The Heart of Friendship | How to Make Friends, Female Friendship, Adult Friendship, Friendship Advice

76 | Conversations You Don't Want to Miss: Adult Friendship, Purpose, Motherhood, & More

Adult Friendship, Purpose, Motherhood & More
Being a good friend means celebrating and supporting other amazing women. And, that's what I'm doing this week! In this episode, I highlight some of my favorite conversations about friendship, faith, motherhood, and living with purpose.
Listen in for encouragement, practical advice, and inspiration from other women who are doing incredible work:
Priorities on Purpose with Melissa Batt – Finding Friends in a New Season: Intentional Tips for Building Real Community with Cecelia Curtis (Part 1)
Priorities on Purpose with Melissa Batt - Friendship That Heals: Courage, Vulnerability, and Showing Up on Purpose with Cecelia Curtis (Part 2)
The Happy SAHM Podcast with Yaritza Pluguez – How to Make Friends as SAHMs with Cecelia Curtis
Achieve Your Ambitious Mom Life with Dr. Anokhi Kapasi – The Truth About Making Friends: How High-Achieving Moms Can Prioritize Real Friendships with Cecelia Curtis
Tune in and be encouraged!
✨ Stay connected with me:
Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast
Facebook: The Friendship Tour Community
Newsletter: Sign up here
Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com
*BE A GOOD FRIEND!*
 

75 | A Little Celebration & Something New!

This week’s episode of The Friendship Tour is short, sweet, and full of joy. I’m talking about quality time with loved ones (and with myself), celebrating a big podcast milestone, and sharing something exciting and new that I’ve been working on behind the scenes.
Press play to celebrate with me, hear the latest news, and get inspired to savor the rest of your summer with family and friends.
Let’s stay connected between episodes!🌐 Visit the new website → www.ceceliacurtis.com📬 Sign up for The Friendship Tour newsletter → Subscribe Here💬 Join the Facebook Community → The Friendship Tour Facebook Group📸 Follow on Instagram → @thefriendshiptourpodcast
BE A GOOD FRIEND!

74 | How to Make Peace with Small Talk: 4 Tips to Make New Adult Friendships Less Awkward

Do you dread small talk? You're not alone. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I share practical, encouraging advice to help you make peace with those polite, sometimes awkward conversations that often open the door to meaningful friendships.
I walk through four simple truths about small talk that can help you stop overthinking, loosen up, and confidently connect with new people. Whether you're at a work event, church, or in the school pickup line, this episode will leave you feeling more prepared—and less annoyed—by small talk.
👇 What You'll Learn:
Why small talk isn’t the enemy—it’s the invitation.
4 ways to make peace with small talk:
Accept it as a natural part of connection
Understand that no one actually enjoys it
Prepare for it in a way that fits the moment
Embrace the awkward—because everyone else feels it too
🤝 Let’s Stay Connected:
💌 Become a Friendship Tour Insider: Click here to join and be the first to know about upcoming virtual and in-person events.
💬 Join the Friendship Tour Community on Facebook: Connect with other women here
📸 Follow The Friendship Tour on Instagram
🛍️ Like What You Heard?
Leave a quick review and share this episode with a friend who hates small talk as much as you do. Remember: small talk isn’t the goal—it’s just the beginning.

73 | An Honest Conversation About the "No New Friends" Mentality, Church Hurt, and Why Adult Friendships and Community Matter — with Chryssy Payne

I'm back with part two of my conversation with sociology professor Chryssy Payne, and this time we’re going even deeper. In this episode, we unpack the “No New Friends” mentality and how it may be doing more harm than good—especially for those of us trying to build healthy, lasting adult friendships.
We also talk candidly about church hurt, the challenges of trusting again, and how to find your people - whether you’ve been burned before, are new to the area, or are simply out of practice. Chryssy brings her expertise as a sociologist and her lived experience to this honest and insightful conversation.
In this episode, we explore:
Why adult friendship and community are essential—not optional
How wisdom, discernment, and wise counsel can help you form healthy new connections
Practical ideas for re-engaging with others, even if you're feeling isolated
Whether you’re craving new connections or reevaluating old ones, this episode will encourage you to reflect and reconnect—with wisdom and hope.
💛 Join the Conversation📱 Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast📬 Sign up for The Friendship Tour Newsletter: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourinsiders👭 Join our Facebook community: The Friendship Tour Community
If you loved this episode, leave a review and share it with a friend who could use a little more community in their life.

