If you had one week where you couldn't experience guilt, how would that change your friendships? Would you end relationships? Would you set boundaries? Would you ask for help? Would you pull away from your family to spend more time with friends without feeling bad about it?

These questions were sparked by the book I'm reading, "The Guilt Pill" by Saumya Dave. In it, the main character, Maya, takes a new pill that numbs the part of her brain that feels guilt and... well, it's quite a ride.

So I read four studies about women's guilt and in this episode I'll unpack what I discovered. Then we'll look at ways that our perpetual "interpersonal guilt" shapes the decisions we make in our friendships... and the surprising dangers and benefits that come of it.

Here are the 4 studies we review in the episode:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9373443/

https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/80-women-recognize-value-self-nurture-yet-few-care-selves-they-care-others

https://bpspsychub.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bjso.12575

https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/spanish-journal-of-psychology/article/abs/intensity-of-habitual-guilt-in-men-and-women-differences-in-interpersonal-sensitivity-and-the-tendency-towards-anxiousaggressive-guilt/8646A546F01B6ABF51C9C6F1EF0620A1

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Want to hear the extended episode?

Become a member of "Office Hours" for full episodes, BONUS episodes, resources, book clubs, and more. See you at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, specifically ChatGPT, and women's friendships.

This episode offers seven questions that equip you to evaluate and interrogate ways that your ChatGPT use might be impacting the breadth, depth, and quality of your social landscape.

NOTE: You are listening to a complimentary excerpt of the full episode which is housed exclusively in "Office Hours", our private Patreon community (the full episode is 40 minutes). You can join any time by visiting betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

In this conversation, Dr. Isabelle Morley (author of the book "They're not gaslighting you") and host Danielle Bayard Jackson discuss the increasing prevalence of therapy-related language in everyday conversations, particularly in the context of friendships and conflicts.

They explore the definitions and nuances of terms like gaslighting, narcissism, and boundaries, emphasizing the importance of using these terms responsibly. The discussion highlights the dangers of social media in shaping perceptions of relationships and the need for more thoughtful communication. Ultimately, they encourage listeners to focus on feelings and personal empowerment rather than labeling others.

RESOURCES

NOTE: To the members of "Office Hours", we created a quick guide to equip you with alternatives for words like "gaslight" and "narcissist". (Not a member of "Office Hours"? Join now by visiting betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast)

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SPEAKING

Want to book Danielle to speak about the science of women's conflict and connection at your Fall event? Reach out to the team at info@tellpublicrelations.com to inquire today. [View her speaking reel here.]

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BOOK CLUB

Want Danielle to (virtually) visit your book club? Buy your copy of Fighting for our Friendships and then contact us at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com.

Want to two friends discuss the life transitions that strained their friendship?

In this conversation, Krista Williams and Lindsey Simcik, co-hosts of the Almost 30 podcast (title of their new book!), share their journey of navigating friendships through various life transitions.

They discuss the evolution of their friendship, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned from conflicts. The conversation highlights the importance of trust, communication, and the ebb and flow of relationships, especially as women experience significant life changes. They also address common friendship issues faced by women and offer insights on how to maintain deep connections despite life's challenges.

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Grab your complimentary guide on navigating life transitions with friends by becoming a member of "Office Hours". betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast

Buy "Almost 30: A definitive guide to a life you love for the next decade and beyond" here

Okay, I know I shouldn't have favorites but this episode (and this guest!) might really be in my top 10 favorite episodes that we've produced in the show's five-year history.

In this conversation, urban planner Fatima Elkott discusses the significance of city design in shaping our environments and social interactions.

She emphasizes the impact of urban planning on community engagement, the importance of creating third spaces, and the role of civic participation in urban planning. Elkott also addresses social inequities in urban design and shares examples of her favorite thoughtful urban spaces that foster connection and joy.

Note: This is an excerpt from the full episode, which is available exclusively on Patreon. Join us anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

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** Book Danielle to speak at your conference, seminar, or retreat by contacting info@tellpublicrelations.com (and view her speaking reel here).

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SPONSOR: TELL Public Relations

When Danielle Bayard Jackson launched Friend Forward seven years ago, people were laughing at the idea of a "friendship coach". Now, she's one of the most sought-after experts on women's conflict and connection.

If you're wondering how to get the same kind of visibility for your business, it might be time to being in a partner. Visit tellpublicrelations.com to learn how you can increase your visibility and brand authority with speaking engagements, television appearances, podcast interviews, and true community engagement.

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson delves into the complexities of women's friendships, particularly the perception that friendships with men are easier.

She explores various factors contributing to this belief, including differences in:

• conversation styles
• bonding rituals
• emotional expectations
• safety concerns

Through research and personal reflections, Danielle emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics and encourages listeners to appreciate the value of both male and female friendships.

Note: This is an excerpt from the full episode, which is available exclusively on Patreon. Join us anytime at betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast.

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** Book Danielle to speak at your conference, seminar, or retreat by contacting info@tellpublicrelations.com (and view her speaking reel here).

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Thanks to our sponsor TELL PUBLIC RELATIONS.

If you've ever wondered how friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson is able to elevate her brand through speaking engagements, podcast interviews, and television appearances, learn more at tellpublicrelations.com and see how we can get the same visibility for your brand. TELLPUBLICRELATIONS.COM

In this conversation, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson and Dr. Dylesia (@drdylesia) -- an expert on mother-daughter trauma and estrangement-- explore the intricate dynamics of mother-daughter relationships and how they influence women's friendships in adulthood.

They discuss the concept of 'mother wounds' and how unresolved issues with mothers can manifest in adult friendships. The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding these dynamics, identifying healthy versus dysfunctional relationships, and the role of curiosity and therapy in healing. Dr. Dylesia shares personal insights and practical advice for women seeking to improve their friendships and navigate their emotional landscapes.

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Follow us on Instagram @friendforward

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SPONSOR: TELL Public Relations

When Danielle Bayard Jackson launched Friend Forward seven years ago, people were laughing at the idea of a "friendship coach". Now, she's one of the most sought-after experts on women's conflict and connection.

If you're wondering how to get the same kind of visibility for your business, it might be time to being in a partner. Visit tellpublicrelations.com to learn how you can increase your visibility and brand authority with speaking engagements, television appearances, podcast interviews, and true community engagement.

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host Danielle Bayard Jackson explores the concept of 'friend fatigue,' a growing concern among women in their thirties and forties who are overwhelmed by their lack of "friend-life integration".

Danielle discusses the emotional and social labor involved in maintaining friendships, particularly in the context of modern life, which often prioritizes isolation and independence. Drawing on research and cultural comparisons, Danielle emphasizes the importance of integrating friendships into daily life and offers strategies for fostering social connections amidst busy schedules.

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Follow us on Instagram: @friendforward

*We reserve extended episodes, bonus clips, and virtual events (including book club!) for members of "Office Hours". Join any time at betterfemalefriendship.com/podcast.

**Want to learn how to be a women's relational health coach like Danielle? Join a webinar to learn how you can be trained and equipped to help women navigate their most pressing friendship issues by visiting womensrelationalhealthinstitute.com