Friend Forward (Danielle Bayard Jackson -- Female Friendship Expert)

Sometimes you can't help but "feel some kinda way" when your bestie begins getting close to someone new. How do you manage your feelings of jealousy? Today Danielle will outline the 5 toxic responses we tend to have when our bestie makes a new friend, how to "overwrite" those thoughts with healthy ones, the do's and don'ts of responding to her new friendship, and three signs the new friendship might be an actual problem. If you're struggling with this issue and looking for one-on-one coaching, visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com

Have you ever found yourself in a situation with a friend where you needed or wanted to say no, but struggled to find the right way to say it? Telling anyone, especially a friend, ‘no’ can be difficult, but neglecting this truth can create more problems down the road. In this episode, friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson encourages women to assert affirmative boundaries. This tactic can help women stay true to their needs and feel more confident in their ‘no’ while maintaining strong female friendships.

Danielle Social Links:

• You can book a private friendship coaching session here.

• Book Danielle Bayard Jackson -- friendship expert and educator-- to speak at your event.

• We save in-depth resources for our “group chat” members. Join today.

• To dive deeper into these topics and more, be on the lookout for Danielle Bayard Jackson’s book debut: "Fighting for Our Friendships" in the spring of 2024.

Saying no doesn’t have to be hard. Whether you may be afraid to say no because you simply don’t want to do something or because you can’t, the act of saying no can still leave feelings of guilt. On the other hand, if the “yes” is falsely expressed, it can leave you feeling resentful instead. 

A solution? Affirmative boundaries. Here’s the formula: 

Establish common ground, express your boundary, offer your form of “yes”.

Friendship coach Danielle Bayard Jackson’s technique for setting affirmative boundaries involves ending the no statement with something uplifting and positive. Don’t be mistaken, some situations do require straightforward, unequivocal no’s. But in other cases, providing a softer negation can buffer the sting of rejection that the friend receiving it may feel. And as our friendship expert puts it, ultimately, “If we get a little more comfortable and equipped with our affirmative boundaries or affirmative no’s then it will help us to preserve our personal integrity while also maintaining connection in the friendship.”

Quell the Questioning

Similar to when you’re the recipient of a no, a friend’s decision can feel personal and it can lead to lots of questioning about the friendship. Questions as to whether she’s mad or not as invested. The mind can start spinning with wonders and what-ifs. When the assertion is provided in a way that’s productive – the friend clearly shares what they’re comfortable with while reassuring the other that the friendship is still good and the connection is strong – it can be more helpful and bonding than expected. Say a woman invited a group of friends to her luxurious bachelorette party, which requires a lot of personal expenses to be doled out ahead of time. For one of the ladies, this financial commitment causes stress and just isn’t possible at the moment. The friend shouldn’t feel the need to say yes and internally feel resentful or be super apologetic and ashamed that they can’t make it. It’s just a no, that may look like, “No, I actually can’t swing it, but when you’re back, come to my place and we’ll pop open some bubbly and you tell me everything!”. Showing that the friendship between women is still great and that there’s truly nothing to question or worry about.

Staying True To You

Social situations can also feel like a bind, but remember that it’s best to honor and be honest about your needs with the women that you care about...

You’re looking through your calendar to figure out a date to spend time with an old friend and as you search for some availability, you realise two things – one, that we’re only a few weeks out from a new year, and two, that you’re putting in a lot of effort to maintain a friendship that you’re convinced you’ve outgrown. But, she’s all you know. As we head into the new year, how can you be more intentional about connecting with new people who are a bit more like-minded, and more compatible with the woman you are today?

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, our resident friendship expert, Danielle Bayard Jackson, gives her advice on four strategies you can use to find like-minded friends who feel a better fit for where you are at this point in your life, and the fourth one is one you might not expect.

And as always, stay tuned to the end for this week’s homework.

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ segment are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here.

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, happening in March 2024, click here.

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

A recent survey of 13,000 recipients found that 44% of people have reduced the time they spent with a friend because they didn’t like her partner. 

So what can you do if your best friend and your partner don’t get along? If you’re feeling stuck in the middle, then this episode is for you. 

Today I am joined by Ore Agbaje-Williams, author of the book, “The Three Of Us”, which is the book we are currently reading in your book club and Ore herself is joining us in our discussion! (Click here to join us too!)

“The Three Of Us” is a fictional story about a woman whose husband and best friend don’t get along, and so I wanted to invite Ore on to the show to discuss this issue and share her insights on the matter. 

And stay tuned until the end because I’ll be providing three tangible tips of what you can do if you find yourself stuck in the middle between your best friend and your partner. And as always, I’ll be sending you on your way with some homework… 

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ segment are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays. 

To connect with Ore Agbaje-Williams, you can find her on Instagram, and you can purchase her book here too. 

Want to join our Book Club and join in the conversation? Join us here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

This week we talk to Ali, a young woman whose social media video went viral-- and shortly afterwards, there was a falling out. Listen as we interview her to learn what inspired the video, and what happened after it began to circulate online. We'll end the episode with a takeaway for women who are conflict averse people-pleasers, because there's a lot that they can learn from Ali's experience.

In the third week of our "How to support a friend when..." series, we're talking about showing up for a friend with a new baby. Dr. Angel Montfort is a psychologist who specializes in perinatal mental health and joins us as a guest to lend her voice to this conversation. Follow her on Instagram at @drangelmontfort for more, and follow us at @friendforward or visit Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership to join our VIP 8-week group coaching program to get your friendships in order before the new year!

In this week's episode of the podcast, Danielle Bayard Jackson-- host and friendship expert-- shares how she discovered she's in a new friendship season, and what she's doing to build more active friendships.

To experience your own "aha" moments, take your friendship inventory buy clicking this link and using code "summersale" to enjoy 30% off within the next 7 days:

https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/inventory

Welcome to "Girl Problems" a new weekly segment from the Friend Forward podcast. Today's episode addresses a listener question about feeling limited in her friendships because of her lifestyle as an entrepreneur. Tune in as resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson offers a few helpful insights.

If you want to submit a problem of your own, visit us at ⁠Betterfemalefriendships.com ⁠or on Instagram at⁠ @friendforward.⁠

To book a private session with Danielle, visit ⁠Betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching⁠ and check-out our new "fast track" services.

Our resident friendship expert, Danielle Bayard Jackson, first met Taryn Delanie Smith at a launch party that Bumble hosted for its new App, Bumble For Friends, earlier this year in New York City. Taryn Delanie Smith has over a million followers on TikTok and is a former Miss New York, taking the crown in 2022. She is known online for being kind, intelligent and gracious, and she lived up to all of these expectations in real life.

Danielle and Taryn got talking and the conversation quickly moved on to discussing the science and art of female friendships. Taryn asked Danielle about you, the kind of women here who listen to the podcast, and so Danielle invited her on to the show to speak about all things female friendship.

Tune in to hear Danielle and Taryn discuss friendship envy, “guy’s girls”, how to be a good hype woman, what it was really like behind the scenes at the pageant, the importance of giving your platonic friendships the same grace as your romantic relationships, and much much more.

And as always, stay tuned for this week’s homework. 

Related Episodes:

•       “I’m not like other girls”: 4 Reasons Why Some Women Prefer To Be Friends With Men” – listen here

•       Three Reasons why “wedding drama” strains your female friendships, with Kara Maureen, The Bridal Coach –listen here

Connect with Taryn Delanie Smith on Instagram and TikTok.

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ segment are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

To join the “Be A Better Friend” 21-day Challenge, click here.

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here.

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, happening in March 2024, click here.

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit ...

