Friend Forward

We know that vulnerability is important, but in our attempt to experience closeness with our friends, some of us may be going about things all wrong. This week, I speak with Dr. Marisa G. Franco-- a psychologist who specializes in friendship-- about what vulnerability really means, the misconceptions we have about how to practice it, and how to know when it's not genuine.   To sign up for Dr. Franco's amazing research-packed newsletter, visit https://drmarisagfranco.com/ And to view the video of the entire UNEDITED interview (along with an action-step guide to start practicing vulnerability TODAY), join our private Friend Forward group coaching membership by searching "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps.

You're at brunch when the ladies at your table begin to gossip, and you're not sure how to shut it down. Today we're talking about the REAL definition of gossip, why women engage in it, and two things you can say if you ever need to shut it down.   While we provide 2 script responses in the show, the full list of gossip-stopping responses is housed in our private membership where you can pay as little as $5/week to get access to scripts, lessons, virtual events, and calls with Danielle! Cancel any time. Search "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps to become a member today.   Looking for a little one-on-one attention? Book your friendship coaching session with Danielle and receive one month of free membership. www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

How do we show up for friends with anxiety? And for those of us who struggle with the disorder, how can we help our friends understand what we need? Today we interview Dr. Lisa Martin --from HealwithDrLisa.com-- as she walks us through what anxiety is, how it impacts our friendships, and the things we can do to foster more understanding.   If you are looking for community as you work through this, consider becoming a member of our group coaching program. Search "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps, and join today.

This week, we're practicing a little self-awareness as we review the 13 traits of a "good friend". I'm sharing Dr. Suzanne Deggges-White's list of essential qualities along with a series of questions I've created to walk you through each one. And if you want to follow along, download the list of traits at www.betterfemalefriendships.com.

You hate to admit it, but you could really use a little help right now. How do you ask your friends for support without feeling like you're intruding or feeling like you're exposing your weaknesses? Today we're addressing the mindsets that hold us back from getting the support we need, and then we offer a few ways to build your "ask" the right way.   NEW: If you want to talk about this episode with other listeners, join our new Discord channel. Download the Discord app and then email our team at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com with the subject "Discord Invite" and we'll get you all set up.   To book a private coaching session with Danielle, visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com and follow us on Instagram @friendforward.

In this week's episode, we break from our normal format to pass the mic to our listeners. Today we share several stories from women-- who do and DON'T have children-- to speak on the ways in which motherhood caused shifts in their female friendships. And at the end of the episode, Danielle shares a recording from a conversation with one of her friends on the subject.   If you are getting more intentional about creating stronger female friendships but don't know where to start, considering joining our private group coaching membership by visiting www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership and get connected today.   You should also follow along with us on Instagram @friendforward or TikTok @thefriendshipexpert

You can't help but notice that you weren't invited... again. But how are you supposed to respond? Today I'm walking you through the ABC's of managing your feelings around rejection, and I'm sharing excerpts from a recent conversation with my Instagram friend Noelle Rhodes, host of Friending, a hilarious podcast about female friendship.   In this episode, you'll learn: 1. the 3 reasons friends often leave us out 2. how we sometimes contribute to not being invited 3. how to call it out 4. how to define your desires 5. how to move forward   Get more friendship insights from Noelle Rhodes at https://www.noelleprhodes.com/friending or follow her on Instagram @yourfriendnoelle... Then join our Friend Forward community at www.betterfemalefriendships.com

In today's episode, we chat with Dr. Christina Marie Douyon about our expectations for platonic love in comparison to romantic love, and the ripple effects of how we prioritize each kind of relationship. During this conversation, we'll address: 1. how people define "friend" differently 2. the role our culture plays in how we value female friendships 3. whether or not the phrase "best friend" is problematic 4. why some women may NEED their friendships to be conflict-free  5. ways that you can determine if your friendships are "growth-fostering" relationships   To learn more about Dr. Douyon and her work, visit facerace.org or follow her on Instagram at @christina.marie.douyon.   And if you're ready to deepen your friendships TODAY, join our group coaching program by searching "Friend Forward" anywhere you download apps.

You have friendships you enjoy, but secretly you're craving a little more depth. But how do you create more closeness? Today we're outlining the 5-step process to deeper friendships, and then we're equipping you with 5 prompts that you can use RIGHT NOW on your journey toward better female friendships.   If you want to join our community, visit us at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership If you're ready to book Danielle for your upcoming event, visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/about

Today we're talking about 1. the alternatives to ending a friendship 2. the one thing you have to do BEFORE you decide to end things  and 3. how to end a friendship with grace.   After you listen, join the Friend Forward membership to support you every time these tricky friendship issues arise so you can get the clarity and community you need to help you through it.