On this week episode of Young Black MRS, we're tackling a topic close to many of our hearts: the ever-changing landscape of friendship as we journey through adulthood.

Have you ever noticed how your friendships have shifted as you've moved through different life stages? From those ride-or-die school friendships to navigating connections amidst career changes, marriage, and starting a family, the evolution is real.

In this insightful first part of a two-part series, Morgane Freeman sits down with the brilliant Kelli Hearn. Kelli is a writer, artist, and behavioral researcher holding a master's in Family and Human Development. Her recent work exploring the experiences of non-partnered individuals and the importance of friendship and community building makes her the perfect guide for this conversation.

We dive deep into:

• The "Traditional Path" and Friendship: Kelli shares her research on how traditional societal norms around marriage and family still influence our friendship dynamics, even for those choosing different paths.

• The Mid-30s Friendship Shift: That moment when you look around and realize life's priorities can significantly impact your friendships. We discuss how focusing on career versus coupling can alter your social circles.

• Proximity: A Blessing and a Curse: We unpack how being physically close can create deep bonds, but distance can sadly lead to some friendships fading. Morgane shares a personal experience highlighting this bittersweet reality.

• Friendships with Purpose: We explore the idea that not every friend needs to be your confidante. Understanding that friends can serve different roles – brunch buddies, work connections, fellow parents – can bring a new appreciation for your social network.

• Navigating Different Life Seasons: It's tough when you and your friends are in vastly different stages of life. We discuss how changing values and personal growth can impact these connections.

About Our Guest:

Kelli Hearn is an artist, writer, and lover of all things horror. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, with minors in Anthropology and Ethnic & Gender Studies, from Emporia State University, and a master’s degree in Family and Human Development from Arizona State University. Her graduate studies included a thesis on societal perceptions of Black women and how those perceptions impact their lived experiences. Kelli is a researcher at heart, and is currently working on a project focused on non-partnered people, friendship, and community building. She loves to travel, but homebase is in Kansas City, where she lives with her canine comrade, Eva.

Don't miss Part 2 next week as we continue this important conversation!

#YoungBlackMRS #EvolvingFriendships #PodcastForBlackWomen #FriendshipAdvice #LifeTransitions #Sisterhood

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