There’s the engagement party, the bachelorette party, the wedding shower and then the big day itself - so many celebrations to mark a women’s transition into partnership, and when someone makes this change, they often struggle to keep their friendships intact during the process. 

Last week, on the Friend Forward Podcast, we explored some of the causes of tension that can arise between friends when those life changes create a sense of separation, and our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson provided the married and partnered amongst you with seven things that your single friend wants you to know.

This week is for you single women, as Danielle shares the seven things that your non-single friend wants you to know. Ultimately, the goal of the Friend Forward Podcast is to bring understanding between us and to ultimately bring us closer, and so the objective of both today’s episode and last week’s is to broaden your perspectives and hopefully develop compassion within you for your friend’s experience, so that we can maintain harmony in face of these life changes. And as always, stay tuned to the end for this week's homework.

Click the ‘Follow’ button now to not miss an episode.

To join the Group Chat, and access the research study referenced in this episode, and to send Danielle your questions, head to www.betterfemalefriendships.com

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Join our private group chat for extra resources, at https://www.patreon.com/friendforward

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

Pursuing new female friendships may feel like a daunting task for most. The upsides are obvious- expanding your social circle, discovering new interests, and growing as a person. However, for many of us, the fear of rejection and vulnerability can hold us back from reaching out to others and forming new connections. 

In this episode, we'll delve into the heart of these fears and explore four common reasons why women are afraid to initiate new friendships. From the fear of being rejected and beyond, we'll offer practical tips and insights to help you overcome these challenges and live your life to the fullest. Whether you're seeking to meet other like-minded women in a new city, are interested in connecting with one of your female colleagues more, or simply looking to expand your social circle, this episode is for you. So listen in so you can secure the courage to #AskHerOutAlready!

I’d love to hear who you want me to chat with next, let me know on Instagram. 

• You can book a private friendship coaching session here.
• Book Danielle Bayard Jackson -- friendship expert and educator-- to speak at your event.
• Join our monthly book club. This month: ”The Measure” is the book. 
• Lastly, to submit your own "Girl Problems" question, visit our website OR leave Danielle a voice note (this woman loves a good voice note!) on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson.

In today's episode of the Friend Forward podcast, we explore why women may be hesitant to pursue a friendship with someone they've been curious about. Our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson outlines the four main reasons why women may not pursue a friendship. So what are some of the reasons? Not knowing how to initiate a conversation, fear of rejection, the feeling that you’ve put all the signals out so the rest should happen organically, and passivity.

One of the main reasons women may find themselves hesitant to pursue a friendship with other women is simply not knowing how to initiate the conversation. To help overcome this, we offer the "movie trailer method." This method involves being specific and providing a preview of the experience, including a chosen time and place, a scene from the experience, and the intended duration. By doing this, women can increase their chances of receiving a positive response.

Another reason women may be hesitant to pursue a friendship is fear of rejection. Fear of rejection is normal, but it's important to remember that rejection is a part of life, and it is not a reflection of one's self-worth. To overcome this fear, Danielle Bayard Jackson, resident friendship expert suggests “focusing on the outcome you desire, rather than the fear of rejection.”

Another reason women may be hesitant to pursue potential female friendships is they simply believe it's not their job. It takes more than sending her a few social cues and being ‘nice’ to show her you’re interested in a potential friendship. Even in platonic relationships, it’s important to be assertive and clear on your intentions. Chances are, she may be interested in getting to know you better as well but someone has to make the first move. Why not you? If it was going to happen organically, it would have happened by now. Sometimes we just need a little push.

Passivity can be a friendship ender before they really start. You may not have a Type-A personality, but...

You’re walking home after a coffee date with a new friend and begin to reflect on the time that you spent together. You really like hanging out with her, but you realize that she doesn’t share anything about herself with you, at least not anything personal, and come to think of it, you have another friend who’s the same… 

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson explores four reasons why your friends might not be opening up to you. If you’re desiring a little more vulnerability, depth and intimacy from your friendships, then this is the episode for you. 

If you want to delve even deeper into this topic, and get scripts, strategies and exercises to extend your learning, Danielle is offering an extended learning guide on this particular topic, totally free of charge for a limited time only! To grab your guide, head to betterfemalefriendships.com. 

And, as always, stay tuned to the end for this week’s homework. 

To pre-order Danielle’s book, Fighting For Our Friendships, click here

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘+ Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday.

To connect with Danielle wants to hear about it - drop her a DM at @friendforward on Instagram or visit us 24/7 at  www.betterfemalefriendships.com

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

 Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

We recently posted this video to TikTok, and there were women in the comments who said they don't want friends... many of them specifically lamenting the perils of being friends with other women. What do we say to those who are feeling that way? And for women who ARE feeling that way: what would it take to have you change your mind?

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, we share responses that we received on Instagram to this question: For women who used to feel like they didn't need friendship (specifically friendship with other women), what made you begin to open up?

*If you're enjoying this conversation, you'd love the new book "Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Friendships".

----------

*You can also share your personal friendship stories with Danielle on her book tour.

FIGHTING FOR OUR FRIENDSHIPS TOUR

• 5/13 TAMPA
• 5/18 LOS ANGELES
• 5/30 NYC
• 6/4 ATLANTA

Buy your ticket NOW before registration closes!

*Connect with Danielle on Instagram.

---

*Invite Danielle to speak at your event by contacting Sam at info@tellpublicrelations.com

-----

Take the Friend Forward Friendship Inventory, including an activity workbook and 45-minute guided video. You will immediately gain clarity on who to prioritize and what shifts need to be made in your friendship landscape:

https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/inventory

These days, when somebody says that they have a “hot take”, it can, especially on social media, be a way of being purposely controversial and going against the grain to create some spicy content that elicits comments, likes and engagement. 

However, when it comes to friendship, there is sometimes a discourse around particular topics that leans a certain way, and our resident friendship expert, Danielle Bayard Jackson, holds a somewhat contradictory position on some of these. These topics are nuanced and a discussion around them is due, and so in this episode, Danielle shares her six hot takes on female friendship.

So if you’ve been looking for guidance with firmer positioning on a couple of different friendship topics, then this episode is for you.

And whether you agree or disagree, Danielle wants to hear about it - drop her a DM at @friendforward on Instagram or visit us 24/7 at  www.betterfemalefriendships.com

And stay tuned to the end for this week’s homework.

To find out more about Danielle’s upcoming friendship event, happening in March 2024, click here.

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here.

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her on Instagram

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

It’s tempting to get so caught up in our work and our and kids that we begin to push our female friendships to the margins of life. But what is the cost of failing to prioritize friendship? If after listening to today’s episode you want to further explore ways to nurture your relationships with other women, book your coaching session at BetterFemaleFriendships.com.

Ready to get out of the group chat and into a group trip? Summer is approaching, and it’s time to stop talking about the friend-cation and get ready to make it happen. Though, this can be easier said than done, especially when it’s more than two or three female friends trying to coordinate. So what are the best ways to get over the barriers of planning a group trip? 

Friendship expert and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson is joined by Theresa Chu-Bermudez, the Owner of Get Out! Custom Travels, LLC to share some tips and tricks to make trip-planning easier. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. Why a travel advisor helps you take the work out of planning and coordinating

2. Two mistakes friend groups make when planning a trip

3. 3 places to visit this summer (especially if you’re a woman of color)

For more tips, follow Theresa on instagram as well to learn more.

Danielle Social Links:

• You can book a private friendship coaching session here.

• Book Danielle Bayard Jackson -- friendship expert and educator-- to speak at your event.

• We save in-depth resources for our “group chat” members. Join today.

• To dive deeper into these topics and more, be on the lookout for Danielle Bayard Jackson’s book debut: "Fighting for Our Friendships" in the spring of 2024.

