My friend and I hold presentation nights. We get to know each other better, and it helps us understand who we are now.

"This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Rachel Jones, cohost of the "Is It Normal" podcast. It has been edited for length and clarity. I was recently introduced to Eloisa by a mutual friend who was certain we'd become fast friends. That friend was right, because Eloisa and I clicked straight away. We shared similar interests - books and art - and had this chemistry that I can't quite explain. I knew we'd be best friends."

"As we began to get to know each other, both of us keen to "dig deep" and understand each other as fully as possible, we would often say things like, "To understand this part of me, you need some context." We started presentation nights Although we would have liked to jump into each other's histories, we were limited by time constraints. I work full-time, volunteer, own a house, participate heavily in church activities, and have family and friends I'm already committed to."

Rachel Jones, 28, values deep friendships but struggles to find time because of work, volunteering, homeownership, church commitments, and existing relationships. She met Eloisa and quickly connected over books, art, and an unexplained chemistry that suggested a close bond. Both women wanted to understand each other's histories but faced limited time due to busy schedules, including Eloisa's husband and full-time studies. They adopted monthly presentation nights seen on social media, where each friend gives short presentations covering serious and humorous topics. The presentation format enables deliberate, deeper connection and helps adults catch up on substantial life experiences despite scarce hours.

Read at Business Insider