How to make friends as an adult, with therapist Leah Marone

In this episode of Most Self-Improved, hosts Erin Jensen and Bhavana Chilukuri chat with therapist Leah Marone all about adult friendships. Leah emphasizes our innate need for connection and the challenges of maintaining friendships as we age. If you’ve been sad about an evolving friendship, don’t worry. Grieving is totally normal, Leah says. And clear, proactive communication can help.This chat covers evolving expectations of friendships, loneliness, making new acquaintances later in life, and resolving conflicts in a healthy way. Tune in for an important conversation that will inspire you to take small, courageous steps in your social interactions. As Leah asks her clients, “What risk are you going to take this week?”In this episode:1:07 Meeting Leah Marone, the anxiety expert and former athlete who believes in getting in your emotional “reps” 2:12 The importance of friendship 3:18 Modern loneliness and connection6:26 Navigating friendships in adulthood: Grieving and communication9:31 How anxiety will fill the space of a changing friendship12:26 A good friend defined17:42 Balancing friendships and energy levels20:56 Maintaining long-distance friendships23:47 Resolving conflict with friends26:15 Handling defensive reactions28:27 When to end a friendship33:03 Making friends as an adult35:00 Taking risks to improve social connectionsMore:If you’d like to know more about Leah or her work, check out her website. Subscribe to Most Self-Improved and connect with us on Instagram.