Here are a few things to understand before booking your trip: 

Travel Advisor vs. Travel Agent

Travel advisors allow for a more customized trip for you and your female friends, versus an agent who deals in taking orders and doing the booking. And a bonus – travel advisors can help gauge safety and comfort levels for women, people of color, solo travelers and more. 

For the People Pleasers

Without a travel advisor, the group chat can really become a hassle. And this one is especially true for those friends who are the people-pleaser type. Accommodating everyone’s needs and coming to a consensus can take forever, and too many opinions is never as helpful as it seems. 

Overplanning

For women who are taking the lead on coordinating the vacation schedule, this is a common problem to run into. You may be trying to add so many activities during the trip for the sake of keeping busy, trying not to be bored, or making sure that everyone gets to do what they want. In the end, all of your friends end up exhausted with the packed schedule, and may be cranky, grouchy and unable to enjoy the time away. Not planning enough flexibility can make the vacation feel like more work rather than a relaxing adventure.

Remain Objective

Be real with your friends about what each other wants to get out of the trip. Understand each woman’s comfort levels with budget and intention for joining the group.

There are many resolutions that we tend to make as we enter the new year and when it comes to friendship, we might commit to making more time for friends or making new friends altogether. But what about making things right with friends? If there’s a friend in your life to whom you owe an apology, then this is the episode for you. Join our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson as she offers her advice on how to apologize to a friend to help you enter 2024 with a clean slate, a clear conscience and possible reconnection. 

And as always, stay tuned to the end for this week’s homework. 

This episode features audio from Danielle’s most recent YouTube video, so if you’d like to watch this episode, head over to her YouTube channel and check it out. 

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays. 

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here. 

And to join the “Be A Better Friend” (BABF) 21-day challenge, click here

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, happening in March 2024, click here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

Welcome to "Girl Problems" a bi-weekly segment from the Friend Forward podcast, coming to you every other Tuesday.

Today's episode addresses a listener’s question regarding a situation where she tried to speak to her friend about an issue that had hurt her, and was met with defensiveness and accusations of being “over-sensitive”, leading her to ask, how are you supposed to respond when a friend acts this way? Tune in as our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson offers her advice on the matter.

Click the ‘Follow’ button now to never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast. Brand new episodes are released every Thursday, and our Girl Problems episodes every other Tuesday.

If you want to join our Book Club and check out what we’re reading this month, join us here.

And to join the “Be A Better Friend” 21-day Challenge, click here.

And if you want to submit a question of your own, visit us at ⁠Betterfemalefriendships.com ⁠or drop us a DM or a voice note at Instagram at⁠ @friendforward.⁠

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, happening next month in sunny Tampa, click here.

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

Explore coaching with Danielle at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

It's National Women’s Friendship Day and what better time to announce the return of the Friend Forward Podcast!

In Season 5 of The Friend Forward Podcast, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson will be bringing you more of the content that you’ve been loving for almost four years now. She’ll be sharing the latest research on women’s cooperation, communication and conflict, paired with a healthy dose of self-love and actionable strategies, to enable you to create better female friendships.

Season 5 kicks off this coming Thursday 21st September. Click ‘Follow’ now to not miss an episode. Until then, you can send us your questions on Instagram or at www.betterfemalefriendships.com

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

**OFFER ENDS ON OCTOBER 1st**

Sign up for Danielle’s Friendship Elevated, a 12-week program for modern women who want to experience a real transformation in their female friendship landscape:

https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

Book a private coaching session with Danielle at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Join our private group chat for extra resources, at https://www.patreon.com/friendforward

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

Lately, you’ve been feeling uneasy about one of the friendships in your life, and the time has come for you to talk it out with your friend. You’re aware that the conversation could lead to either a friendship break, or a complete friendship breakup and so in preparation for your conversation, you’ve searched for tips and advice online, and the resounding advice is to just go for it and speak your truth – but what happens next? How do you mentally and emotionally prepare for what happens after you initiate the first step in a friendship breakup?

Today on the Friend Forward Podcast, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares with you four tough love truths about what to expect after you bring yourself to initiate a friend break or breakup, because things might not be as smooth as you expect.

And as always, stay tuned to the end for this week's homework.

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ segment are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays.

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here.

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

How do you address a friend who only talks about herself? Sure, you love her for her adventurousness and humor, but sometimes it just seems like you're along for the ride while she's the star of the show. In this episode, you'll learn three reasons why self-centeredness harms friendships, a 3-step formula for addressing this issue, and two quick hacks to get out of a "monologue-style" conversation that's gone on for far too long.

https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

Sometimes it can feel like there are so many "girl codes" to memorize along our journey toward connection with other women. But after six years of studying the research on women's conflict and cooperation, host and female friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson noticed three themes that continue to emerge. She synthesized what she's learned and created an original framework called The Three Affinities of Female Friendship to explain the three things that account for women's connection-- and disconnection-- according to the research.

You'll find a more in-depth explanation of this theory in chapter 2 of Danielle's book Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships.

It comes out in 12 days, which means you have less than 2 weeks to claim your preorder bonuses before they disappear.

• Connect with Danielle on social media @daniellebayardjackson
• Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming event by contacting Sam at info@tellpublicrelations.com.
• Follow the details of Danielle's book tour (!!!)

[This episode is sponsored by TELL Public Relations. Ever wonder how Danielle is booking so many media appearances, speaking gigs, book delas and brand partnerships? If you'd like this kind of visibility for your own brand, visit Tellpublicrelations.com.]

• • Watch Danielle's viral TikTok about "crushing" on a new potential friend.
  • Book a private friendship coaching session.
  • Join our monthly book club. This month: "The Measure" by Nikki Erlick.
  
  Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event by emailing Sam at info@tellpublicrelations.com.

What were your friendships like when you were ten? Is it possible that the way you interacted with other girls in the 5th grade is still impacting you now? In this episode, I chat with children's book author Rachel Fisher who wrote "Backyard Girls Club" to help young girls learn how to navigate the complexities of friendship. We discuss the conversations she's having with young girls (and their moms!), and how there's a direct connection to the struggles Millennial women are facing today. Get ready to unpack some of your childhood issues because today, we're going there!

To buy "Backyard Girls Club" for the young women in your life, visit Amazon and be sure to follow Rachel on Instagram.

And if this episode hit you harder than you expected and you want to unpack it with someone trained to listen, book a friendship coaching session with me at Betterfemalefriendships.com

Friendships can be complicated, but there are 5 new apps that have emerged to help get us through it. Today I'm giving my unfiltered opinion on a few apps that are growing in popularity to let you know my thoughts on the ways they help (and the ways they don't) when it comes to creating and sustaining strong female friendships. Be sure to let me know YOUR opinion of these apps on Instagram by following us at @friendforward.

Don't forget to join the waitlist for our membership! Go to www.betterfemalefriendships.com TODAY and join right now.

This week is for our audio book lovers! We're doing something a little different: On this episode I'm sharing chapter 1 from my book "Give it a Rest: The Case for Tough-Love Friendships". Why now? Quarantine has many of us reflecting on the state of our friendships, and this book helps us to begin finding the courage (and learning the strategies) necessary to show up boldly in our friendships.

If you like what you hear, purchase your copy on Amazon. And if you're one of the many women who's already read the book, be sure to leave a review!

For more friendship advice, visit BetterFemaleFriendships.com.

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.

A few months back, you met someone special - he’s cute, funny, attentive, ambitious, and basically ticks all of your boxes, but whenever you speak to your best friend about how things are progressing, there is something that feels ‘off’ about her advice. Is she jealous or projecting, or is it rooted in love for you and is she just being cautiously sceptical with your best interests at heart? 

