Find Your People: Jennie Allen on Meaningful Adult Friendships *top 10 episode* [Ep 579]

Friendship isn't something most of us are taught. We often find ourselves fumbling through the trial and error of making and keeping friends while navigating busy schedules, family responsibilities, and a culture that celebrates independence. In this top 10 replay episode, author and speaker Jennie Allen joins us to discuss why meaningful friendships can feel so difficult to build as adults. Drawing from her own experience of moving to a new city and intentionally creating a close-knit community, Jennie shares practical insights on overcoming loneliness, embracing vulnerability, and finding the people who will walk through life's highs and lows with you. We explore why new friendships often feel awkward, how shame and pain keep us from being vulnerable, and why many of us expect one or two people to meet all of our relational needs. Jennie challenges us to move beyond comfort, create a "village mentality," and become the kind of people who show up with pizza, sit in the mess, and do life together. **In This Episode** - The difference between transparency and complaining - How many hours it takes to feel like close friends - How shame and pain keep us from vulnerability - Jennie's "5 Miles, 5 Friends" approach to building community - Why friendship requires embracing awkwardness - How to create a village in today's culture - The truth about disappointment, expectations, and healthy friendships - Deep friendships don't happen by accident—they require intentionality Connect with Jennie Allen:  - Website: Jennie Allen - Facebook: Jennie Allen - Instagram: Jennie Allen (@jennieallen) Links Mentioned:  - Find Your People: By Jennie Allen Related Episodes: - [Fighting Toxic Thoughts :: Jennie Allen \[Ep 272\]](https://heathermacfadyen.com/2020/02/03/fighting-toxic-thoughts-jennie-allen-ep-272/) - [How to Stop Shame Spirals :: Dr. Curt Thompson \[Summer of Mentorship Wk 6\]](https://heathermacfadyen.com/2025/08/18/how-to-stop-shame-spirals-dr-curt-thompson-summer-of-mentorship-wk-6/) - [Redeeming Shame through Community :: Dr. Curt Thompson \[Ep 308\]](https://heathermacfadyen.com/2021/01/04/fighting-shame-with-community-dr-curt-thompson-ep-308/) Featured Sponsors:  - **Thrive Causemetics**: Amplify your look with Thrive Causemetics. Go to thrivecausemetics.com/DMA to get 20% off your first order. - **Hiya Health**: We've worked out a special deal with Hiya. Receive 50% off your first order on any of their products. To claim this deal you must go to hiyahealth.com/DMA. This deal is not available on their regular website. Get your kids the full-body support they deserve.