Episode 101: Cultivating Friendships

During this time of isolation, our friends are more important than ever. In this episode, Shannon and Janine discuss making and keeping friends, without letting perfectionism get in your way. Discussion topics include: • How a silver lining of the COVID pandemic is that we’re spending more time (virtually) with friends • A Zoom prank Janine and her college buddies played • We’re living in the future—even better than on the Jetsons in some respects • How social media can help maintain friendships, but can also present some challenges • Not letting perfectionism get in the way of contacting someone • Trusting that there’s no wrong way to reach out to someone • How perfectionism eroded Shannon’s enjoyment of Words with Friends • Remembering that if you’re afraid of being rejected by someone, they may be feeling the same way • Not taking it personally if someone doesn’t respond as you expect • How the more frequently you talk with friends, the easier the conversations are • Making new friends and creating meaningful relationships as we age • How starting a new friendship is like dating • Keeping in mind that it’s (often) not about you • Letting friends know you’re thinking about them (it can be as easy as sending a random Bitmoji) • The appeal of putting pen to paper and sending a letter these days • Remembering to let cultivating friendships be easy and fun!