Friend Forward

By now, you're familiar with the idea of the "strong friend". Whether YOU are this person or you have this person in your friend group, it's important to know ways to take some of pressure off. In today's episode, we'll explore ways to identify the "strong friend", reasons she doesn't ask for help, and tangible ways to show her support. For one-on-one insight, schedule your coaching session today at betterfemalefriendships.com/services

You want to make new connections, but there are EIGHT sneaky habits that you may have that might be sabotaging your attempts. In this week's episode, we highlight a few common mistakes that we unknowingly make that send the message, "NOT INTERESTED" whenever we're in public-- and then we'll show you how to make it right. If you're looking for more in-depth support for making (and keeping!) friends, join our 8-week program "Friendship Elevated" before the price increases on October 1. See you at BETTERFEMALEFRIENDSHIPS.COM/MEMBERSHIP

Why do we choose to maintain friendships that feel like an obligation? In this week's episode we'll cover the definition of an obligatory friend, the top 5 reasons we are scared to end things, and how you can end the friendship with grace and compassion. To join our 8-week Friendship Elevated program, visit betterfemalefriendships.com/membership.

We asked 400 women if they've ever felt lonely EVEN THOUGH they have friends. You'd be surprised by the percentage of woman who said "yes". This week, we're sharing the top 5 reasons they reported for why they feel this way, along with tangible solutions for each one. For more information on how to create better female friendships, join our exclusive 8-week program, Friendship Elevated, which includes weekly videos AND FOUR COACHING CALLS! Visit for more details. betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

A new survey reveals that 40& of Americans self-report NOT having a best friend. But is that abnormal? Should women aspire to have a "bestie"? On this week's episode, Danielle breaks down what a best friend is, gives two warnings to women who DO have a BFF, and offers 3 tips for women who DON'T have one-- all of this answering that one pressing question: do you really NEED a best friend? More resources (and coaching one-on-ones!) at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership and follow Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson

She's been on your mind for a while now, but you're not sure if you should reach out to her. When a friendship ends, it's natural to think about whether it's worth rekindling things after some time has passed. So today Danielle is offering three questions for you to consider before you send that text. To book your one-on-one session, visit betterfemalefriendships.com/services, and to get even MORE value, consider joining our private 8-week program to get everything you need to master friendships in 60 days or less at betterfemalefriendships.com/membership.

Even if you are NOT a college student, you'll find value in this.... Over the past three weeks, we've received several messages from young women headed to college who want to know how to make friends. We are outlining 5 strategies to help you begin connecting with other women on campus that could potentially lead to more meaningful friendships. To make the most of your first semester follow these tips. And if you are looking for MORE support, book your one-on-one session at betterfemalefriendships.com/services for a little facetime with Danielle that could completely transform the current state of your friendships.

We've helped you through some of your biggest friendship dilemmas every week for the past few months, but it's time we take a break. Season three launches at the end of August, but you can get your "friendship fix" while we're away. In this final season 2 episode, Danielle breaks down three ways to stay in touch this summer. Learn more at Betterfemalefriendships.com

Feeling a little anxious about socializing with new people (and reuniting with former friends)post-pandemic? Dr. Ellen Hendriksen is a clinical psychologist who helps millions of people learn to manage their anxiety (and she's been featured in some of your favorite publications like The New York Times, BBC News, O Magazine, and Psychology Today!). Today she's sharing a few tips to help you manage your fears about "getting back out there". Whether you've always struggled with social anxiety or if it's a relatively new challenge for you, Dr. Hendriksen's conversation with our resident friendship coach, Danielle Bayard Jackson, is sure to get you through it.

You've been going back and forth about whether to end a friendship, and every time you ask others for advice it seems to go nowhere. Today Danielle walks you through 8 unequivocal signs that it might be time to finally let go and get the peace you've been searching for. If you're looking for support as you make this tough decision, message us on Instagram at @friendforward or join our exclusive program Friendship Elevated at BetterFemaleFriendships.com/membership

While friend trios are filled with love and support, they can also be really tricky to navigate. Sometimes they might even have you wondering, "Is it just better to be in a friend group of two? Are friendship threesomes just too complicated to work?" Today we're outlining 1. what new research reveals about the most common friend group number 2. the benefits of three-way friendships and 3. what three things need to be in place in order for three-way friendships to be successful. So if you desire to be in a friend group (or if you're in one and need a little help to keep it strong), this episode is for you. After listening, visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership.

Many women believe that-- because of their age or life stage-- it's too late for them to form new meaningful friendships. But that's simply not true. Today Danielle outlines three truths for you to hold onto the next time you find yourself believing the lie that your time has passed. To be one the first to learn the details for our new TRANSFORMATIONAL 6-week friendship program, visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com and subscribe to our email list today.

