “the seed” is
planted. Addiction recovery programs use scenarios much like this. Friendship
has also been seen to help individual will power. “Fulfilling friendships with
those who have the values and habits you admire will lift you up to those
friends’ level more easily.” In a recent New York Times David Brooks said,
“There’s a trove of research suggesting that it’s best to tackle negative
behaviors obliquely, by redirecting attention toward different, positive ones.”
Author Carlin Flora starts with a story about
her and her friend and how they would work out together. She gives for example
scenarios in her article which helps and takes away. It is a plausible example
but still a “what if.” She also sights other writers and even a Time
article. Flora’s article has a hopeful
tone that deals with the happy issue of the power of friendship. While she has
good points, there is little evidence besides her own personal experience.
Good assessment of tone and critique of evidence. The personal stories not the research dominated this article? Is it more of a self-help article? Do you think that the personal stories are suppose to make you relate to her and find it true? Would you have preferred a more research based article?
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