Are shared political beliefs an essential friendship foundation? Charlie Brinkhurst-Cuff explains why she's starting to think more intentionally about her friendships. 

Should we choose friends based on politics?

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If I have chosen my friends well, they represent how I choose to live in this world

You’ve got a finite amount of time… You want to spend it with people who make you feel good

The premise of this card game created by the model Koreen Odiney is basic: the cards contain questions for you to ask your friends as a way to deepen your relationship. But they’re beautifully designed and the questions are very thoughtful. <a href="https://www.werenotreallystrangers.com/products/friendship-edition" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">$20, werenotreallystrangers.com</a>

A fantastic, hilarious and heartbreaking play currently on at Lyric Hammersmith in London. Despite the name, it’s very different from Mean Girls the film, but it does explore friendship and the nuances of girl gangs, alongside colourism and beauty standards in 1980s Ghana. <a href="https://lyric.co.uk/shows/school-girls-or-the-african-mean-girls-play/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Until 22 July; from £10; lyric.co.uk</a>

Perhaps the quintessential friendship book of 2023, exploring the author and podcaster’s relationship to a cadre of friends across her life. It’s exposing, well-researched and relatable, especially for those of us who perhaps use friendship to prove to ourselves that we are likeable. <a href="https://uk.bookshop.org/a/4756/9780008374891" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">£16.99, Bookshop.org</a>

Friendship moments to watch, read or celebrate this month:

Stylist Daily

As I approach my 30s, I’m starting to think more intentionally about whether my friendships can help make the world a better place.

Should we choose our friends based on their politics?