Our romantic relationships and friendships both have a great influence on our lives, so how do we work to bring harmony between the two?

In this episode, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson talks to Sex and Relationship expert Dr. Tara, a Tenured Professor and Coach, whose spicy but educational content has amassed more than 2 million followers on Tik Tok. In this conversation, they explore the intersection between dating relationships and friendships, and discuss the obvious and not-so-obvious ways your friendships may be impacting your dating life.

And, as always, stay tuned for this week’s homework.

To get in touch with Dr. Tara, you can reach out to her at www.instagram.com/luvbites.co and www.luvbites.co

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson and www.betterfemalefriendships.com 

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at www.instagram.com/friendforward

Book a private coaching session with Danielle before she goes on break for the Summer, at ⁠www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Join our private ⁠group chat ⁠for extra resources, at https://www.patreon.com/friendforward

Book Danielle to speak at you upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

A ‘people pleaser’ is literally the antithesis of what we all want to be known as. We see how people-pleasers are portrayed in television and film and we cringe at the display of their desire to be accepted and their tendency to somehow, always be available. But it’s often said that the things we most detest in others may be the attributes we wrestle with most knowingly or unknowingly within ourselves. If you know people-pleasing is a struggle for you and you’re tired of being resentful of others based on actions of your own volition, or you know someone who struggles and aren’t quite sure what specific words of wisdom to impart, this episode is for you. 

I am joined by Psychotherapist and Author, Terri Cole as she shares insight into what people-pleasing is, the root of the issue, the risks it poses to ourselves and our relationships, and how to stop. 

Terri has a passion for helping women liberate themselves with boundaries to break the cycle of overfunctioning. You can check out Terri’s book here, she’d love to connect with you over on Instagram.

I’d love to hear who you want me to chat with next, let me know on Instagram. 

• You can book a private friendship coaching session here.
• Book Danielle Bayard Jackson -- friendship expert and educator-- to speak at your event.
• Join our monthly book club. This month “The Measure” is the book. 

Lastly to submit your own "Girl Problems" question, visit our website OR leave Danielle a voice note (this woman loves a good voice note!) on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson.

According to Terri, most of us were raised and praised to be self abandoning codependents, to be people pleasers, because this gave us positive feedback in childhood. Being “nice”, self-sacrificing, and putting on a smile for everyone is praised as a virtue and is something that’s particularly expected of and projected onto women and young girls. 

However, it’s not a virtue. When people pleasing manifests as chronic, pathological, or compulsive, then it’s dishonest — not just to whoever is receiving it, but also to yourself. What we're really doing is giving the people in our life corrupted information about who we are, what we like, how we feel about things, and all under the guise of being “nice.” 

Disordered emotional boundaries are the foundation of People Pleasing because it forces us to prioritize the wants, needs, desires, and feelings of others above our own.

This doesn't mean we should be rude. It doesn't mean we should be super self-absorbed. But the truth is the only person who can make sure that you get your needs met or that you are seen and known accurately in life, in your friendships, and in the world, is you.

What you think, what you want, who you actually are, matters. It's the only thing you have in this life that is unique to you. This is what makes you you. 

Small changes create sustainable transformation. It's not about immediately being different in your friendships or grabbing a bullhorn and telling everyone there’s a new boundary sheriff in town. 

You must take the time to figure out your likes and your dislikes. If you do your Resentment Inventory, you'll see what friendships and relationships need your

If you had it your way, you’d be open to grabbing coffee or drinks with anyone who asks and, because of that attitude, you’ve probably developed a pretty broad social network. However, this attitude may also leave you feeling overwhelmed, overextended, and confused about who to give your precious time. So, as we bring in the new year, you may be wanting to put some thought into figuring out exactly what friendships to invest in, because it does require work – the texting, planning, coordinating, calling, holding space, showing up - so how do you know what friendships are worth it?

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson is talking to Nina Badzin, author and host of the show, Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship, about how to know who to pursue when you’re being intentional about your friendships. Nina receives so many anonymous letters from listeners each year, so she’s the perfect person to shed some light on this topic.

And as always, stay tuned to the end for this week’s homework. 

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ segment are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays. 

To connect with Nina Badzin, you can reach out to her on Instagram, and you can check out all her podcast has to offer here.

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here. 

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, happening in March 2024, click here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

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.

Have you ever wondered where to find your crew?

What if we told you it's not a matter of joining the right clubs or pretending to be more of an extrovert? In this episode, we interview Laura Tremaine (⁠https://www.lauratremaine.com) ⁠host of "10 Things to Tell You" podcast and author of the new book "The Life Council".

You'll learn:

-why the search for an "all-inclusive" bestie might be restricting your joy

-the beauty of not being everyone's everything

-how to find more satisfaction in your friendship landscape

As always, stay tuned to the end for this week's homework.

A FEW NOTES:

We're currently reading "All about Love" by bell hooks for our Friend Forward Group Chat ⁠monthly book club⁠.

Book a ⁠private session ⁠with host and resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson before she goes on break for the summer!

It's inevitable in any long-lasting friendship: your friend will make choices that you disapprove of, but how do you address it without her feeling like you're being completely unsupportive? In this episode, we'll explore 3 things to keep in mind when you want to show your friend you have her back (even though you disagree with her decisions). [Download your free "Friendship Intentions" ebook to take the assessment and determine which area of friendship you should focus on for the year 2022.] For more personalized support, book a coaching session at Betterfemalefriendships.com today. Space is limited!

She's been on your mind for a while now, but you're not sure if you should reach out to her. When a friendship ends, it's natural to think about whether it's worth rekindling things after some time has passed. So today Danielle is offering three questions for you to consider before you send that text. To book your one-on-one session, visit betterfemalefriendships.com/services, and to get even MORE value, consider joining our private 8-week program to get everything you need to master friendships in 60 days or less at betterfemalefriendships.com/membership.

In this episode, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson discusses the idea that being a good friend to some might mean being a bad friend to others. She explores four points to consider when choosing which friendships to prioritize: being a good friend is relative, time is a limited resource, only 50% of friendships are reciprocal, and some people may be displeased with your choices. She encourages listeners to take inventory of their friendships and consider concentrating their efforts on their top three to five friends.

Keywords

friendships, good friend, bad friend, overwhelm, prioritize, time management, reciprocal friendships

Takeaways

• Being a good friend is relative and different people have different expectations of what it means to be a good friend.
• Time is a limited resource, and investing in certain friendships means other friendships may receive less attention.
• Only 50% of friendships are reciprocal, meaning that not all friends rank each other the same way.
• When choosing which friendships to prioritize, some people may be displeased or have expectations that you're not meeting.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction: The Complexity of Women's Friendships

02:25

Chapter 1: Being a Good Friend is Relative

05:02

Chapter 2: The Hidden Costs of Leaning into Certain Friendships

07:41

Chapter 3: Understanding the Reciprocity of Friendships

13:26

Chapter 4: Dealing with Displeased Friends: The Consequence of Prioritizing

16:15

Conclusion: Taking Inventory of Your Friendships

-----------

• Buy Danielle's book "Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships"

• Book a private coaching session

• Take a friendship inventory

• Join the (final?!) cohort of our group coaching program, Friendship Elevated



**BOOK DANIELLE TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT:

email info(at)tellpublicrelations(dot)com

Better female friendships are earned, and for some, may require a change in behavior and habits. As every one of us is a multifaceted, busy human being just trying their best to remain happy and have meaningful relationships, we may not notice when we’re getting in our own way. So what are some steps women can take to be better friends to the important females in their lives?

