#292: Involved in Spouse's Therapy, Sex Ended Friendship, Improving Social Skills
Aug 10, 2023
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Topics discussed include involving oneself in a spouse's therapy, importance of outside feedback in therapy, ending of a friendship due to a sexual encounter, history of face masks and McDonald's, improving social skills and making friends as an adult.
Open and honest communication is key to seek clarity and decide whether salvaging a friendship is worth it.
Joining activity-based groups or clubs can provide opportunities to meet new people and make friends who share similar interests.
Deep dives
Navigating a Complicated Friendship After a Brief Fling
Jim had a brief fling with a longtime friend during her divorce. They agreed to be friends with benefits, but it ended shortly after. Since then, the friend has been distant and unresponsive, leading Jim to feel hurt and confused. Jim is unsure if the friend wants to reconnect or if she's just being polite. Jim wants clarity to move on and is considering talking to her about their friendship. However, Jim is not sure if she can trust the friend to be honest about her feelings and intentions. Jim reflects on their friendship and acknowledges the need to prioritize self-protection. It is suggested to have an open and honest conversation with the friend to seek clarity and decide whether salvaging the friendship is worth it.
Making and Keeping Friends as an Adult
The writer is struggling with making and keeping friends as an adult. They feel like they have forgotten how to socialize due to working from home and the pandemic. They have experienced ghosting from new friends and have found it difficult to sustain old friendships. They want to know if they have lost the ability to socialize or if their friends have grown apart. They are seeking advice on improving their social skills and building and maintaining friendships.
Overcoming Social Anxiety
One suggestion is to fake confidence and pretend to be outgoing in social situations. The writer can put themselves in situations where they can practice socializing, such as going to a bar or a work party, and emulate the behavior of someone who is naturally outgoing. They can approach people and start conversations based on common interests or ask open-ended questions. It is important not to take things personally and to remember that building friendships takes time and effort.
Joining Activity-Based Groups
Another suggestion is to join activity-based groups or clubs through platforms like meetup.com or local community centers. Engaging in activities that the writer enjoys can provide opportunities to meet new people and make friends who share similar interests. Additionally, volunteering for community organizations or participating in local events can help expand social circles and provide opportunities for building new friendships.
The crew answers questions about whether to get involved in your spouse's therapy, what to do when sex ruins your friendship and how to improve social skills to make new friends.
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