Relationship Therapy: Do You Struggle with Female Friends? With Danielle Bayard Jackson

Better! with Dr. Stephanie

Why do some women find it so challenging to build deep, meaningful friendships with other women? From stereotypically male interests to past friendship traumas, and even the discomfort with emotional expression, Danielle Bayard Jackson sheds light on the barriers women face in forging intimate connections.

In this episode, Danielle explores how envy and competition can disrupt the egalitarian nature of female friendships. She also discusses the importance of secrecy, mutual prioritization, and reciprocity in fostering trust and closeness among friends. With practical tips and insights, Danielle guides us on building stronger, more fulfilling friendships.

Episode Overview:
0:00 Intro/Teaser
4:53 Female Friendship Dynamics
9:33 Symmetry in Female Friendships
15:00 The Dynamics of Female Friendship
23:27 Expectations and Support in Friendships
27:15 Navigating Emotional Support and Solidarity
40:30 Navigating Healthy Conflict and Anger
49:32 Sophisticated Stealth in Relational Aggression
55:50 Navigating Envy and Jealousy in Friendships
1:04:15 Building Better Female Friendships

Resources mentioned in this episode:
Danielle’s previous appearance on Better! - https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/how-to-have-better-female-friendships-with-danielle-bayard-jackson/
Danielle’s new book - https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/fighting-for-our-friendships
How to Navigate Female Friendships - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/here-there-and-everywhere/202209/how-navigate-female-friendships
Fighting For Our Friendships - https://www.betterfemalefriendships.com/fighting-for-our-friendships
Jennifer Kolari – Teenage Parenting For The Modern Parent - https://drstephanieestima.com/podcasts/jennifer-kolari-teenage-parenting-for-the-modern-parent/

Bio:
Danielle Bayard Jackson is a former high school teacher turned friendship coach who speaks nationally on the subject of female friendship. Her work and insight has been featured in such outlets as NBC News, Psychology Today, NPR and The New York Times, and she worked closely with Bumble as their resident friendship expert. Before she began coaching women across the country, Danielle worked as a high school teacher and spent time as an academic department chair in the eighth largest county in the United States. She now uses her education background to deliver practical, research-based strategies for women who are looking for ways to create and maintain healthy female friendships. Her ability to speak to women in various life stages has contributed to the growing popularity of her business, Friend Forward and podcast of the same name.

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