In this episode, you’ll learn:

1. How to stop and notice the expectations that your friend’s life choices should mirror your own
2. The importance of expressing affirmative boundaries
3. How to set an expectation of direct communication
4. To treat your friendships with just as much love as your romantic relationships

Danielle Social Links:

• You can book a private friendship coaching session here.
• Book Danielle Bayard Jackson -- friendship expert and educator-- to speak at your event.
• We save in-depth resources for our “group chat” members. Join today.
• To dive deeper into these topics and more, be on the lookout for Danielle Bayard Jackson’s book debut: "Fighting for Our Friendships" in the spring of 2024.

If you’re looking to experience more joy, freedom, and depth in your female friendships, these small changes in behavior and approach to the women who are cared for in your life are game-changers. Sometimes friends must lead by example for the relationships that they want to maintain and get life from. 

We Are NOT The Same, and That’s Okay

Research suggests that it IS very important for women to have similarities and symmetries in their friendships. This falls into other areas of our lives like our romantic relationships, but it is interesting to note that this relationship trait is more expected from women than men. So if this research holds, how do women determine when their female friends are no longer fitting the expected mold? Whether it pertains to their health choices, parenting styles, partner, or financial decisions, there’s always at least one moment when one must take a step back and be real – yes, my friend does have different behaviors and opinions than me. This may come as a no-brainer to most. One may think, of course, my friend can make different choices, and I’ll respect the person that she is regardless of whether we have different views. But what happens after that realization? Does one begin reconsidering that female friendship off the bat? Or maybe it happens slowly, through emotional withdrawal, pangs of jealousy, passive attempts at controlling, or underlying judgment. Do these differences begin to diminish the woman’s character? Friendship expert, Danielle Bayard Jackson, challenges everyone to stop and notice the expectation that you’re friends' life choices should mirror your own. 

Express Yourself

If you’re not new, but true to this podcast, you may remember the episode, TikTok, or social posts that discussed the importance of affirmative boundaries in friendships with women. To recap, the action of expressing boundaries to people you care about can come across as rejection, and therefore cause some reluctance to do so. This is where affirmative boundaries shine – give your friends your form of yes instead of a hard, unproductive no as a response. It is possible to erect boundaries that protect your sanity while maintaining an honest and progressive conversation with your friend.

Welcome to our new weekly segment: GIRL PROBLEMS-- a mini-episode where resident friendship coach and educator Danielle Bayard Jackson will answer a question directly from either our Instagram DM's (@friendforward) or emails we receive at Betterfemalefriendships.com. To share your thoughts on today's "girl problem", visit us on Instagram. And to submit a "girl problem" of your own, DM us or send an email to hello@betterfemalefriendships.com. Don't want to want for your chance to be selected? Join our group chat to ask other women for help OR book a 1-on-1 session with Danielle (spaces limited!)

What do you do when your friend's in love with someone but you're not feeling it? 

Today's episode roadmap:

1. Two things to consider before you speak up (as always, there's research involved!)

2. How to frame your feedback

3. What to do when your friend's in a make-up/ break-up carousel

I end the episode with a reflection of a personal relationship failure when I was in college and what my roommate finally said to wake me up.

After you listen to the episode, join us in the Facebook Group "GIVE IT A REST: Podcast After-Party" to tell us what you think and to share your personal experiences... and to vote for the topic of the next episode!  Learn more at www.giveitarestmovement.com

See you over there!

Danielle Bayard Jackson

Author, Friendship Coach

__________________________

Thank you to our sponsor The Fresh Tax Maven, the "business bestie" every female entrepreneur needs to help her during tax season. Visit https://www.thefreshtaxmaven.com/ and use code GIVEITAREST to get a $100 restaurant gift card when you book an appointment!

Welcome to "Girl Problems" a bi-weekly segment from the Friend Forward podcast, coming to you every other Tuesday.

Today's episode addresses a listener’s question about how to navigate a friendship breakup with someone she works with and therefore will have to continue to see every day. Tune in as our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson offers her words of wisdom on the matter.

Click the ‘Follow’ button now to never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast. Brand new episodes are released every Thursday, and our Girl Problems episodes every other Tuesday.

If you want to join our Book Club and check out what we’re reading this month, join us here.

And if you want to submit a question of your own, visit us at ⁠Betterfemalefriendships.com ⁠or drop us a DM or a voicenote at Instagram at⁠ @friendforward.⁠

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, happening next month in sunny Tampa, click here.

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

Explore coaching with Danielle at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

This episode is a little different for the Friend Forward podcast, as our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares a personal story of her own, relating to a struggle she has recently gone through in one of her own friendships. 

In the five or six years that Danielle has been building this platform, she has rarely shared much about herself and her personal life, but whilst Danielle thrives in sharing her expertise and her knowledge of recent research about women’s cooperation, communication and conflict, she too is a woman who is out there trying to communicate, cooperate and navigate the complexities of female friendships. So let this episode be a reminder that we are all in this together. 

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, where women will gather to share stories like this one, happening in March 2024, click here. 

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ episodes are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays. 

To join the “Be A Better Friend” 21-day challenge, click here

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

As we wrap season 1, we reflect on all that's happened since we first launched the podcast: features in national media outlets like NBC News and Psychology Today; having NYTimes Bestselling authors on the show as our guests; launching an exclusive friendship app-- it's all happening so fast! To give ourselves a chance to take it all in, we're wrapping season 1 and planning for season 2 in early 2021. Thank you for being a part of the Friend Forward family and joining us in our ongoing mission toward better. female. friendships.  In the meantime, join our exclusive membership right now! www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

BE SURE TO SUBSCRIBE SO YOU DON'T MISS THE FIRST EPISODE of OUR RETURN. See you soon!

This week, we're kicking off a 4-week series titled "How to Support Your Friend When..." and it's all about chronic illness. We are joined by listeners Erin and Nikita who share their struggle with various illnesses and the ways in which friends should (and SHOULDN'T!) support women in their position. If you're looking for ways to strengthen your own friendships, join our 8-week group coaching program called "Friendship Elevated" by visiting Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

Got trust issues? In this week's episode, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares 4 ways to gradually and responsibly allow yourself to be more trusting in your female friendships.

Want two bonus strategies? We reserve extra content (including bonus episodes!) for members of the private Friend Forward Group Chat. Join here.

-----

LAST CHANCE TO JOIN OUR GROUP COACHING PROGRAM, "FRIENDSHIP ELEVATED".

We have our welcome call kicking off next week which means you have three days left to register. Join at betterfemalefriendships.com/friendship-elevated

----

Want Danielle to speak at your event? Email our team at info(at)tellpublicrelations(dot)com.

---

Are you in a transitional period in your life and ready to take a serious friendship inventory? We strongly suggest this activity to experience genuine "aha" moments about what needs to shift in your friendship landscape.

In this episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host and women's relational health coach Danielle Bayard Jackson discusses the importance of evaluating the sources of friendship advice that women often turn to. She emphasizes the need for validation of feelings, the importance of being equipped for better friendships, and the impact of resources on emotional well-being. Tune in to hear the four key questions to assess the health of these sources and shares valuable resources for fostering better female friendships.

** Full episodes are available exclusively in " Office Hours", our private Patreon channel. See you over there! Betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast

----------------------

THIS WEEK IS YOUR LAST CHANCE TO JOIN THE FRIENDSHIP ELEVATED GROUP COACHING PROGRAM. [Here]

Book Danielle to speak at your event by contacting samantha@tellpublicrelations.com

---------------------

This episode is sponsored by TELL Public Relations.

Want to learn about how the Friend Forward brand grew to international recognition (including book dals, national media, paid speaking engagements, and more)? Your brand can achieve the same visibility. Learn how by visiting tellpublicrelations.com.

