Friendship: Twice the laughs; half the tears

There are two things we KNOW to be true: 1) it’s hard to make and keep friends as you get older and 2) it’s nearly impossible to be happy without friends.

From your local hang-out peeps to your shared-interest [book/bike/kayak/fitness/whatevs] club to your bury-the-body-bestie, knowing who is—as well as what makes—a “good” friend is a life skill every woman should have, especially women in midlife.

How do you find them? How do you keep them? Is there value in “superficial” friendships? Why does it hurt so much when a friend disappoints or worse, betrays you? When should you let a friend go? When should you fight like hell to keep one?

We get into all these questions and more in today’s episode so grab your favorite hang-with-your-crew beverage and join us as we get clear about finding, keeping, and celebrating one of the most rewarding relationships known to humankind: friendship.

Stasha’s cocktail: El Capitan

• 2 oz pisco (Don Benedicto)
• 1 oz sweet vermouth
• 2 dashes Angostura bitters

Add all ingredients to mixing glass with ice. Stir for 20 seconds. Strain into coupe glass and garnish with a lemon twist.

(FYI-Pisco is a Peruvian brandy)

Cheryl’s cocktail: shot of Milago Tequila with Lime juice

Very smooth Tequila and easy to drink.


Good articles:

Decades of research shows it is almost impossible to be happy without friends.

A lack of meaningful friendships and support in midlife and beyond can be particularly difficult, leading to intense loneliness, and poor physical and mental health.

7 Signs of a True Friend

Midlife Friendship Key to a Longer, Healthier Life

The Best Friends Can Do Nothing For You


Aristotle’s definition/layers of friends:

• Friendship of virtue: There is no “reason” you love this person, you simply do.
• Friendship of pleasure: Based on something you like or enjoy about the other person, or mutually shared enjoyment
• Friendship of utility: “Deal” friends. Usually work, location, or place-based. Transactional, even if the transaction is simply keeping the peace between a group.