Why are adult friendships so complicated, and so vital?

To mark the one-year anniversary of Curious Life of a Childfree Woman, Emily Paulsen is joined by friendship researcher, writer, and podcast host Nina Badzin for a conversation that’s both validating and refreshingly practical. Nina has spent more than a decade exploring the realities of adult friendships, not the idealized versions, but the messy, beautiful, ever-evolving kind.

Together, Emily and Nina unpack the silent expectations that often trip us up, the habits that quietly erode closeness, and the surprising ways we can deepen connection even when life gets busy. From texting styles and mismatched energy levels to friendship between parents and non-parents, nothing is off-limits in this honest, relatable, and ultimately hopeful conversation.

This episode invites listeners to rethink how we define friendship, and how to keep showing up for the ones that matter most.

Key Takeaways:

• Sameness is not the goal: Strong friendships aren’t built on identical habits, they’re built on curiosity, empathy, and flexibility.

• Time builds trust:  It takes around 200 hours to truly bond with someone, there’s no substitute for shared time and intention.

• Initiation isn’t one-sided:  Just because you reach out more doesn’t mean you care more. Different communication styles don’t always reflect emotional investment.

• Relationships evolve, and they should:  Friendships will shift with life seasons. Instead of resisting change, embrace the new version of your connection.

• Let good enough be enough:  Not every friend will be everything. Celebrate the friendships that serve you as they are, instead of wishing they were something else.

  
  

Host Emily Paulsen is an accomplished entrepreneur and happily childfree woman shining a light on the often overshadowed childfree-by-choice perspective. Whether interviewing innovative experts or positioning leaders to scale through her Brand Studio, Electric Collab, Emily’s power lies in allowing people to feel seen and celebrated for who they are. She’s spent years honing the ability to deeply understand and amplify others in an honest, high-impact way.

Learn more about Emily at www.curiouslifeofachildfreewoman.com

Connect on Instagram @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

Join the Curious Life Club on Substack @curiouslifeofachildfreewoman

The guest on this episode, Nina Badzin, is a nationally recognized friendship expert, longtime writer, and host of Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship. Her podcast and Substack newsletter provide a space to explore the nuance of adult relationships, offering practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and validation for anyone navigating the complexities of connection in today’s world.

Learn more about Nina at dearnina.substack.com

Connect on Instagram: @dearninafriendship

And listen to her podcast wherever you get your shows: Dear Nina: Conversations About Friendship

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This episode is sponsored by Pearlvest Capital.

Founded by financial advisor Nicole Meihofer, Pearlvest Capital helps you align your money with your values and design a life that fits you, not anyone else’s expectations. Access her free private podcast series for Curious Life listeners at pearlvest.com/insider.

Nicole Meihofer is an investment professional registered at IHT Wealth, LLC a registered investment advisor with the SEC. IHT Wealth management may only transact business in states it is registered or qualified for an exemption or exclusion from registration.