Welcome to "Girl Problems" a bi-weekly segment from the Friend Forward podcast, coming to you every other Tuesday.

In today's episode we address a listener’s issue, where she is finding it tough to meet like-minded women and make new friends and is starting to feel a little hopeless about the whole situation.  She enjoys socializing and she’s confident in talking to new people, but she is struggling to find the time and energy to connect with new potential friends and, when she does make the time and the effort, she finds it hard to find like-minded people who are genuinely interested in forming real friendships. 

Join us as our resident friendship expert, Danielle Bayard Jackson, sheds some light on this issue, delivers some research-backed validation and offers some tangible advice regarding mindset shifts on how to tackle this issue. 

If you have an issue or question you’d like Danielle’s insight on, drop us a DM or a voice note at Instagram at @friendforward or visit us at ⁠Betterfemalefriendships.com ⁠ 

Click the ‘Follow’ button now to never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast. Brand new episodes are released every Thursday, and our Girl Problems episodes every other Tuesday. 

To find out more about Danielle’s Women’s Connection Summit event, happening in March in sunny Tampa, click here. It’s going to be three days of connection with like-minded women who are being intentional about their friendships, just like you.

If you want to join our Book Club and check out what we’re reading this month, join us here. 

And if you want to submit a question of your own, visit us at ⁠Betterfemalefriendships.com ⁠or drop us a DM or a voice note at Instagram at⁠ @friendforward.⁠

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

Explore coaching with Danielle at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

In this episode, you'll hear 3 women speak about the friendship issues they experienced and how shaking off the embarrassment of pursuing support for their relational health made a huge difference.

----

ANNOUNCEMENT!

Doors for the 16-week Friendship Elevated Group Coaching Program JUST OPENED. Enjoy 20% off registration when you sign-up before August 18.

Join us as we come together in an intimate community for bi-weekly coaching (led by founder Danielle Bayard Jackson), five video modules, out-of-the-box exercises, and research-based strategies to help women begin enjoying more satisfaction in their female friendships.

Learn more at betterfemalefriendships.com/friendship-elevated

-------

Grab your copy of the new book Fighting for our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Friendships

-----

Book Danielle to speak by contacting her team at info(at)tellpublicrelations(dot)com

----

THANK YOU TO THIS EPISODE'S SPONSOR:

TELL Public Relations, a woman-owned PR agency dedicated to helping female entrepreneurs get more visibility.

Learn how to get publicity for your business this (competitive!) holiday season by attending TELL's virtual workshop. Details at tellpublicrelations.com.

And don't forget your weekly dose of visibility tips by listening to the TELL Me in Ten Podcast to learn publicity tips in ten minutes or less.

It's been days since you texted your friend Christina, and she still hasn't gotten back to you. What are you supposed to say? (And what should you do if you're typically the "Christina" in this situation?) Today we're talking about "bad texters" and the surprising ways this bad habit can put a strain on your friendships. If this episode resonates with you, let us know by sending us a message at hello@betterfemalefriendships.com. We'll be rooting for you! Visit us NOW at BetterFemaleFriendships.com

It happened last week when you reached out to a new-ish friend, and she never got back to you. It also happened last month with a friend who went off on a coffee date with a mutual friend but didn’t extend an invitation to you. And it happened last night when you had a moment of vulnerability with someone, and she didn’t respond in the way that you were hoping.

These are all examples of rejection, and when it happens, yes it can really sting. In today’s episode of Friend Forward, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares three ways to manage your feelings of rejection when it comes to your female friendships, to help you recover and to help you cope, in these situations.

And as always, stay tuned to the end for this week’s homework. 

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ segment are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays. 

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here. 

And to join the “Be A Better Friend” 21-day challenge, click here

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, happening in March 2024, click here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

Resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson shares an unscripted, unedited, vulnerable message for "Friend Forward" listeners.

Follow along with her and the team at Betterfemalefriendships.comor on Instagram @friendforward.

It's quite possibly the most frustrating situation in a friendship: You spend hours giving your friend the best advice, only to learn one week later that she didn't listen to you at all. As annoying as this can be, there are a few reasons this keeps happening. In this episode, I'm walking you through the reasons you may be setting yourself up for disappointment... and three tips for delivering your advice the right way.

For more friendship advice, follow me at @daniellebayardjackson on Instagram, or buy my book, "Give it a Rest: The Case for Tough-Love Friendships", on available on Amazon.

The year 2020 is bringing up a lot of issues that are making us see our friends differently. Once you discover that you and your friend view the world differently, can the friendship survive? In this episode, I'm  sharing the 2 questions you have to ask yourself to know if it's time to walk away.

If you're looking for more personalized support, visit BetterFemaleFriendships.com to book a coaching session today.

You’re working out at the gym when you realise you’ve been coming solo for the last few weeks as your usual gym buddy has been MIA. It’s not like her, so on your way to the parking lot, you give her a call but she doesn’t answer… Also unlike her. And that’s when it hits you – you remember that she mentioned having a depressive episode last winter, but that was before you were friends. And if she’s having one now, would you even know what to do? And even if you did, would you have the capacity to see her through?

In this episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, we’re finally talking about depression. Research tells us that women are nearly twice as likely as men to have experienced depression, which means at one point it may well have impacted your friendship, whether you knew it or not. 

Join us as our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson speaks to three women on the subject; a psychologist, an emotional intelligence expert, and a young woman who shares her story of how physical assault sent her into a dark place, and honest conversations with her friends got her through. 

And whether you’ve suffered with depression yourself, or have a friend who has, stay tuned for this week’s homework. 

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday, and our ‘Girl Problems’ segment are released bi-weekly on Tuesdays. 

To connect with Dr. Ayanna Abrams, you can find her on Instagram, and you can check out her platform, Not So Strong, here. 

To connect with Farah Harris, you can find her on Instagram, and you can check out her platform, Working Well Daily, here. You can also purchase her book, ‘The Colour of Emotional Intelligence: Elevating Our Self and Social Awareness to Address Inequities” here. 

And to connect with Trayonna, you can find her on Instagram. 

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here. 

To find out more about Danielle’s Friendship event, happening in March 2024, click here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit

If you have a friend who's always late, this episode is for you. Today, Danielle is giving you 4 strategies to use to get your late friends to arrive on time, and trust us-- they work! And for those listeners who are guilty of being tardy to the party, don't worry-- the episode closes with 2 ways that you can get it together. If you're looking for one-on-one support in your ongoing journey toward better female friendships, visit us today at Betterfemalefriendships.com.

Ghosting is nothing new, but it does seem like it's become a more common option for those who want to end a relationship. New research suggests that platonic ghosting is just as painful as being ghosted by a romantic partner.

But what do you do when it happens to you?

In this week's episode of the Friend Forward podcast, host and friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson offers 4 steps to help you decrease the time you spend ruminating and internalizing and finally move toward action that will help you heal.

-----------------

Want to book a one-on-one session with Danielle? Visit us here.

----------------

ONLY 9 DAYS LEFT TO REGISTER FOR FRIENDSHIP ELEVATED (and receive "early bird" pricing). Join us as we work through research, exercises and lessons -- with bi-weekly coaching from Danielle herself-- for four intense months together. Learn more here: betterfemalefriendships.com/friendship-elevated

---

Hire Danielle to speak at your conference! Contact our team at info@tellpublicrelations.com

Each year closes with a collective optimism to "get it right" in the year to come. In our season finale, we walk you through research-based strategies for keeping the resolutions you're making for your friendships. To get more from this episode, download our new ebook (which includes a FREE assessment that reveals the specific friendship goals YOU should make for 2022). Betterfemalefriendships.com/friendshipintentions. See you again in February 2022 when we kick-off season 4! Until then, follow along with us on Instagram @friendforward or join our coaching program at Betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

Welcome to "Girl Problems" a bi-weekly segment from the Friend Forward podcast, coming to you every other Tuesday.