Sometimes you can't help but "feel some kinda way" when your bestie begins getting close to someone new. How do you manage your feelings of jealousy? Today Danielle will outline the 5 toxic responses we tend to have when our bestie makes a new friend, how to "overwrite" those thoughts with healthy ones, the do's and don'ts of responding to her new friendship, and three signs the new friendship might be an actual problem. If you're struggling with this issue and looking for one-on-one coaching, visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com

Friendship apps are becoming increasingly popular, so we invited Dana Hamilton-- an "anti-diet dating coach", writer, and ACTUAL dating app expert-- to teach you ACTIONABLE tips for using apps like Bumble BFF to find female friends. In this week's episode you'll learn why women are flocking to technology for friendship, the 2 words you should avoid using in your profile bio, and how to take a connection from superficial banter to a real potential friendship. To apply these tips to YOUR profile, visit Betterfemalefriendships.com to download the friendship app checklist.

Jen Glantz is a writer and was one of my earlier coaching clients. She wrote a piece on me for NBC News titled "I hired a friendship coach. Here's what happened." and today I catch up with her about her experience. We also talk about her business which is called "Bridesmaid for Hire", where women pay her to be in their bridal party. She talks to me about the tender friendship issues women confess to her on their wedding day and the anxiety around selecting friends for your bridal party. To consider a friendship coach (or learn more about Jen!) visit Betterfemalefriendships.com

Why do some people think "ghosting" is fine while others see it as completely unacceptable means of ending a friendship? The reason might surprise you. Today's episode is a little different, as Danielle walks you through a study that explains why some people are more prone to "ghost" than others. After listening, we encourage you to join our new private Facebook group, "The Friend Forward Podcast After Party", to share your "aha" moments. And remember, for the next two weeks, you can book a one-on-one session with Danielle to work through your biggest issues with personal insight from a professional. We got you! Visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com

For the past 6 weeks, we've been speaking to women across the country about what they fear most about entering a post-pandemic world when it comes to their friendships. As we studied their responses, there were a few clear themes that emerged. This week we're counting down (TRL-style) the top 7 fears women have about how to create and maintain friendships as the world begins to open up.   We close the episode with a BIG announcement, so be sure to listen until the very end.   In the meantime, subscribe to our email list to get first dibs at www.betterfemalefriendships.com

If you have a friend who's always late, this episode is for you. Today, Danielle is giving you 4 strategies to use to get your late friends to arrive on time, and trust us-- they work! And for those listeners who are guilty of being tardy to the party, don't worry-- the episode closes with 2 ways that you can get it together. If you're looking for one-on-one support in your ongoing journey toward better female friendships, visit us today at Betterfemalefriendships.com.

When you look around at your friend group, you realize that you might be the "back-up friend", the one who's second choice-- an afterthought. But how do you stop feeling like you're not priority? In this week's episode we're looking at signs to know you're the back-up friend, how to know whether you're intentionally being mistreated or if it's "perceived rejection", and finally, we'll look at ways you can regain control. If after this episode you're looking for more one-on-one help, consider booking a one-on-one coaching sessions at betterfemalefriendships.com.

Your friends come to you when they need advice, and while you're flattered that they trust you with their troubles, you're beginning to feel burned out. In today's episode, we outline the pros and cons of being the "therapist friend", the three things that should always be included in a request for help from a friend, and two ways to gracefully exit a conversation that's overwhelming you. As always, if you're looking for personal support with this issue, you can join our group coaching membership by searching "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps.

We know that vulnerability is important, but in our attempt to experience closeness with our friends, some of us may be going about things all wrong. This week, I speak with Dr. Marisa G. Franco-- a psychologist who specializes in friendship-- about what vulnerability really means, the misconceptions we have about how to practice it, and how to know when it's not genuine. To sign up for Dr. Franco's amazing research-packed newsletter, visit https://drmarisagfranco.com/ And to view the video of the entire UNEDITED interview (along with an action-step guide to start practicing vulnerability TODAY), join our private Friend Forward group coaching membership by searching "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps.

You're at brunch when the ladies at your table begin to gossip, and you're not sure how to shut it down. Today we're talking about the REAL definition of gossip, why women engage in it, and two things you can say if you ever need to shut it down. While we provide 2 script responses in the show, the full list of gossip-stopping responses is housed in our private membership where you can pay as little as $5/week to get access to scripts, lessons, virtual events, and calls with Danielle! Cancel any time. Search "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps to become a member today. Looking for a little one-on-one attention? Book your friendship coaching session with Danielle and receive one month of free membership. www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

How do we show up for friends with anxiety? And for those of us who struggle with the disorder, how can we help our friends understand what we need? Today we interview Dr. Lisa Martin --from HealwithDrLisa.com-- as she walks us through what anxiety is, how it impacts our friendships, and the things we can do to foster more understanding. If you are looking for community as you work through this, consider becoming a member of our group coaching program. Search "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps, and join today.

