Making Friends as a Grown Up with Kristen Strong

Show Notes: Making Friends as a Grown UpOld School with Michele Vrabel featuring Kristen StrongIn this episode of Old School with Michele Vrabel, Michele sits down with Kristen Strong, author of Desperate Woman Seeks Friends, to discuss the challenges and joys of building meaningful friendships, especially later in life. Kristen shares her personal journey as a military spouse, moving from Oklahoma to various locations, and the lessons she learned about forming connections in new environments. Michele and Kristen explore the emotional complexities of friendship, including rejection, vulnerability, and the importance of intentionality. They also discuss practical tips for making friends and the spiritual perspective of trusting God’s plan in relationships.Key Topics DiscussedKristen’s background as an Air Force wife and her transition from Oklahoma to OhioThe challenges of making friends in new places, especially as an adultOvercoming rejection and managing expectations in friendshipsThe importance of showing up, opening up, and praying up to build connectionsThe value of vulnerability and deeper relationships over shallow acquaintancesPractical tips for fostering friendships, such as inviting people into your homeThe role of faith in navigating loneliness and finding meaningful relationshipsGuest BioKristen Strong is the author of Desperate Woman Seeks Friends, a book inspired by her experiences as a military spouse navigating the challenges of forming friendships in new places. Originally from Oklahoma, Kristen now lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado, with her husband, a retired Air Force officer. Through her writing and speaking, she encourages women to pursue authentic connections and trust God’s guidance in their relationships.Episode HighlightsKristen shares how her upbringing in a close-knit Oklahoma community contrasted with the isolation she felt after moving to Ohio as a newlywed.Michele reflects on her own experiences with rejection and the difficulty of making friends after her divorce.Kristen introduces her three key principles for making friends: Show Up, Open Up, and Pray Up.The conversation touches on the emotional intelligence required to handle rejection and the importance of not taking it personally.Kristen emphasizes the value of inviting people into your home to foster deeper connections, even with simple gatherings.Both women discuss the spiritual aspect of friendship, trusting God to guide them toward the right relationships.Quotes“Making friends is hard because it’s hard, not because there’s anything wrong with me.” — Kristen Strong“Sometimes rejection is God’s protection against what’s not in your best interest.” — Kristen Strong, quoting her friend Selena“Expectations kill relationships.” — Kristen Strong, referencing Ann Voskamp“I want to be what the Lord wants me to be for others and vice versa.” — Michele VrabelResources MentionedDesperate Woman Seeks Friends by Kristen StrongHow to Get a Date Worth Keeping by Dr. Henry CloudMade for Friendship by Drew HunterThe Forge (movie referenced by Michele Vrabel)KeywordsFriendshipRejectionVulnerabilityMilitary spouseIntentionalityLonelinessFaithRelationshipsCommunityEmotional intelligenceChapters00:00 - 01:16 Introduction and Setting the Stage01:16 - 06:11 Kristen’s Journey: From Oklahoma to Military Life06:11 - 09:57 Michele’s Story: Navigating Friendship After Divorce09:57 - 15:34 Practical Tips for Making Friends: Show Up, Open Up, Pray Up15:34 - 23:54 Handling Rejection and Managing Expectations23:54 - 29:15 The Impact of Social Media and Insecurities on Friendships29:15 - 36:54 Top Three Takeaways for Building Meaningful Friendships36:54 - 41:54 The Spiritual Side of Friendship and Final Nuggets of WisdomConnect with Kristen:www.kristenstrong.comIG:  @kristenstrongFB:  Kristen Strong – Chasing Blue Skies