Frientimacy: Finding Our Way to More Fulfilling Friendships
Ever feel like friendships are too complicated, superficial, or disappointing? And yet you don’t want to swear them off completely because you also crave the feeling of having close, comfortable, and meaningful relationships? You’re not alone! In the first season of Frientimacy, social relationships expert Shasta Nelson goes behind the scenes of her own real-life friendships to unpack the challenges they’ve faced and how they overcame them to forge an even stronger bond. Because let’s face it—even the healthiest relationships encounter conflict! By shedding light on two sides of the story, Frientimacy can inspire and teach us how to navigate similar issues in our own friendships.
Shasta is the author of 3 books on adult friendships and social relationships, a popular resource for media such as the New York Times and the Today Show, and an in-demand keynote speaker. Now she’s getting vulnerable to reveal how even a social relationships expert can experience adversity in her friendships . . . and emerge with more meaningful connections. It may not always be easy navigating jealousy, busyness, hurt feelings, or different life stages, but sometimes it’s worth it, so listen in if you’re ready for more fulfilling friendships! To connect with Shasta on her other platforms, follow her on Instagram at @shastamnelson, or subscribe to her YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/c/shastanelson.
Frientimacy: Finding Our Way to More Fulfilling Friendships
The Friendship Where I Couldn't Live Up to Her Expectations (Daneen)
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Have you ever felt like you were always disappointing a friend or that you couldn't satisfy them? Or maybe you’re on the other side, feeling like your friends aren’t putting in the same level of effort as you? This was the problem Shasta and Daneen encountered. At the beginning of their friendship, Daneen initiated time with Shasta frequently, and Shasta started to feel like she couldn't give enough back. Then, after Daneen had a baby and asked her to be the godmother, Shasta felt guilty for not being able to live up to Daneen’s expectations of that role. Today, Shasta and Daneen delve into the conversation that set boundaries graciously and allowed Shasta the opportunity to not only meet Daneen’s expectations, but surpass them. They also talk the perks of having non-mom friends after you have kids and how to know if a friendship is worth saving.
In this episode, Shasta and Daneen answer the questions:
- How do you kindly set boundaries when you can’t meet a friend’s expectations?
- How does it feel to be the friend who needs more? How does it feel to be the friend who can’t give more?
- How do you know if a friendship is worth saving?
- How do you maintain friendships after having children, or when your friends have children?
- What are the benefits of having non-mom friends after having kids?
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Resource Links:
- Wall Street Journal: It Takes at Least 200 Hours to Make a Close Friendship, and More to Maintain It
- Take the Frientimacy quizzes: Positivity Quiz, Consistency Quiz, Vulnerability Quiz
- Learn more about the Frientimacy Triangle in Frientimacy: How to Deepen Friendships for Lifelong Health and Happiness
- More of Shasta’s books on belongingness and human connection:
Connect with Shasta on her other platforms: