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In this week's episode, Monique welcomes Danielle Bayard Jackson, a relational health educator, to discuss the complexities of female friendships, particularly for ambitious women of color.
Throughout the conversation, they unpack the three affinities that strengthen female friendships: symmetry, support, and secrecy. Danielle emphasizes the importance of reciprocity and vulnerability, encouraging listeners to embrace their needs and foster deeper connections. Monique and Danielle also address the impact of competition within friendships and how it can create barriers to intimacy.
If you are an ambitious woman feeling isolated in your friendships, press play to discover how to cultivate deeper connections and break the cycle of loneliness.
GUEST INFO
Danielle Bayard Jackson, Women’s Relational Health Educator and Director of the Women’s Relational Health Institute | Website | Book | Podcast | TikTok | Instagram
GEMS DROPPED
“I think a lot of people would be surprised to know that most of the women I work with are high achieving women. They're not women who don't have social skills or don't know how to have a conversation. These are women who are charismatic, who are extroverted. They have no shortage of social connections, but it's just that they feel so deeply unsatisfied with the connections they have. And of course, this is something that they are harboring secretly because to publicly announce that you are having challenges with what other people think should come so naturally bring some sort of shame. And it also detracts from this image of self-sufficiency that an ambitious woman would like to project.” - Danielle Bayard Jackson
“On one hand, you feel the weight of the expectations that we place on each other. But on the other hand, it's like, yes. And it's partially for really good reason, because there's so much available when we can reach that depth with one another and then navigate the times where inevitably conflict strikes.“ - Monique R. Shields
“There are so many things I think we overlook when it comes to building close relationships. I think we think of sharing secrets and being vulnerable. And that's all true, but it's other surprising things, like navigating healthy conflicts or receiving help. The research finds that that's a prerequisite to platonic intimacy.” - Danielle Bayard Jackson
“You do have to shift your beliefs to shift your behaviors. And if you can get yourself into this practice of checking in on your values. We can all recall a time where we had the good feels for being able to show up for somebody else, and it is robbing your friends of that experience. It's a gift to let somebody give to you.” - Monique R. Shields
STAY IN TOUCH
Come and follow me on Instagram @moniquershields and I would love your feedback so send an email to ambition@moniquershields.com.
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