Summary: The global pandemic may have reduced the scope of your social circle. And while pandemics can indeed lead to isolation and loneliness, they may also usher in clarity about what—or in this case, who—is truly important. There are deep friendships and there are not-so-deep ones: are there benefits to intentionally nurturing fewer friendships while simultaneously giving your soul-level connections your best?<br> On today’s show we apply the principles of minimalism to adult friendships with Lifestyle Optimization Coach <a href="https://mforhealth.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Meredith Keith-Chirch</a>. Meredith argues there are mental and emotional benefits to consciously keeping our social circles small; she believes, too, that minimalism can help us navigate a friendship’s complexities without dramatics.<br> <br> Here’s a preview of this week’s episode:<br> [4:00] The health benefits associated with having fewer but better friends<br> [9:00] Real friendship vs fake friendship: How to know when a friendship has reached its natural expiration date<br> [14:30] Breaking up with friends in a heart-first way (and without a big, dramatic moment)<br> [23:00] How to best handle a friend who never reciprocates the effort<br> [26:00] Drawing appropriate boundaries with ultra-needy friends<br> [30:00] 3 ways to nurture your soul-level friendships for the long haul<br> <br> <br> * Thank you to <a href="https://www.mamazen.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MamaZen</a> for sponsoring this week’s episode! Get free access to the entire app for 30 days with promo code STEPHANIE.<br> * Thank you to also to <a href="https://www.onequince.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Quince</a>! Use code SM10 at checkout for 10% off your order of $100.<br> <br> * Want more episodes like this one? Check out <a href="https://mamaminimalist.com/094/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">#094: Minimalism for Moms: Parenting The Simpler Way</a>.<br> * Join our (free!) community <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/134165317219800/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.<br> * Find your tribe. Sustainable Minimalists are on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SustainableMinimalists/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Facebook,</a> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mommyminimalist/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Instagram</a> + <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/mommyminimalist/pins/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">Pinterest</a>.<br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br>
