She developed the term co-rumination to describe the repetitive, extensive discussion of personal problems between two close friends, an intimate and intense form of disclosure, often about negative feelings. The clear upside I experienced with my best friend was borne out in Rose’s research. Friends experienced these conversations as increasing their feelings of closeness and satisfaction with their friendship.7 On the other hand, co-rumination also led to increased symptoms of depression and anxiety. Support that involves talking about problems extensively may have a negative effect on
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