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Female friendships aren't always forever—and that might be exactly how it should be. In this revealing conversation with author Susan Shapiro Barash about her new book "Estranged: How Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended," we explore the complicated reality behind those seemingly unbreakable bonds.

The statistics are striking: 88% of women have had significant problems with close friends, and surprisingly, 75% feel more obligated to stay in troubled friendships than in problematic romantic relationships. Through extensive interviews with women across America, Barash uncovered seven distinct types of friendship challenges that often lead to estrangement—from the faithless friend who prioritizes romantic interests over friendship to the jealous friend who can't celebrate your success.

Susan Shapiro Barash joins us to discuss her 18th book, "Estranged: How Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended," revealing why women often feel more obligated to stay in toxic friendships than romantic relationships.

• Research from 150 women showing 88% have had problems with close friends
• Seven types of problematic friendships including the faithless friend, green-eyed friend, and wayward friend
• Why shared history often keeps women in unhealthy friendships longer than necessary
• How COVID prompted many women to reevaluate and sometimes end long-term friendships
• The emerging trend of women estranging "from a place of power and voice" rather than staying in damaging relationships
• Differences between sister relationships and friendships
• How competition and jealousy impact female friendships in a patriarchal society
• Questions to ask yourself when evaluating troubled friendships

Find Susan's new book "Estranged: How Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended" at your local bookstore or online. Follow Susan on Instagram for updates on her book tour.

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