6. Outgrowing You Feels Rude (But Here We Are)

This week, Stefanie Michele (coach + somatic practitioner) and Sarah Dosanjh (psychotherapist + author) explore the tender, often confusing territory of outgrowing friendships—and why it can feel more complicated than a breakup. They unpack what it's like to feel the slow drift, the quiet mismatch, or the emotional flatness in relationships that once felt vital. When values change, life phases shift, or emotional reciprocity feels lopsided, it's hard to know whether to let go, hang on, or renegotiate the dynamic. The episode weaves in personal stories, including reflections on feeling loyal to people we've quietly drifted from, and how we now values friendships more by emotional return than shared history...but only sometimes? They also discuss the subtle grief of friendship breakups—the kind that don't get a ritual or a goodbye, just a slow fade. And they look at the tension of trying to grow while staying connected to people who don't necessarily grow in the same direction. This is a conversation about emotional nuance. About boundaries that aren't rigid, but real. About letting people be who they are while also choosing who gets to be close. If you've ever wondered whether it's okay to outgrow someone—or if you've stayed in a friendship out of obligation, guilt, or nostalgia—this one's for you.   02:47 Main Topic: Outgrowing Friendships 11:01 Hypothetical Scenarios and Personal Experiences 16:05 Navigating Difficult Friendships 20:26 Boundaries and People-Pleasing 24:33 Influence of Close Relationships 26:47 Changing Voices and Influences 27:20 Toxic Positivity and Choosing Influences 28:04 Friendships and Emotional Connections 28:59 Navigating Adult Friendships 31:21 Healthy Boundaries in Friendships 31:55 Friendship Dynamics and Evolution 42:06 Grieving Friendship Loss 50:18 Reflections and Closing Thoughts Love the episode? Leave us a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform — it helps more than you'd think (and yes, we actually read them). Not sure what to write? You can literally just copy and paste this: BEST PODCAST EVER — A UNIQUE REVIEW We won't argue with you. More About Stefanie Michele: Instagram Substack Website: Work With Me Wednesday Emails More About Sarah Dosanjh: YouTube Instagram Website Book: I Can't Stop Eating