Show me your friends and a clinical psychologist can read the state of a relationship before either partner says a word. Dr. Laurie Betito breaks down why emotions and attitudes spread through a friend group the same way they do anywhere else, meaning constant exposure to friends who treat cheating or divorce as normal can quietly chip away at how someone views their own partnership over time.

A genuinely good friend looks different from that. Dr. Laurie outlines what separates healthy venting from corrosive complaining, and why a real friend supports a relationship instead of treating it as competition for attention. The harder conversation comes when a friend crosses a line entirely, and Dr. Laurie offers a specific approach for raising it that doesn't come across as controlling who a partner is allowed to see.

The line between a flawed friend and a genuinely harmful one is more specific than it sounds, and Dr. Laurie draws it clearly.

**Why Good Friends Strengthen a Relationship**

Dr. Laurie explains the contagion effect of negativity within friend groups and names the specific habits, like accountability and normalizing conflict, that define a truly supportive friend.

**When a Friend Becomes a Problem**

The conversation shifts to recognizing a friend who undermines a relationship, including the complicated case of a shared friend, and how to raise the issue without it sounding like an ultimatum.

Topics: relationship advice, friend group influence, toxic friendships, healthy friendships, Dr. Laurie Betito

GUEST: Dr. Laurie Betito | drlaurie.com

Originally aired on 2026-06-19

Show me your friends and a clinical psychologist can read the state of a relationship before either partner says a word. Dr. Laurie Betito breaks down why emotions and attitudes spread through a friend group the same way they do anywhere else, meaning constant exposure to friends who treat cheating or divorce as normal can quietly chip away at how someone views their own partnership over time.
A genuinely good friend looks different from that. Dr. Laurie outlines what separates healthy venting from corrosive complaining, and why a real friend supports a relationship instead of treating it as competition for attention. The harder conversation comes when a friend crosses a line entirely, and Dr. Laurie offers a specific approach for raising it that doesn't come across as controlling who a partner is allowed to see.
The line between a flawed friend and a genuinely harmful one is more specific than it sounds, and Dr. Laurie draws it clearly.
**Why Good Friends Strengthen a Relationship**
Dr. Laurie explains the contagion effect of negativity within friend groups and names the specific habits, like accountability and normalizing conflict, that define a truly supportive friend.
**When a Friend Becomes a Problem**
The conversation shifts to recognizing a friend who undermines a relationship, including the complicated case of a shared friend, and how to raise the issue without it sounding like an ultimatum.
Topics: relationship advice, friend group influence, toxic friendships, healthy friendships, Dr. Laurie Betito
GUEST: Dr. Laurie Betito | drlaurie.com
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-06-19

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.