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

Realizing It’s Just Not the Same Anymore With Sarah Marie Paige


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Have you ever gone back to an old friend, only to realize it’s not the same as it was?

This is the experience of today’s guest, Sarah Marie Paige, who in this episode shares about her amazing high school friend group – a group she assumed she’d be able to re-enter without a hitch post law school.

Instead, she learned they couldn’t actually pick up where they left off. Just like with plants, if you don’t water your friendships, they don’t continue to live. So, Sarah created a new community, one that supports her new lifestyle as a lawyer and fantasy writer.

I hope this episode makes those who’ve experienced this phenomenon feel less alone and realize that there are options – you can try to start over with these old friendships, or, like Sarah, you can put your energy elsewhere to build what you need.


In this episode you’ll hear about:

  • Sarah’s high school friends, who kept in touch post graduation via blog for several years but eventually lost touch
  • Grieving the loss of old friendships, which change as we grow older, and the crossroads ahead: do you start over with them or find new friends?
  • Sarah’s life as a fantasy writer, and her books, each of which is a kind of love letter to a specific friend – plus,  how she met new friends who support this passion
  • The importance of having a WHY when it comes to community – why are you bringing these people together? What is your shared purpose?


Resources & Links:

Sarah is a fantasy author! Check out her books on her website!

Go back to Episode 12 and learn about my theory about the Roots Framework.

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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