72 | Craving Connection? Let's Have a Real Talk about Community with Sociology Professor Chryssy Payne

This episode is all about community — what it really means, why it matters, and how it shapes our sense of belonging.
Join sociology professor Chryssy Payne and me as we explore how community meets deep human needs like validation and identity, even in our increasingly digital world. We share stories from our younger years, talk about how technology helps us stay connected (and sometimes gets in the way), and discuss what it takes to build or rebuild a community after relocating.
Some highlights from our conversation:
Defining community beyond just geography
Why we all crave real connection and belonging
How different generations experience community differently
The importance of being intentional about relationships
Practical ways to find and nurture community when you move
If you’re feeling a bit disconnected or wondering how to find your people, I hope this episode gives you encouragement and ideas for taking those first steps.
💛 Stay in the Loop Become a Friendship Tour Insider for early invites to our virtual book club, meetups, and more.
Other Ways to Connect:
Facebook Community
Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast
Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com
Thanks for listening! Don’t miss Part 2 of this conversation coming next week!

BONUS | The Friendship Tour Book Club is BACK! And You're Invited!

The Friendship Tour Book Club is back — and you’re invited!
In this quick bonus episode, I’m sharing everything you need to know about our next gathering:📘 We’re reading My Friends by Fredrik Backman.📅 The virtual meeting is tentatively set for Saturday, September 6th🕔 Exact time is TBD based upon time zones. (Last time, we met at 5pm PST / 8pm EST.)Get the Book!🛍️ Grab the book through the Amazon links below to support The Friendship Tour!
Kindle Edition
Hardcover Edition
Note: An an Amazon Affiliate member, I might receive a small percentage from each sale. Please know that this helps support The Friendship Tour podcast.This book club isn’t just about reading — it’s about women, friendship, and community. It's about honest conversations, shared insights, and a few good laughs with women who care about meaningful connection.
💬 What past readers said about our last meetup:
“It was an enjoyable time. I’d definitely do it again!”
“[I liked] hearing perspectives from other women with different life experiences than myself.”
“I enjoyed the way you kept the conversation flowing and made everyone feel welcome and included.”
🎉 Want to Join the Book Club?
Just send your name and time zone to ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com, and I’ll take care of the rest.
 
Become a Friendship Tour Insider!
Be the first to know about virtual Book Clubs, local meetups, and other fun Friendship Tour news. Sign up at bit.ly/thefriendshiptourinsiders.
See you soon! 💛

71 | Real Talk with My Lifelong Friend: Gossip, Boundaries, and Gut Checks in Female Friendships - with Kina Thornton Frazier

In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I'm joined again by my lifelong friend, Kina Thornton Frazier. Together, we take a walk down memory lane, reflect on nearly three decades of friendship, and share our thoughts about what makes (or breaks) new friendships.
From setting healthy boundaries to trusting your instincts, Kina and I talk through some red flags in new relationships and why pacing matters. Whether you’re navigating the early stages of friendship or wondering whether to walk away, this conversation will give you something to think about.
🧭 What You’ll Hear In This Episode:
One of my favorite friendship moments with Kina💕
How the normal new friendship learning curve "exhaustion" differs from red flags 🚩
The difference between being an initiator and being too intense
Why gut feelings and discernment matter more than a friendship checklist
The 5 red flags Kina and I look out for in new friendships
🛠️ Practical Application:
Use both wisdom and discernment when building new friendships—and don’t ignore the signs. Every friend isn’t your forever friend, and that’s okay.
🤝 Connect With Me!
Become a Friendship Tour Insider
Join the Facebook Community
Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast
Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com
🎧 If you loved this episode:
Leave a review
Share it with a friend
*BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

