248 | Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Why Adult Friendships Are Hard and How to Overcome the Struggle w/Author Kristen Strong

Motherhood is full of joy, but it can also be incredibly isolating. In this heartfelt conversation, Jenilee Samuel and author Kristen Strong dive deep into the challenges of adult friendships—especially for mothers who often feel lonely and disconnected. Kristen shares practical advice from her book, In Desperate Woman Seeks Friends, helping women build lasting, meaningful friendships despite life’s complexities.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re giving everything to your family and have nothing left to offer your friends—or if you’ve struggled to find real, supportive connections—you’re not alone. Kristen and Jenilee tackle the pain points of friendship in this episode, offering real solutions to help you build a supportive community that uplifts you as much as you uplift others.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why many mothers feel isolated, especially in the postpartum season.

• How to intentionally nurture friendships, just like any other important relationship.

• The power of vulnerability in forming deep, lasting connections.

• How to balance the demands of family with maintaining meaningful friendships.

• Why church and serving others can be powerful pathways to connection.

• How to set healthy boundaries in friendships and recognize when they’ve become one-sided.

• Why faith plays a crucial role in strengthening relationships with friends.

Kristen’s personal journey and wisdom will encourage you to embrace vulnerability, set boundaries, and prioritize your friendships—without guilt. Whether you’re navigating mom guilt, postpartum loneliness, or just the challenge of making time for friends, this episode has the tools you need to cultivate the authentic, meaningful friendships you deserve.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 - The Importance of Friendship in Motherhood

• 02:53 - Kristen Strong's Journey and Insights

• 04:55 - Challenges of Making Friends as Adults

• 08:06 - The Role of Vulnerability in Friendships

• 10:49 - Navigating One-Sided Friendships

• 13:47 - The Impact of Church on Friendships

• 16:14 - Research Findings on Friendship Dynamics

• 16:29 - Serving as a Pathway to Friendship

• 20:20 - Small Gestures, Big Impact

• 21:58 - Cultivating Meaningful Friendships

• 24:02 - The Importance of Showing Up

• 26:21 - Navigating Mom Guilt

• 29:39 - Overcoming Social Barriers

• 33:37 - The Heart Behind Friendship

• 37:16 - Friendship for All Seasons

Join the conversation and learn how to break through the loneliness of motherhood by creating friendships that bring joy, support, and balance into your life. You don’t have to do it alone.

Hit play to listen now!

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