131: What If Your Friends Actually Like You? with Blake Blankenbecler - Nuance Needed | Lyssna här

When did friendship become something we have to optimize? In this episode, Amanda sits down with friendship specialist Blake Blankenbecler to talk about why we’re overthinking our friendships—and how therapy speak, social media, and the pressure to have “perfect” relationships might be getting in the way of actually enjoying them.

In conversation, we tackle:

Why your friends don’t need to be your therapists (and why that doesn't mean you shouldn't vent)
The friendship “test” that tells you to stop reaching out and see who comes looking for you
Why “I miss you” is often more vulnerable (and more useful) than a perfectly worded conversation about your unmet needs
The five-person “core friendship” idea—and why not every friend needs to know everything about you
Why “your friends like you” might be the radical reassurance we actually need
The case for bringing back hosting friends, parallel play, dumb jokes, snacks, and being together without turning every interaction into emotional work

Blake Blankenbecler is a therapist and friendship specialist. She is the creator of the Friendship Deck and practices at Fig Therapy. Follow her on social media @blakeblankenbecler and find her online at blakeblankenbecler.com.

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