You’re not too busy for friendships - you’re just missing this.

Loneliness is rising, even among people who seem to have it all. So why does making (and keeping) friends as an adult feel so hard?

In this episode, we unpack the surprising science behind connection - and the simple, uncomfortable shifts that turn acquaintances into real friendships.

If you’ve ever thought, “I wish I had deeper friendships”… this is the one to listen to.

KEY POINTS
Why loneliness is rising - even when we’re more “connected” than ever
The hidden rule of friendship: it takes 50+ hours to even get started
Why discomfort is part of every meaningful relationship
The mistake most adults make (waiting instead of initiating)
How one brave invite can completely change your social life
Why face-to-face time beats texts, likes, and DMs every time

QUOTE OF THE EPISODE

“Don’t wait - initiate. The friendships you want won’t build themselves.”

RESOURCES MENTIONED
Research on friendship time thresholds (Jeff Hall, University of Kansas)

ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
Reach out to one person this week - don’t overthink it
Schedule time together (don’t leave it as “we should catch up”)
Put your phone away in shared spaces - create connection moments
Commit to consistency - friendship is built over hours, not intention
Say yes to discomfort - it’s a sign something meaningful is forming

You&rsquo;re not too busy for friendships - you&rsquo;re just missing this.
Loneliness is rising, even among people who seem to have it all. So why does making (and keeping) friends as an adult feel so hard?
In this episode, we unpack the surprising science behind connection - and the simple, uncomfortable shifts that turn acquaintances into real friendships.
If you&rsquo;ve ever thought, &ldquo;I wish I had deeper friendships&rdquo;&hellip; this is the one to listen to.
KEY POINTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why loneliness is rising - even when we&rsquo;re more &ldquo;connected&rdquo; than ever</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hidden rule of friendship: it takes 50+ hours to even get started</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why discomfort is part of every meaningful relationship</li>
<li aria-level="1">The mistake most adults make (waiting instead of initiating)</li>
<li aria-level="1">How one brave invite can completely change your social life</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why face-to-face time beats texts, likes, and DMs every time</li>
</ul>
QUOTE OF THE EPISODE
&ldquo;Don&rsquo;t wait - initiate. The friendships you want won&rsquo;t build themselves.&rdquo;
RESOURCES MENTIONED
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://news.ku.edu/news/article/2018/03/06/study-reveals-number-hours-it-takes-make-friend">Research on friendship time thresholds</a> (Jeff Hall, University of Kansas)</li>
</ul>
ACTION STEPS FOR PARENTS
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Reach out to one person this week - don&rsquo;t overthink it</li>
<li aria-level="1">Schedule time together (don&rsquo;t leave it as &ldquo;we should catch up&rdquo;)</li>
<li aria-level="1">Put your phone away in shared spaces - create connection moments</li>
<li aria-level="1">Commit to consistency - friendship is built over hours, not intention</li>
<li aria-level="1">Say yes to discomfort - it&rsquo;s a sign something meaningful is forming</li>
</ul>

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy Families Podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now. Every day Justin and his wife Kylie provide practical tips and a common sense approach to parenting that Mums and Dads all over the world are connecting with. Justin and Kylie have 6 daughters and they regularly share their experiences of managing a busy household filled with lots of challenges and plenty of happiness. For real and practicable advice from people who understand and appreciate the challenges of a time poor parent, listen to Justin and Kylie and help make your family happier.

The Happy families podcast with Dr. Justin Coulson is designed for the time poor parent who just wants answers now.

Dr Justin Coulson's Happy Families

The Friendship Advice Experts Swear By

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/fa326977-3de5-4283-9b8b-af3500c58607/clips/157c074f-442a-40e9-9487-b40f00beec4e/transcript