I’d rather talk to one friend in a quiet cafe than fifty acquaintances at a party. Not only is it more of a cosy pleasure, it also works because there is a boundary with the friend; you know where you are. I’ve had a series of male friends, most of which were older than me, and all opened up the world, each in different ways. I was always pushy and curious as a kid; I wanted to know stuff, and be enthused by others. A smart friend can re-describe things for you; seeing stuff on your pal’s terms makes new objects suddenly pleasurable. As Emerson says, “The moment we indulge our affections, the each is metamorphosed”.

—Hanif Kureishi, Friends and Enemies, Substack, 13 de Setembro de 2023