The Joy of Connections

“Dr. Ruth has done it again! If only I could give this book to my lonely twenty-something self.”—Judy Blume“The more I study happiness, the more I understand that strong relationships are key—perhaps the key—to living a happy life. To be happy, we need to feel like we belong, that we’re connected to others. This is exactly why we need Dr. Ruth’s new book. Her strategies are essential for building the kinds of bonds that will reduce loneliness and transform lives.”—Gretchen Rubin“Who better to take on the loneliness epidemic than the legend who helped us talk about sex without blushing. As Dr. Ruth knows, our needs go well beyond the bedroom. This is urgent work. We’re lucky to have her in the fight.”—Dan Harris“With her newest book, The Joy of Connections, my friend and honorary bubbe Dr. Ruth has brought her particular brand of expertise and insight to address the crisis of loneliness. She is as practical, savvy, enthusiastic, and tough as ever—all her best qualities—to help us all face the challenges of loneliness and improve our well-being.”—Nate Berkus“Dr. Ruth’s brilliance and insight into human behavior will continue to enlighten and support all those whose loneliness and isolation have been crippling.”—Vera Wang“I understand from my unique perch that Americans are suffering. We need help learning how to reconnect with each other. Dr. Ruth’s wisdom comes at just the right time.”—Sunny Hostin“Dr. Ruth brings her decades of therapeutic experience to offer a practical approach for building relationships. Her Menu for Connection is a how-to guide for anyone struggling with loneliness. If you have ever found yourself wondering, ‘How can I do this?,’ now you literally have 100 ways!”—Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, director of the Social Connection & Health Lab and lead scientific editor for the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on loneliness and isolation

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer broke stigmas for more than forty years, beginning in the 1980s with her nationally syndicated radio show Sexually Speaking. She authored or co-authored forty-six books on many topics and was named New York’s Ambassador to Loneliness, the first such position in the United States. A beloved therapist known to millions as “Dr. Ruth,” she passed away in July 2024.

Allison Gilbert is an Emmy Award–winning journalist and the author or co-author of numerous books.

Pierre Lehu collaborated with Dr. Ruth for four decades.

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