Today's episode addresses a listener’s question about what is a reasonable expectation of a friend when it comes to the issue of time and how, when time is limited, can friendships be maintained. Tune in as our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson offers her helpful insights on the matter.

If you want to submit a question of your own, visit us at ⁠Betterfemalefriendships.com ⁠or drop us a DM or a voicenote at Instagram at⁠ @friendforward.⁠

Click the ‘Follow’ button now to not miss an episode!

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

Explore coaching with Danielle at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

To join our private group chat, access extra resources and take the conversation further, visit https://www.patreon.com/friendforward

Every now and then you need a girls' trip with your friends, but how do you plan so that there's a guarantee that it will be drama-free? In this week's episode we'll talk about the 2 benefits of group trips, the 4 things to consider while you plan, and how to recover if things go sideways. Because the Real Housewives series can't be the only model we have of how girls' trips are supposed to go.  Ready for 1-on-1 friendship coaching? Visit us at Betterfemalefriendships.com

Have you ever had a birthday approaching and, instead of feelings of excitement, you start to feel a sense of apprehension at the prospect of potentially being let down by your friends who, for the last few years, haven’t quite showed up for you in the way you’d hoped?

Birthdays can be a pivotal point in female friendships and, if not managed correctly, can leave you feeling disappointed, let down, and resentful.

In this episode, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson breaks down some reasons why birthdays can feel like a tense time when it comes to friendships, and offers some advice on how you can minimise any sense of disappointment that you may feel around this time.

And as always, stay tuned for this week’s homework, to help you on your way to better female friendships. 

Watch the viral video Danielle references in this episode here

Click here to sign up to Danielle’s weekly newsletter so you can continue to get your Friend Forward fix while the podcast breaks before Season 5!

And make sure you don’t miss Danielle’s exciting surprise in a few months time by subscribing to her YouTube channel here

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson and www.betterfemalefriendships.com

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at www.instagram.com/friendforward

Book a private coaching session with Danielle before she goes on break for the Summer, at ⁠www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Join our private ⁠group chat ⁠for extra resources, at https://www.patreon.com/friendforward

Book Danielle to speak at you upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

Reciprocity is the cornerstone of any healthy female friendship, but what do you do with someone who's so fixated on reciprocity that it turns into scorekeeping? And why do some obsess over everything being perfectly even while others are able to let it go?

In this episode, host Danielle Bayard Jackson (relational health educator, female friendship expert, author of Fighting for our Friendships) shares research that explains the different kinds of "giving" in relationships-- and how to manage it all in a healthy way.

-----------------------

*Join our Friendship Elevated Group Coaching Program for four months of caring, personalized, community-based support as your friendship landscape is completely transformed. Sign-up here.

** For full episodes, bonus resources, and more, join "Office Hours", our Patreon community. Betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast (Book club starts soon!)

--------------------------

Sponsor: TELL Public Relations

If you are an entrepreneur or brand leader and you want to enjoy the same kind of visibility that Friend Forward has gained over the past five years (book deals, national media appearances, paid speaking engagements), consider learning how to become your own publicist. Join "Visibility Summer School" launching this June.

BONUS: Sign-up before 4/25 and you'll get a complimentary PR audit of your social media accounts and website within 48 hours of signing-up.

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering what to make of not being invited to a function or hang out, this episode is for you. Being left out can hurt and make it easy to assume ill intentions, writing them off as mean or inconsiderate. But before we start cutting people off, taking a moment to try to understand the bigger picture might help manage these feelings and unveil actions that can help move friendships forward. Friendship expert and coach Danielle Bayard Jackson recently shared a TikTok on the subject that now has over 1 million views, and on today’s episode, dove deeper into each potential situation. 

Danielle Social Links:

• You can book a private friendship coaching session here.
• Book Danielle Bayard Jackson -- friendship expert and educator-- to speak at your event.
• We save in-depth resources for our “group chat” members. Join today.
• To dive deeper into these topics and more, be on the lookout for Danielle Bayard Jackson’s book debut: "Fighting for Our Friendships" in the spring of 2024.

While there are certainly times people exclude others intentionally out of spite, rudeness or jealousy (not okay!), there are other reasons to consider as well. The hope is that hearing this list doesn’t discourage but instead offers a bit of perspective to consider while navigating and growing our female friendships. To help liberate yourself from frustration about not being invited, let’s skip the part of vilifying the person who didn’t do the inviting. The defensiveness, negativity and self-victimization will not mend the hurt feelings and only prolong the questioning of the integrity of the friendship itself.

Remain Curious Try to remain curious and open about the 10 (possible) reasons, and take this as an opportunity to become a better friend, and person. To get one’s mind right about these situations, engage meaningfully and critically with each reason. If some don’t apply, that’s okay. And if some do, receive the idea holistically and be honest and gentle with yourself and the women in your friendship groups as the reflection process unfolds. 

The Bigger Picture Having a better understanding of the bigger picture will help lead to better outcomes and actionable ideas. These situations can often feel like a personal attack, leading to extreme reactions and maybe even regrettable words exchanged amongst friends. This is not only uncomfortable for the offender, but can create an even more unstable feeling within the friendship.

Each (possible) reason is important to consider, and may apply to past and present moments that friendships have experienced. And still, communication trumps all. Your official friendship coach, Danielle Bayard Jackson provides context for these moments of uncertainty, and gives some reflective homework to help strengthen personal relationships and female friendships. Daneille reiterates, “We can’t make our needs met if we don’t make our desires known. Don’t underestimate the need to communicate your needs”.

One common reason women offer for why they don’t engage more in their friendships is because of a lack of time. For many of these women, the lack of time is due to their obligation to manage a busy household. They may have serious “mom guilt” or feel overwhelmed after tending to all of the familial duties that are unnecessarily placed on the women. Women in general, globally, are doing more domestic labor than their male counterparts and it continues to impact their capacity to fully engage in their female friendships.

In this episode, Laura Danger, equitable domestic labor educator, advocate & coach joins your friendship expert and educator, Danielle Bayard Jackson to recognize how much there is an imbalance of shared labor in the home and the ways in which women’s relationships are affected. You can learn more about her work on Instagram and TikTok. 

Danielle Social Links:

• You can book a private friendship coaching session here.

• Book Danielle Bayard Jackson -- friendship expert and educator-- to speak at your event.

• We save in-depth resources for our “group chat” members. Join today.

• To dive deeper into these topics and more, be on the lookout for Danielle Bayard Jackson’s book debut: "Fighting for Our Friendships" in the spring of 2024.

At first glance it may be confusing to make the connection between female friendships and equitable domestic labor (and fair partnership). But take into account that a majority of American households are still dealing with this imbalance. And in cis, hetero-partnerships, women are doing 2-3x more domestic labor on average. The toll this takes directly impacts the ways that women can engage in their friendships – whether it’s having the physical time, emotional availability or mental capacity to deepen new and existing friendships. So what do we do about it? If you’re partnered, a mother, single or childless, there is opportunity for conversation and compassion to have a more supportive domestic and social life.

Understand The System Despite what was told to little girls, research doesn't show women being more capable at nurturing or household duties than men. To change cultural norms, both genders must acknowledge inequity and address the issue, leveling the playing field in the home.

How It Impacts Our Female Friendships Research reveals that women’s friendships are more fragile than men's, breaking under perceived violations. One reason is women's higher household responsibilities, leaving less bandwidth for "elective" friendships. For many overworked women, friendships go first.