This week, we're practicing a little self-awareness as we review the 13 traits of a "good friend". I'm sharing Dr. Suzanne Deggges-White's list of essential qualities along with a series of questions I've created to walk you through each one. And if you want to follow along, download the list of traits at www.betterfemalefriendships.com.

You hate to admit it, but you could really use a little help right now. How do you ask your friends for support without feeling like you're intruding or feeling like you're exposing your weaknesses? Today we're addressing the mindsets that hold us back from getting the support we need, and then we offer a few ways to build your "ask" the right way. NEW: If you want to talk about this episode with other listeners, join our new Discord channel. Download the Discord app and then email our team at [email protected] with the subject "Discord Invite" and we'll get you all set up. To book a private coaching session with Danielle, visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com and follow us on Instagram @friendforward.

In this week's episode, we break from our normal format to pass the mic to our listeners. Today we share several stories from women-- who do and DON'T have children-- to speak on the ways in which motherhood caused shifts in their female friendships. And at the end of the episode, Danielle shares a recording from a conversation with one of her friends on the subject. If you are getting more intentional about creating stronger female friendships but don't know where to start, considering joining our private group coaching membership by visiting www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership and get connected today. You should also follow along with us on Instagram @friendforward or TikTok @thefriendshipexpert

You can't help but notice that you weren't invited... again. But how are you supposed to respond? Today I'm walking you through the ABC's of managing your feelings around rejection, and I'm sharing excerpts from a recent conversation with my Instagram friend Noelle Rhodes, host of Friending, a hilarious podcast about female friendship. In this episode, you'll learn: 1. the 3 reasons friends often leave us out 2. how we sometimes contribute to not being invited 3. how to call it out 4. how to define your desires 5. how to move forward Get more friendship insights from Noelle Rhodes at https://www.noelleprhodes.com/friending or follow her on Instagram @yourfriendnoelle... Then join our Friend Forward community at www.betterfemalefriendships.com

In today's episode, we chat with Dr. Christina Marie Douyon about our expectations for platonic love in comparison to romantic love, and the ripple effects of how we prioritize each kind of relationship. During this conversation, we'll address: 1. how people define "friend" differently 2. the role our culture plays in how we value female friendships 3. whether or not the phrase "best friend" is problematic 4. why some women may NEED their friendships to be conflict-free 5. ways that you can determine if your friendships are "growth-fostering" relationships To learn more about Dr. Douyon and her work, visit facerace.org or follow her on Instagram at @christina.marie.douyon. And if you're ready to deepen your friendships TODAY, join our group coaching program by searching "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps.

You have friendships you enjoy, but secretly you're craving a little more depth. But how do you create more closeness? Today we're outlining the 5-step process to deeper friendships, and then we're equipping you with 5 prompts that you can use RIGHT NOW on your journey toward better female friendships. If you want to join our community, visit us at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership If you're ready to book Danielle for your upcoming event, visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/about

Today we're talking about 1. the alternatives to ending a friendship 2. the one thing you have to do BEFORE you decide to end things and 3. how to end a friendship with grace. After you listen, join the Friend Forward membership to support you every time these tricky friendship issues arise so you can get the clarity and community you need to help you through it.

Danielle gives a "behind-the-scenes" look at her recent viral TikTok video, and she unpacks 1. What the more than 6,000 comments real about the state of female friendships and 2. Why the video is so popular. As you listen, be sure to check out the video yourself on TikTok by following Danielle @thefriendshipexpert, and then join our community  on Instagram @friendforward. Wanna join our exclusive membership? Search "Friend Forward" wherever you buy apps and subscribe today. (Price: $5/week for coaching, community, private events, book clubs, and more). POWERED BY: www.betterfemalefriendships.com

As we wrap season 1, we reflect on all that's happened since we first launched the podcast: features in national media outlets like NBC News and Psychology Today; having NYTimes Bestselling authors on the show as our guests; launching an exclusive friendship app-- it's all happening so fast! To give ourselves a chance to take it all in, we're wrapping season 1 and planning for season 2 in early 2021. Thank you for being a part of the Friend Forward family and joining us in our ongoing mission toward better. female. friendships. In the meantime, join our exclusive membership right now! www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU DON'T MISS THE FIRST EPISODE of OUR RETURN. See you soon!

