Making Friends with Loneliness

The 'Making Friends with Loneliness' episode of the 'Stuff Mom Never Told You' podcast features guest co-host Tari Harrison, who joins Annie to discuss the concept of embracing solitude and the societal pressures women face regarding marriage and having children. The episode is inspired by an article about actress Tracee Ellis Ross, who at 45, is unmarried and childless by choice, and speaks openly about self-love and rejecting societal expectations. Tari relates this to her own life and the experiences of a friend who also chooses not to have children, despite being nurturing and caring by nature.

During the episode, Tari and Annie delve into the societal norms that expect women to prioritize marriage and children, often leading to questions about their life choices when they deviate from this path. They discuss the importance of self-worth and happiness over conforming to these expectations. Tari shares her personal reflections on turning 30, a milestone that prompts her to question her own life choices and societal pressures. The conversation explores the difference between solitude and loneliness, with Tari emphasizing that making friends with loneliness is about enjoying one's own company and valuing time with oneself.

Annie and Tari also touch upon the challenges of maintaining friendships as adults, especially when friends enter new relationships or have children, which can lead to feelings of being left behind. They discuss the cultural trope of 'you complete me' and how it implies that one's life is incomplete without a partner, a notion they both challenge. The episode concludes with practical advice on how to make friends with loneliness, such as engaging in activities that one enjoys alone and utilizing technology to find like-minded individuals or social events.