Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually Takes

How to Not Feel Neglected in Conversations with Friends (and Why Sometimes TMI is a Good Thing)


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It happens to all of us: you leave an interaction and realize the conversation was all about the other person. They didn’t ask a thing about you. 

Today’s episode is about feeling ignored in conversations with friends. In these situations, it’s easy to play the blame game, but the truth is, we are all responsible for our half of the connection.

What do you say when a friend asks how you’re doing? Do you say “good” or “fine?” Or do you give an honest answer? How hard do we expect friends to work to extract information from us? 

Here’s my challenge to you: in your next hangout, don’t deflect a question. Throw something out there you’ve never shared before. These details enrich relationships. Remember, your friends want to know you. Trust this, and take up a little space.


In this episode you’ll hear about:

  • Why sharing the silly details matter: they help open up conversations and allow your friends to know you better
  • The importance of BOTH parties in the relationship contributing to a conversation; don’t deflect questions or give generic answers!
  • Common concerns about not wanting to dominate the conversation (or share TOO much information)
  • How I navigate not feeling left out when I’m in a conversation with people who share common interests with each other (but not with me)


Resources & Links

Listen to Episode 12 about emotional intimacy roots.

Like what you hear? Visit my website, leave me a voicemail, and follow me on Instagram and TikTok!

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!


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Friendship IRL: Real Talk About Friendship, Community, and What It Actually TakesBy Alex Alexander

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