Podcast Episode 386: How to Make Friends as an Adult When You’re Tired, Busy, and Out of Patience with Anna Goldfarb
When was the last time you tried to make a new friend without it feeling like a weird mix of speed dating and a PTA obligation? If you’ve ever googled “how to make friends as an adult” while stress-eating snacks in your car between errands, you are in very good company.
In this episode, journalist and friendship researcher Anna Goldfarb breaks down exactly why adult friendships are so tricky—especially for moms who are already juggling family, work, and maybe (just maybe) five minutes of peace in the bathroom. Drawing from her book Modern Friendship, Anna gives a refreshingly honest take on how to make friends as an adult without feeling like you’re forcing it or faking it.
We dig into the emotional labor of connecting with other women when you’re overwhelmed, why vague texts like “we should get together sometime” usually go nowhere, and what actually keeps a friendship alive. If you’ve been wondering how to make friends as an adult when you’re already mentally tapped out, Anna offers simple, clear strategies that don’t require a full personality overhaul or a Pinterest-worthy social life.
So if you’re craving connection but can’t imagine adding one more thing to your calendar, this episode is your blueprint. Learn how to make friends as an adult in a way that fits your real, messy, chaotic life—and maybe even makes it a little brighter. Hit play, exhale, and finally feel like someone gets it. Because Anna does.

In this episode of the No Guilt Mom podcast you’ll learn:
- How modern friendships are more complicated than ever
- What 1 small thing you may be doing that dooms your invites to go nowhere
- What you need to do to revive and old friendship
- How to build meaningful adult friendships with this one mindset shift
Resources We Shared In This Episode:
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