We all want real connection—the kind that goes beyond small talk and surface-level check-ins. I’m talking about those soul-nourishing friendships where you feel safe to let your guard down, to be seen and accepted just as you are.
But if you’re anything like me, maybe you’ve noticed that building and keeping those kinds of friendships gets harder as we get older. Life moves fast. We’re juggling work, family, responsibilities—and before we know it, connection starts to feel like one more thing on the to-do list, instead of something that fills us up.
In this episode, I’m sharing a personal story that shines a light on why this happens—not just logistically, but emotionally. We look at how past experiences, especially those defining or difficult moments we don’t always realize still affect us, can shape the way we show up in relationships today. And more importantly, I’ll walk you through five powerful shifts you can start making right now to create and nurture the kind of friendships you deeply crave.
Because you deserve meaningful connection. And it is possible—even in the chaos of adulthood—to find and hold onto those safe, life-giving relationships. Let’s talk about how.
What you will learn:
- How connection impacts not just our lifespan, but our healthspan—and how even small efforts to connect can create powerful ripple effects.
- Why emotional memories and trauma shape our ability to connect—and why forming meaningful relationships often requires more intention and time.
- How rupture and repair affect our friendships—and how relationships can deepen when we’re willing to own our part in conflict.
- How to let go of a friendship that has run its course—and why this isn’t a failure, but a natural and necessary completion.
Featured:
- Find more insights about trauma from Resmaa Menakem.
- Read more from Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown.
- Join Arpita at Miraval in Tucson, AZ where she is a guest speaker for Thought Leaders Week this June, 2025.
- Learn about Arpita’s next Circle of Six Small Group Coaching Cohort HERE.
- Explore Dr. Arpita Gupta DePalma’s programs with Thought Work, MD, including 1-to-1 coaching for individuals, group coaching cohorts for organizations, and her online self-study courses HERE.
- Transforming Your Anger From Reaction to Response Online Self Study Course with Dr. Arpita Gupta DePalma.