Girl, that friendship ended two years ago, but you're still not over it. While grieving an old friend is normal, there are likely three things you're doing that are getting in the way of your ability to move forward. In this week's episode, we're walking you through the three reasons you're still not over your friendship break-up. If you like what you hear and ready for the next level of getting your friendships in order, join our membership waitlist at www.betterfemalefriendships.com

Friendships can be complicated, but there are 5 new apps that have emerged to help get us through it. Today I'm giving my unfiltered opinion on a few apps that are growing in popularity to let you know my thoughts on the ways they help (and the ways they don't) when it comes to creating and sustaining strong female friendships. Be sure to let me know YOUR opinion of these apps on Instagram by following us at @friendforward. Don't forget to join the waitlist for our membership! Go to www.betterfemalefriendships.com TODAY and join right now.

You’ve been in the house for months, but now you’re itching to get back to hanging with your friends. But how do you navigate the uncertainty about staying safe, the judgment about returning outside, and the tension among friends who have varying levels of comfort with socializing during a pandemic? This week, I'm chatting with Michelle Sprott of Brunchista, because she's the ultimate social butterfly. Before COVID the Brunchista brand was about bringing women together not just for brunch, but to intentionally set aside time to connect. And now she’s showing us how remain social butterflies when we’ve got to be more careful than ever before-- and then I'll explain how to manage expectations when you and your friends have different boundaries. And hey, whether you've decided to stay inside or venture out (wear your mask!), be sure to join our Friend Forward Membership Waitlist (it's the last week!). And then, come say hi to me over on Instagram. Can't wait to chat!

This week I've tossed out my notecards and I'm having an open conversation with Bailey T. Hurley-- writer/ speaker/ fellow friendship enthusiast-- about online friendships. We'll share our opinions on whether or not they count as "real" friendships, we'll talk about ways to take them to the next level, and we even share embarrassing moments of getting rejected by women we've reached out to. We used to say "we met in grade school!" Now we say, "We met online-- and we've never even seen each other in real life!" Because we live in an increasingly technological world, we're forming and maintaining more of our friendships online. But do online friendships count? Follow Bailey on Instagram, and then join the NEW Friend Forward Membership waitlist at www.betterfemalefriendships.com.

How do you respond to a friend who's jealous of you? And how do you know if it's even jealousy at all? In today's episode, Danielle's responding to a listener question, and breaking down: 1. The difference between jealousy and envy2. The one thing women get wrong about "the jealous friend"3. Signs your friend may be experiencing jealousy4. How to address the elephant in the room ( and when it's time to let go)The exclusive "Friend Forward Membership" launches on October 14, and to create a highly personalized experience, spaces are limited! Join the waitlist by visiting betterfemalefriendships.com. We can't wait to see you over there.

Most of the disappointment we experience in our friendships is due to unmet expectations. And if we're looking to create and sustain meaningful female friendships, it may be worth it to spend a little time examining what it is we actually require of our friends (and from friendship overall). I recently posted a question on my Instagram page that resulted in nearly 100 messages. I asked women, "What's your one non-negotiable expectation in friendship?" The range of responses was so interesting, so we're addressing it in this week's podcast episode. If after listening you're looking for extended support, send me an email at [email protected] to book your one-on-one coaching session today. Give it a Rest is now "FRIEND FORWARD"! Read all about us here: www.betterfemalefriendships.com

What were your friendships like when you were ten? Is it possible that the way you interacted with other girls in the 5th grade is still impacting you now? In this episode, I chat with children's book author Rachel Fisher who wrote "Backyard Girls Club" to help young girls learn how to navigate the complexities of friendship. We discuss the conversations she's having with young girls (and their moms!), and how there's a direct connection to the struggles Millennial women are facing today. Get ready to unpack some of your childhood issues because today, we're going there! To buy "Backyard Girls Club" for the young women in your life, visit Amazon and be sure to follow Rachel on Instagram. And if this episode hit you harder than you expected and you want to unpack it with someone trained to listen, book a friendship coaching session with me at Betterfemalefriendships.com

It’s tempting to get so caught up in our work and our and kids that we begin to push our female friendships to the margins of life. But what is the cost of failing to prioritize friendship? If after listening to today’s episode you want to further explore ways to nurture your relationships with other women, book your coaching session at BetterFemaleFriendships.com.

Today's episode is in response to a listener's question about her husband's ongoing disapproval of one of her friendships. How are you supposed to manage when you feel stuck in the middle? I'll explain the ways everyone involved has a role to play, and I'm even including comments I received on my Instagram page when I posted about this "Dear Abby" moment. If you're struggling in your female friendships. submit your question to me on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson or visit us at BetterFemaleFriendships.com.

