Struggling to make real friends as an adult or build a lasting support system? In this episode, we explore 5 mindset shifts to deepen adult friendships and create true belonging.

Welcome to Friendship IRL, the podcast that explores how to create real, lasting friendships in adulthood. In this kickoff episode, host Alex Alexander shares her powerful story of building a support system through friendship—after growing up with limited family support and stepping into a caregiver role at just 13.

You’ll discover 5 powerful mindset shifts that can help you make friends as an adult, deepen existing relationships, and create a sense of belonging. Together, we’ll unpack why prioritizing friendship is countercultural, how to start being more emotionally honest, and what it really takes to build a support system when traditional family support isn't there.

If you’ve ever thought, *“Why is it so hard to make friends in your 30s?”* or *“I feel lonely but have people around me,”* this episode is your invitation to think differently about connection.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• Why friendship is essential (and countercultural) in adulthood
• What adult friendship can look like when it becomes your support system
• How to make space for vulnerability and redefine emotional support
• Why discomfort, rejection, and growth go hand-in-hand
• The truth about loneliness—even when you're not alone

Reflection Question:

Where does friendship stand on your hierarchy of importance?

Timestamps 

• 00:00 – Why I Started This Podcast on Friendship & Community
• 04:00 – Growing Up Lonely & Finding Refuge in Friendship
• 06:30 – Building a Support System Without Family
• 08:15 – What Real Adult Friendship Can Actually Look Like
• 10:00 – Why Friendship Deserves More Attention Than We Give It
• 13:00 – 5 Key Mindset Shifts to Strengthen Your Friendships
• 18:00 – Discomfort, Rejection, and the Path to Real Connection
• 20:00 – Let’s Start This Conversation Together

Key Quotes 

"You are worthy of having great people in your life." 
— Alex Alexander, 16:12

"When I say my friends are my support system, I mean it — I didn't grow up with strong family support, so I built my own community from scratch."
— Alex Alexander, 04:15

Resources & Links

Visit my website, leave me a voicemail, and follow me on Instagram! 

Want to take this conversation a step further? Send this episode to a friend. Tell them you found it interesting and use what we just talked about as a conversation starter the next time you and your friend hang out!