Resolutions Within Relationships Develop communication between partners for a standard of care each is capable of. Try Fair Play Method by Yves Brodksy – have clear expectations in domestic partnerships, avoid gatekeeping information, and create opportunities for sharing responsibility.

Resolutions Within Friendships A good conversation with friends helps. Encourage dialogue for support and empowerment. Remind friends that you're there for them and appreciate the relationship.

“Just because you’re capable, doesn’t make you obligated.” – Laura Danger

Reflect on limiting mindsets affecting female friendships and domestic partnerships. Danielle Bayard Jackson...

For many of us, having a friendship break down can feel like a failure, because so often we wrongly measure the success of a friendship by its longevity. And whilst longevity can be evidence of a successful, healthy, functional relationship, these factors alone won’t insulate us from other things that pose a threat, such as people’s changing goals or desires, or the various external factor at play. 

When a friendship breaks down, it's easy to turn inward, be discouraged and put your walls up, so in this episode our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson unpacks the reasons why friendship breakups can feel like such personal failures, and provides advice on what we can do to redefine relational success.

And as always, stay tuned for this week’s homework, where Danielle shares a framework that you can apply when analysing your past friendship breakdowns to gain valuable insights, make breakdowns more productive, and ultimately pave the way for you to create better female friendships. 

Click the ‘Follow’ button now to not miss an episode. And remember, you can send us your questions on Instagram or at www.betterfemalefriendships.com

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

**OFFER ENDS ON OCTOBER 1st**

Sign up for Danielle’s Friendship Elevated, a 12-week program for modern women who want to experience a real transformation in their female friendship landscape:

https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/membership

 Book a private coaching session with Danielle at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Join our private group chat for extra resources, at https://www.patreon.com/friendforward

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

• JOIN OUR 21-DAY FRIENDSHIP CHALLENGE. 
• Book a one-on-one friendship session.
• Follow Danielle on Instagram @daniellebayardjackson
• Pre-order our new e-book "How to Create, Carry, and Close Conversations with New People"

You’re out shopping and you see a group of four women walk by, sipping on coffee, pushing their carts and laughing at something together, and you feel a little sting. You’re wondering if you’ll ever experience that group dynamic again the way you did when you were younger, and you’re secretly wishing that you had a solid friendship group, in the way so many other people seem to. 

In today’s episode of the Friend Forward podcast, our resident friendship expert explores why we yearn for friendship groups, especially in our 30s, what the research has to say about it, and the pros and cons of friendship groups as opposed to dyadic friendships. So if this issue has been top of mind lately, then this episode is for you.

If you’re desiring a little more vulnerability, depth and intimacy from your friendships, then this is the episode for you. 

And, as always, stay tuned to the end for this week’s homework. 

If you’re in a period where you’re trying to better understand women’s friendships, specifically relating to how to position yourself to make new like-minded friends as a woman in her 30s, you can join the waiting list for Danielle’s “Five Stages Of Adult Friendship” course here.

To pre-order Danielle’s book, Fighting For Our Friendships, click here

If you want to get your hands on the extended learning guide related to last week’s podcast episode, exploring the barriers to vulnerability in friendship (totally free of charge for a limited time only), grab your guide at betterfemalefriendships.com. 

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘+ Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday.

To connect with Danielle wants to hear about it - drop her a DM at @friendforward on Instagram or visit us 24/7 at  www.betterfemalefriendships.com

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

Welcome back to a new season, baby! (And we're on YouTube!)

----

Listen, I know this might sound harsh, but hear me out:

There is a research study that examines the ways that certain aspects of your personality impact the way you form and maintain friendships. This week we're :

• digging into the study to better understand how we can better show up in friendships
• evaluating the personality domains that most impact relationship quality
• getting homework to help us adapt the parts of our personality that have gotten in the way of quality friendships while maintaining our authenticity [Patreon exclusive]

While you should definitely keep the essence of who you are and not look for ways to adapt to please others, it's worth evaluating the ways that some (malleable!) aspects of your personality might need to be adapted if they're having a consistently negative impact on your friendships.

------------

** DID YOU KNOW you can enjoy this same episode on YouTube?

**You can also access the FULL EPISODE by coming to "Office Hours" (our Patreon community). Get access now at www.betterfemalefriendships.com/podcast

** If you're serious about making new connections with other women in 2025, we're weeks away from the Women's Connection Summit happening on March 7-8 in sunny Tampa, Fl. Wanna be an attendee (or heck, even a sponsor)? Get the details at www.womensconnectionsummit.com

Major thanks to the Women's Relational Health Institute for sponsoring this episode of the Friend Forward podcast.

You’re walking home from a friend’s party when you begin to replay a conversation you had with someone you met and, as you recall the way you dived right into personal life details within the first three minutes, you’re wondering if you overshared…

Other people might regret opening up in that way but not you, because you often say - if it’s not a deep friendship, then I don’t want it - but is that really a healthy mantra?

In today’s episode, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson speaks to Israa Nasir, a psychotherapist, speaker and writer, about the intricacies of certain friendships, challenging the belief that relationships must be intensely intimate to hold value. Together they discuss how different friendships can meet various emotional needs, and they also bust some myths about authenticity and oversharing. 

And, as always, stay tuned for this week’s homework. 

To connect with Israa Nasir, you can find her on Instagram, and to access the workshop referenced in this episode,  you can join her substack here too. 

**And you can now pre-order Danielle’s new book, Fighting For Our Friendships* here!**

Pre-order your copy to receive three pre-order bonuses, including audio courses that will not be available publicly.

To never miss an episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, click the ‘Follow’ button now. New episodes are released every Thursday.

Want to join our Book Club and join in the conversation? Join us here. 

To explore more of Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing info@tellpublicrelations.com

You get a message and your heart sinks - “I’m going to do It, I’m going to ask him for a divorce”, it says. You knew your friend and her husband have been having trouble, but you didn’t know it would end up this way, and now you’re wondering how best to show up for her. Data shows that 50% of marriages end in divorce, often happening around the 8-year mark, and the process can take anywhere from 3 months to a year, and can cost up to $7000 for each person – so clearly, this is a time when our friend needs our support.

In this episode of the Friend Forward Podcast, our resident friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson explores exactly how to do this, and speaks to two guests, both of whom have personally experienced divorce, and reflect on how their friends showed up for them.

Olivia Howell is the co-founder of Fresh Starts Registry, which has been mentioned in The Cut, Forbes and the Wall Street Journal. It’s a one-stop shop for everything you need to begin again, and Danielle sits down with Olivia to speak about her experience of divorce and the specific things her friends did to help her survive at the time.

This week, Danielle is also joined by Jasmine Chanelle. Jasmine has nearly 100k followers on Instagram, who follow along for her insights about how to enter into and thrive in entrepreneurship. But when she started sharing her own story of being a single mom and transitioning out of a marriage, she had even more women follow along for the journey. In this episode, she speaks to Danelle about her experience of divorce, and the role her friends played in supporting her.

And as always, stay tuned to the end for this week's homework.

To connect with Olivia, you can find her on Instagram, and you can check out Fresh Starts Registry via their Instagram page or their website.

To connect with Jasmine, you can find her on Instagram, or via her website.

And to explore Danielle’s friendship expertise, connect with her at https://www.instagram.com/daniellebayardjackson

Want to join our Book Club and see what we’re reading this month? Join us here. 

And Click the ‘Follow’ button now, to never miss an episode.

Stay updated with the latest episodes and podcast updates at https://www.instagram.com/friendforward

To explore coaching with Danielle visit www.betterfemalefriendships.com/coaching

Join our private group chat for extra resources, at https://www.patreon.com/friendforward

Book Danielle to speak at your upcoming conference or event, by emailing