This week is for our audio book lovers! We're doing something a little different: On this episode I'm sharing chapter 1 from my book "Give it a Rest: The Case for Tough-Love Friendships". Why now? Quarantine has many of us reflecting on the state of our friendships, and this book helps us to begin finding the courage (and learning the strategies) necessary to show up boldly in our friendships. If you like what you hear, purchase your copy on Amazon. And if you're one of the many women who's already read the book, be sure to leave a review! For more friendship advice, visit BetterFemaleFriendships.com.

The year 2020 is bringing up a lot of issues that are making us see our friends differently. Once you discover that you and your friend view the world differently, can the friendship survive? In this episode, I'm sharing the 2 questions you have to ask yourself to know if it's time to walk away. If you're looking for more personalized support, visit BetterFemaleFriendships.com to book a coaching session today.

It's been days since you texted your friend Christina, and she still hasn't gotten back to you. What are you supposed to say? (And what should you do if you're typically the "Christina" in this situation?) Today we're talking about "bad texters" and the surprising ways this bad habit can put a strain on your friendships. If this episode resonates with you, let us know by sending us a message at [email protected]. We'll be rooting for you! Visit us NOW at BetterFemaleFriendships.com

While meaningful friendships take time to cultivate, there are a few things you can do during the first interaction with someone to expedite the process. This week I'm outlining 6 things you can do to make women immediately say, "Hey, I think I like her." If after listening to this episode, you are looking for one-on-one help with this skill, reach out to us at BetterFemaleFriendships.com, and if this kind of things makes you nervous because you think you're too socially awkward to see it through, read our latest feature in INSIDER!

When it comes to establishing boundaries, there's a lot to consider. We don't want to be seen as uptight, but we also value a certain level of protection and self-preservation in our friendships.In today's episode, I will: Answer a reader-submitted question from my Instagram DMs Talk about the thing that makes boundaries so tricky Give you a script for what to say when a friend crosses the line (Kind of) reveal my one off-limits topic in for friends If this episode hits close to home and you want to chat one-on-one, visit us at www.giveitarestmovement to schedule a friendship coaching session today.

They're calling us the "Loneliness Generation", and there's good reason for it. But when everyone's ashamed to admit they feel a little lonely, it's hard to have an honest conversation about it. In today's episode, I'm sharing: 5 reasons why Millennial women are hit the hardest 3 ways to feel less lonely 1 new mentality you need to adopt how your fear of loneliness is keeping you in unhealthy friendships If you are looking for personal support after listening to this episode, visit us at www.giveitarestmovement.com for resources to get you through.

While some of us flourish in social situations, there are those of us who are hypersensitive to normal social interactions. It's in the way we move and speak, and it can be completely overwhelming. If you would consider yourself to be a "socially awkward" person, today's episode will give you tangible tips to managing your feelings and behaviors, because the truth is that our awkwardness, if left unchecked, can unintentionally impact our ability to make and keep friends. If you enjoy this episode and want strategies that are more personalized to your specific situation, book a friendship coaching session over at giveitarestmovement.com And if you're struggling to tell your friend that HER awkwardness is beginning to negatively impact your friendship, purchase your copy of Give it a Rest: The Case for Tough-Love Friendships today to help you with that hard conversation.

While most of us wouldn't admit it, we have adopted stereotypes about other women that directly impact our friendships. So today, I'm outlining the 5 most common stereotypes about female friendship and explaining where they come from so we can begin to enjoy our relationships with other women without the hang-ups and misconceptions. After I outline these stereotypes, you'll hear my interview with Kayleen Schaefer, author of the book "Text Me When You Get Home" which is about modern female friendships. Kayleen has interviewed more than 100 women about their friendships and has a lot to say about the stereotypes that keep us apart. After listening to the episode, be sure to read a few of our research-based articles on www.giveitarestmovement.com or follow us on IG @giveitarestmovement. You can also buy Kayleen's book here and my book, Give it a Rest: The Case for Tough-Love Friendships" here.

At some point in your friendship, you're going to be called out-- it's inevitable. Whether it's about your appearance, attitude, or-- for some of you these days-- white privilege, you'll likely struggle with what to say and how to process your emotions. In today's episode, I'll tell a story of when a friend shared a "tough-love truth" with me, and then I'll give you 5 strategies for responding when you get hit with one of your own. Be sure to visit www.giveitarestmovement.com for more resources to help you manage your friendships. And if things are especially difficult right now, feel free to book your personal coaching session today. Follow us at @giveitarestmovement for daily friendship research and insights!