Developing and Maintaining Strong Female Friendships: Tips and Red Flags with Ashley Heinly
Overview
In today's episode, I have my best friend and fellow dermatology nurse practitioner, Ashley Heinly, on the show to discuss the importance of female friendships and how to cultivate a strong inner circle. We share our own experiences and offer advice on red flags to look out for in friendships, the importance of authenticity and trust, and the value of being intentional and present in relationships.
What you'll learn in this episode:
00:05 | Intro
04:52 | Ashley's first impression of Vanna
06:19 | Discussion about the unique dynamic of their friend group
08:12 | Creating their own family and support system
09:24 | Addressing the perception of exclusivity in their friend group
11:33 | Discussing red flags to look for in establishing an inner circle
12:49 | Flakiness and honesty about not being able to attend
13:58 | Clingy behavior as a red flag in friendships
17:44 | Realization that friendships should bring value to their lives
19:27 | Evaluating whether friendships fill you up emotionally
20:04 | Sharing a story about negative gossip and learning from it
23:13 | Holding each other accountable and providing different perspectives
25:33 | Being self-aware and reading the room in social interactions
30:15 | Authenticity as the most attractive energy
33:38 | Peripheral relationships should not be complicated
33:58 | Gravitating towards relationships that fill you up
Resources:
Mom Guilt Podcast’s Instagram
Disclaimer: This podcast is intended for educational purposes only and is not to be taken as medical advice.
This episode is not sponsored. Product links may contain affiliate links that are eligible for a small commission.
Female Friendships: Building an Unbreakable Circle
Welcome to the Mom Guilt podcast, where we dive into all things health, wellness, prioritization, and relationships. In today's episode, we have a special guest, my best friend and soul sister, Ashley Heinley. We wanted to talk about female friendships and the unbreakable circle we have created. We understand that finding and maintaining deep, meaningful friendships can be challenging, so we want to share our experiences and insights to help you cultivate your own inner circle.
The Power of Authentic Connections
Our friendship circle is often described as rare and unique. We have created a bond that feels like family, and we want to share how we developed this community and what we look for in our inner circle. We believe that the key to building strong friendships is authenticity. When you can be your true self and feel accepted and supported, you can experience a level of connection and fulfillment that is truly life-changing.
Red Flags in Friendships
As you navigate the journey of forming friendships, it's important to be aware of red flags that may indicate an unhealthy dynamic. Some of these red flags include:
Feeling drained or less than after spending time with someone.
Experiencing flakiness or inconsistency in their actions and commitments.
Feeling like you are constantly being pursued or that the person is overly clingy.
Not feeling heard or valued in the relationship.
Noticing a lack of reciprocity or genuine interest in your life.
The Importance of Boundaries and Self-Care
In order to maintain healthy friendships, it's crucial to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. As moms, we often have limited time and energy, so it's important to invest in relationships that fill us up rather than drain us. By being intentional about who we spend our time with and focusing on relationships that contribute positively to our lives, we can create a supportive and fulfilling inner circle.
The Power of Intentionality
Our friend group is intentional about maintaining our connections. We have regular meetups, plan trips together, and make an effort to stay engaged and present in each other's lives. By prioritizing our friendships and making them a priority, we have created a strong bond that withstands the test of time and distance.
Conclusion and Future Outlook
In conclusion, building and maintaining deep, meaningful friendships is a valuable aspect of our lives. By being authentic, setting boundaries, and prioritizing self-care, we can cultivate an inner circle that supports and uplifts us. It's important to be aware of red flags in friendships and to invest in relationships that contribute positively to our lives. By being intentional and making our friendships a priority, we can experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from having an unbreakable circle of friends.
As we look to the future, we hope to continue nurturing our friendships and expanding our circle to include new connections. We encourage you to do the same and to seek out relationships that bring you joy, support, and growth. Remember, you deserve to have a tribe of friends who love and accept you for who you are.