Friend Forward

This is part TWO of a two-week series... It's the #1 question we hear: "How do I make friends as an adult?" But before we take a look at the strategies to create new connections, we must first understand the challenges that lie ahead. Because it's not actually HARD, it's just something we haven't had much practice with. But the good news is, we're here to help you through it.  To sign-up for the N...

It's the #1 question we hear: "How do I make friends as an adult?" But before we take a look at the strategies to create new connections, we must first understand the challenges that lie ahead. Because it's not actually HARD, it's just something we haven't had much practice with. But the good news is, we're here to help you through it. (And because this is such a layered conversation, part 2 drops...

Danielle has a major announcement. Buckle up. Betterfemalefriendships.com

Every now and then you need a girls' trip with your friends, but how do you plan so that there's a guarantee that it will be drama-free? In this week's episode we'll talk about the 2 benefits of group trips, the 4 things to consider while you plan, and how to recover if things go sideways. Because the Real Housewives series can't be the only model we have of how girls' trips are supposed to go.  R...

For the first time, I step away from "coach mode" to chat with two of my personal friends-- Katy and Yamel -- to talk about "new friend red flags". We received several responses to our Instagram story asking about the things other women do within your first few interactions that turn you off, and this week we're discussing them as a group. We'll also share our "green flags"-- things women do withi...

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...

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...

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 incl...

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 reso...

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 MOR...

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...

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 manag...

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 pr...

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 thr...

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 Better...

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 mig...

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 con...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 al...