Alaina and Claire talk friendships! (Insert cheesy friendship lines here.) How do friendships change with chronic illness? What are the qualities of a good friend? When is it appropriate to leave a friendship? Are Alaina and Claire even friends?!
- Alaina expresses concern about her current network of friendships and is learning how to maintain a smaller circle of friends (while Claire makes fun of her).
- She also discusses the anxiety of texting (ie. the WORST form of communication) and catching up with people during this time.
- Claire acknowledges that it takes a lot of energy to maintain friendships and that friendships ebb and flow based on time and place.
- It's hard to be a good friend sometimes when you're working through your own illness!
- Alaina reflects on how she used to be much less vulnerable and was forced to open up. She had to learn that vulnerability is part of being a good friend!
- Claire mentions the importance of sharing interests with friends (and Alaina questions their friendship...)
- Claire prioritizes empathy, shared beliefs, but also some differences in her friendships.
- Alaina thinks you need different friends for different things.
- Claire agrees people shouldn't give up friendships for romantic partners and Alaina admits she had to learn that lesson.
- Claire explains that she has also been caught up in toxic friendships and wonders what qualities are red flags in a bad friendship. For Alaina it's people who aren't emotionally aware or willing to apologize well. Also, people who always relate stories to themselves too often.
- Claire explains that she found herself in toxic friendships where people discourage other friendships, talk about each other, or aren't understanding. She advises to stay away from groups that expect you to change yourself for them.
- Seek friends that will help you to become the person you want to be and who will grow with you.
- Be yourself first and foremost and authentic friendships will come.
- Now you're all in the family!
