#150

Welcome to Weekly Whisper #150.

The significance of 150

Robin Dunbar has become synonymous with the number 150.

His research suggests there’s a limit to the number of relationships you can maintain and it peaks at 150.

For many of us there’s likely some tolerance on either side – increasing to 200 for some and decreasing to 100 for others. Like any research it’s been debated but remains a useful indicator of our relationship bandwidth.

Dunbar suggests there are other layers embedded within the 150.

For example, 50 friends, 15 close friends, 5 loved ones.

For me, the 5 loved ones stacks up and about 15 close friends but for my wife the loved ones are almost double and close friends almost half.

Nevertheless, don’t get sucked into the literal number but instead consider this.

I’d assume you know who your loved ones are (whatever the number).

So, when was the last time you let them know how dear they are to you?

I know you think they know but my experience has been, however frequently you’ve let them know, it’s never too soon to repeat.

Let them know. Find a moment to let them know – actually speak it out loud – how dear they are to you. Tell them what you love about them and the impact they have on you.

Close friends – write the list. Who would you consider a close friend? Someone who you’d be willing and able to have a conversation with beyond cliché.

Find an appropriate time and let them know. Tell them how important they are in your life and how much you value their friendship.

I’d love to hear the impact of what you decide to do with the calls to adventure above.

BBC: Dunbar's number: Why we can only maintain 150 relationships

The New Yorker: The Limits of Friendship

Freedom Fridays Episode 84 Featuring Dan Robins

In episode 84 of the Freedom Fridays podcast, Pete chats with Dan Robins, board member for gender pay gap advocacy group ‘Seat at the Table’.

Pete and Dan dive headfirst into some of the challenges of paid parental leave, particularly for Dads. In encouraging Dads to take parental leave the conversation explores some of the benefits for organisations, parents and the wider society.

Pete asks some challenging questions about fairness for those without kids and the potential impact on small business.

An authentic, practical, philosophical and real conversation for any working parents.

                                                                                           

That's all for this week. If you’ve been enjoying the Weekly Whispers please feel free to forward it to friends and anyone you think would benefit.

As always, please send me an email at [email protected] to send me your feedback or to let me know your thoughts.

Cheers

Pete