If the food of friendship is time together, how do we make the time to ensure we're all fed? My friends and I have recently come across a way to keep each other close. It fits into our lifestyles despite busy schedules and a surfeit of children. We call it the 'kibbutz.'

In this quote, Nir Eyal explores the idea that friendship requires time and effort, much like food sustains our bodies. He uses the metaphor of the food of friendship to suggest that spending time together is essential for nurturing close relationships. Eyal then raises the question of how to ensure we can prioritize these moments of connection, especially when life becomes busy with responsibilities such as work and raising children. He introduces the concept of the "kibbutz," a term that refers to a communal way of living, as a creative solution to maintaining strong friendships despite the challenges of everyday life.

The origin of this quote comes from Eyal’s personal experience and his recognition of the importance of community and connection in modern life. In an age where people often struggle to balance personal relationships with the demands of work and family, Eyal and his friends developed the idea of the "kibbutz" as a practical way to stay connected. The term is borrowed from the Israeli communal living model, where people share resources and responsibilities, allowing them to prioritize collective well-being and support one another.

Eyal’s use of the term kibbutz in this context represents a structured, yet flexible, way of staying close to friends despite the constraints of time and busy schedules. By creating a system where they can regularly connect, whether physically or emotionally, Eyal and his friends ensure that their friendships remain strong and nourished, much like the nourishment provided by food. The "kibbutz" reflects the idea of intentional community-building and mutual care, offering a solution to the challenge of maintaining meaningful relationships in a fast-paced world.

Ultimately, Eyal’s quote emphasizes the importance of intentionality in maintaining friendships. Just as food sustains the body, time together sustains relationships. Through the concept of the "kibbutz," Eyal suggests that we can create systems within our lives that prioritize connection and mutual support, ensuring that even in the busiest times, we are all "fed" in terms of emotional fulfillment and shared experiences.