Have you ever left a catch-up with a friend feeling absolutely wiped? Like you need to sage your whole body or order $50 worth of KFC just to recover?

What happens when a long-term friendship becomes more exhausting than energizing?

In this episode, Fatuma tells a hilariously too-real story about explaining the concept of an “emotional drainer” to her six-year-old—which spirals into a deep, funny, and brutally honest reflection on long-term friendships, shifting dynamics, and the hard truth: maybe you’re the drainer all along.

Juliet brings those “ouch but true” insights we all need to hear and together, they unpack:

• How draining dynamics sneak into close friendships
• Emotional labor, ego, and when advice becomes control
• Why we sometimes hide our “messy” selves from old friends
• Rebuilding connection without repeating the past

Whether you’re navigating a friendship fallout or just feeling the weight of growing pains, this episode is a balm (with a side of shade).

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to rate & follow the show. DM us your own draining friendship stories @thedisappointingfriendpodcast on Instagram 💌