Our world is getting better at connecting us, and yet we report feeling more disconnected than ever. The issue is loneliness. The solution is understanding the three requirements of relationship that lead to belonging and intimacy.

Shasta Nelson is passionate about all things friendship. As founder and CEO of GirlFriendCircles.com, a female-friendship learning community, she speaks and writes regularly on this important topic. Shasta is the author of two books: "Friendships Don’t Just Happen! The Guide to Creating a Meaningful Circle of Girl" and "Friends and Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness."  Her spirited and soulful voice can also be read at Shasta’s Friendship Blog and in her relationship-health column in The Huffington Post. Shasta has been interviewed on the Today show, Katie Couric’s show, The Early Show and Fox Extra, and she has consulted with many magazine writers.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at http://ted.com/tedx.

Shasta Nelson: Frientimacy: the three requirements of all healthy friendships | Shasta Nelson | TEDxLaSierraUniversity

Frientimacy: the three requirements of all healthy friendships | Shasta Nelson | TEDxLaSierraUniversity

Loneliness, a modern epidemic, isn't solved by more social interactions but through fostering deeper intimacy in friendships.

Vital to health, feeling loved stems from being known, which requires sharing, consistency, and positive interactions in relationships.

Dire consequences of loneliness rival smoking and obesity, underscoring the necessity of cultivating meaningful connections.