70 | Does She Really Want to be Your Friend? The Truth About Breadcrumbing in Female Friendships

Have you ever met someone who seemed excited to connect—but every time you reached out, they were “too busy”? Or maybe you’ve found yourself overpromising on a friendship you couldn’t follow through on. If so, you’ve likely experienced (or unknowingly done) a little breadcrumbing.
In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I share a personal story that introduced me to the concept of breadcrumbing in female friendships—and why it matters more than we think.
In this episode, I also cover:
What Is Breadcrumbing in Friendship?When someone gives small signals of interest (“Let’s get coffee soon!”) without any follow-through.
What ISN’T Breadcrumbing?Real life happens! There’s a difference between being genuinely busy and consistently unavailable.
Why Is Breadcrumbing a Big Deal?It creates confusion, mixed signals, and emotional wear-and-tear. We start questioning ourselves instead of the situation.
How to Respond to BreadcrumbingLearn practical, kind ways to protect your peace and set clear boundaries—without bitterness.
💡 Key Insight:Most of us have both breadcrumbed and been breadcrumbed. Often, it’s not malicious—it comes from people-pleasing, discomfort with honesty, or simply trying to “be nice.” But friendship deserves more than polite signals and false starts. It deserves honesty, clarity, and consideration.
💬 Let’s Stay Connected:
📬 Become a Friendship Tour Insider: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourinsiders📌 Join the Facebook Group: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast📷 Follow on Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast📥 Email Cecelia: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com
🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend—or leave a quick review to help other women find the encouragement and insight they need.

69 | Is Social Media Stealing Your Confidence? The Comparison Trap That’s Hurting Female Friendships – with Val Walker

In this follow-up to our episode, Why Am I All Alone?, author and rehabilitation consultant, Val Walker returns for a powerful conversation about the hidden ways social media shapes our confidence and friendships—especially for women navigating adult connection.
With hundreds of online “friends,” why do so many of us still feel alone? Why does a single unanswered message or unliked post feel so personal? And how do comparison and online validation impact how we show up offline?
🎧 In this thoughtful and honest episode, Val and I explore:
The link between social media and self-esteem
How the comparison trap chips away at confidence
How social media discourages real-life connection and vulnerability
You’ll also hear Val explain what it’s like to feel unseen online—and how we can start reclaiming connection beyond the screen.
🌿 This episode is for you if:
You’ve ever questioned your worth based upon likes or follows
You want deeper, more authentic friendships
You’re trying to be more intentional with social media and real connection
📚 Support The Friendship Tour Podcast & Guest, Val Walker:
You can support the show and Val Walker by purchasing one of her books through the links below:
400 Friends and No One to Call: Breaking Through Isolation and Building Community
The Art of Comforting: What to Say and Do for People in Distress
*As an Amazon Affiliate member, I may earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the podcast going and growing! 💛*
You can also contact Val Walker directly at www.valwalkerauthor.com.
📣 Connect with Cecelia:
✨ Become an Insider: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourinsiders
🧡 Join the Facebook Community: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast
📷 Follow on Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast
📬 Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com
💬 Finally, if this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—share the episode, leave a review, and let’s keep building friendships rooted in faith, honesty, and real connection.

68 | Big News from The Friendship Tour: A New Look, A New Letter, and a Special Invitation for YOU!

In this quick update, I'm sharing a few exciting changes happening with The Friendship Tour :
A fresh new look that captures the heart of friendship
A new newsletter for friendship tips, encouragement, resources, and early access to events
An open invitation to send in your questions for an upcoming Q&A episode
Let’s stay connected — just choose a way and say hello!
📬 Sign up for the newsletter💬 Send in your friendship questions for the Q&A episode at ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com👯‍♀️ Follow along on Instagram and join the Facebook group!