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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