The Company We Keep

From New York Times bestselling author Alexandra Elle comes a vulnerable exploration of the friendships that shape us, stretch us, and sometimes wound us

The Company We Keep is a call to reflection and action, offering readers permission to evolve in their friendships—and reminding us that the people we surround ourselves with are not only mirrors, but key companions on the lifelong journey of healing, self-trust, and belonging. Elle shares her unflinching journey of learning to stop abandoning herself in the name of loyalty, to take ownership of the energy she brought into relationships, and to tell the truth—even when it cost her comfort.

This book invites readers to get radically honest about the friendships they nurture and the ones they outgrow, offering hard-won wisdom on:

• Recognizing when people-pleasing and self-silencing have become a pattern.
• Understanding that honesty—while sometimes painful—is a bridge to real intimacy or necessary endings.
• Taking full responsibility for how we show up in our friendships and communities.
• Let go of the belief that we earn love by shrinking ourselves.

The Company We Keep is not just about nurturing our most meaningful friendships—it’s about becoming a better friend to ourselves first.

Alexandra Elle is a writer, certified Breathwork coach, and restorative writing teacher. In her work, Alex aims to build community and healing practices through language. She is the author of several books and journals, including, most recently, How We Heal and After the Rain. She has been featured by prominent media outlets such as The New York Times, NPR, Good Morning America, ABC News, Essence, The Cut, MindBodyGreen, BET, and Forbes, among others. Alex teaches workshops, courses, and retreats to assist others in finding their voices and create clarity in their lives and relationships. She lives in Maryland with her family.

• Publisher: Tarcher
  
• Publish Date: May 05, 2026
  
• Pages: 256
  
• Language: English
  
• Type: Hardback
  
• EAN/UPC: 9780593855430
  
• Dimensions: 8.0 X 6.0 X 0.6 inches | 1.1 pounds
  
• BISAC Categories: Self-Help, Family & Parenting