The Role of Reciprocity in Friendships Ft Minaa B

The conversation explores the importance of friendships and the shifts that can occur within them. Minaa B discusses the concept of growing together in friendships and the need for new language and tools to navigate these relationships. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing the spectrum of friendships and understanding that some friendships may be seasonal or evolve into acquaintanceships. Minaa B also addresses signs of struggling friendships, the role of reciprocity, and the need for honest communication and accountability. The conversation highlights the need to grieve and honor the shifts and endings that can occur in friendships. In this conversation, Dr. Raquel Martin and Minaa B discuss the complexities of friendships and offer insights on how to navigate them. They emphasize the importance of doing internal work and being reflective in order to maintain healthy friendships. They also discuss the need for boundaries and discernment when receiving feedback from friends. The conversation highlights the significance of communication, active listening, and understanding each other's needs. They also touch on the topics of grief, forgiveness, and the role of therapy in supporting friendships.

Takeaways

• Friendships can evolve and shift over time, and it's important to recognize and honor these changes.
• Understanding the spectrum of friendships helps in managing expectations and discerning the role of each person in your life.
• Reciprocity and honest communication are key in maintaining healthy friendships.
• Grieving the shifts and endings in friendships is a normal and necessary part of the process.
• Being open to feedback and self-reflection is crucial for personal growth within friendships. Doing internal work and being reflective is crucial for maintaining healthy friendships.

Bio

Minaa B.® MSW, LMSW, is a licensed social worker, mental health educator, and author of "Owning Our Struggles." With a background in psychotherapy specializing in anxiety, depression, and trauma, she has worked extensively in early childhood programs, private practice, and community mental health settings following her graduate studies at New York University.

As the founder of Minaa B. Consulting and a wellness coach, Minaa focuses on helping organizations cultivate psychological safety. She passionately explores the intersection of mental health and social justice, guiding individuals to build self-efficacy and resilience through community care. Her approach highlights the transformative power of relationships in both personal growth and societal change.

Minaa's expertise has garnered recognition from prominent media outlets such as Red Table Talk, Peace of Mind With Taraji, Today.com, BBC, Oprah Daily, and more. She contributes to the Mental Health Advisory Committee at Wondermind, co-founded by Selena Gomez, and serves as a relationship expert for eharmony. Minaa also hosts the enlightening podcast "Mindful With Minaa."

Minaa B. continues to shape the landscape of mental health and wellness from her base in New York City, where she resides and continues her impactful work.