How to make friends as an adult, with therapist Leah Marone

In this episode of Most Self-Improved, hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri chat with therapist Leah Marone all about adult friendships. 

Leah emphasizes our innate need for connection and the challenges of maintaining friendships as we age. If you’ve been sad about an evolving friendship, don’t worry. Grieving is totally normal, Leah says. And clear, proactive communication can help.

This chat covers evolving expectations of friendships, loneliness, making new acquaintances later in life, and resolving conflicts in a healthy way. 

Tune in for an important conversation that will inspire you to take small, courageous steps in your social interactions. As Leah asks her clients, “What risk are you going to take this week?”

In this episode:

1:07 Meeting Leah Marone, the anxiety expert and former athlete who believes in getting in your emotional “reps” 

2:12 The importance of friendship 

3:18 Modern loneliness and connection

6:26 Navigating friendships in adulthood: Grieving and communication

9:31 How anxiety will fill the space of a changing friendship

12:26 A good friend defined

17:42 Balancing friendships and energy levels

20:56 Maintaining long-distance friendships

23:47 Resolving conflict with friends

26:15 Handling defensive reactions

28:27 When to end a friendship

33:03 Making friends as an adult

35:00 Taking risks to improve social connections

More:

If you’d like to know more about Leah or her work, check out her website. 

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