How One Bumble BFF Match Turned Into a Best Friendship with Hayleigh Hayhurst

Friendship apps have a reputation for being awkward. They're "not how real friendships happen.” But what if that's not true?

When Hayleigh Hayhurst moved to Seattle knowing almost no one, she found herself craving deeper connection and a stronger support system. Instead of waiting for friendships to happen organically, she decided to try Bumble BFF — and ended up meeting some of her closest friends!

Hayleigh talks about what it's like to go on friend dates, why friendship rejection can feel more personal than romantic rejection, and how to move conversations off the apps into real life.

If you’ve considered downloading a friendship app or simply want more meaningful friendships in your life, this episode is for you.

In this episode you’ll hear about:

• Why adult friendships work better when you get to an in-person meetup as quickly as possible
• The surprisingly specific filters Hayleigh used when looking for friends, including relationship status and lifestyle
• How searching for a “neighborhood friend” changed Hayleigh's experience of living in a city far from family
• Why borrowing a partner's social circle isn't the same as building your own support system
• Why Hayleigh was more nervous to go on a friend date than a romantic date, and what convinced her to try anyway

Resources & Links

Episode 52: How To Build Community When You Don’t Know Where to Start

Episode 162: Why Getting to Know Your Neighbors Matters Right Now

This episode is sponsored by Slowly, a digital pen pal app used by over 10 million people worldwide. If you’ve been looking for a low-pressure way to connect with someone completely outside your normal friendship circle, this is it. Exchange letters at your own pace, no small talk panic required.

Download Slowly free and get 30% off Slowly Plus using my link: https://open.slowly.app/miXL/l8ei5iw6

WANT MORE?

My book, Are We Friends Yet? hits shelves June 16. Get on the waitlist for pre-order bonuses + a first look.

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