From the author of Can’t Even and Out of Office and the creator of Culture Study — a book that shows us how to foster stronger, more resilient lives by cultivating vibrant connections with others.

What happens when you reach adulthood and realise you don’t have the friends — or community — you need? When you’re stuck in a cycle of work, family obligations, and endless busyness? This is what author Anne Helen Petersen has coined ‘the friendship dip’, the period in our 20s and 30s when we begin to prioritise careers, partnership, parenthood, or all three, and experience a significant decline in core friendships and community ties as a result.

Close Ties tackles the epidemic of modern loneliness and growing isolation head-on, offering an incisive blend of cultural critique, story-driven interviews, and advice to help readers build lasting friendships and communities. From analysing the societal factors that contribute to this loneliness, to sharing stories of people who’ve taken bold steps to address it, Petersen provides a roadmap for fostering connection as she explores not just why we’ve become so disconnected, but how to break free of isolation and create the relationships that sustain us.

With humour, honesty, and a sharp cultural lens, Close Ties pushes beyond conventional advice and delivers something far more meaningful. Whether it’s moving closer to loved ones, building relationships with neighbours, or rethinking how we socialise entirely, Petersen shows us that real connection is within reach if we’re willing to step outside our comfort zones.