A lot of us want direct beginnings and endings in friendship.

But the reality is, most of us are just riding a wave. We control our friendships less than we think we do, and life’s major transitions inevitably affect our relationships – sometimes causing these friendships to drift apart.

It’s important to remember these relationships – and how they existed during a period in our lives – will always be dear to us. Personally, I wish I could go back to when my friends lived 10 minutes away. But life changes, and dwelling on it doesn’t help me figure out the NOW.

This episode is Part 2 of my conversation with today’s guest, Kristian, who reached out to Friendship IRL after finding us on Apple Podcasts. Kristian is in her 20s, and today, we talk more about the relationship changes that happen during this age.

There is no exact answer on how to be a good friend as an adult. Your mid-20s represent a big transitional moment. But hopefully today’s discussion helps reframe how to approach these friendships – and takes some pressure off of them, too.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Musings about why romantic relationships might affect more female friendships than male friendships
• Getting together for “the deep stuff” vs. just getting together and doing things less emotionally intense – and why both are nice things to have in friendships
• How, with every new life stage, there are new people you’re putting more energy into and people you’re pivoting away from – which, of course, can hurt sometimes
• Drifting apart gradually vs. a big “friendship break-up,” and what to ask yourself when determining whether to put more energy into a friendship
• Friends who primarily prioritize their partners, and why talking about and prioritizing friendships is counter-cultural in so many circles
• How to use the business term MVP in looking at friendships 

Resources & Links

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