The Question that Comes Up in All New Adult Friendships - Letters From Esther Live

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  • Опубліковано 28 вер 2024

КОМЕНТАРІ • 91

  • @Michael-mo6gx
    @Michael-mo6gx Рік тому +12

    Esther saying she’s been on the receiving end of friendship breakups makes me feel seen right now.

  • @Unknown-us1fc
    @Unknown-us1fc Рік тому +40

    I’m forever always thankful for you, Esther. It’s amazing how much of an impact you’ve had on my life-without even knowing me. ❤

  • @cristinalacoste2062
    @cristinalacoste2062 Рік тому +23

    I'm in my sixties and have a hard time making friends at this stage of my life. I'm trying to do the things I love and hopefully that will allow me to meet new people and maybe make a new friend.

    • @MrAlligator3
      @MrAlligator3 9 місяців тому

      I really admire your persistence, and it is very valuable to me to make friends from all stages of life. Best of luck on your journey.

  • @adrianabrown1011
    @adrianabrown1011 Рік тому +27

    I am listening while I sit with my cat and eat breakfast the morning after your talk and I am crying because everything hits so close to home! The older we get, the harder it seems to reach out to others yet it is vital that we do! You show us how to talk about real things and I am so thankful for that. ❤

    • @emiliaciontoiu4
      @emiliaciontoiu4 Рік тому +3

      Oh yeahhh😅😅😂 i feel you dear. I feel that deeply now that i am 23😂😂 the struggle is real at times

    • @ArghMatey
      @ArghMatey Рік тому +1

      crying too!

  • @universalwildling3566
    @universalwildling3566 Рік тому +15

    Listening to this, I realize just how independent I’ve made myself. The idea of a friend scooping me up when I’m down and checking in on me is so foreign. And makes me feel anxious to be so vulnerable.

  • @whadis404
    @whadis404 Рік тому +9

    I’m 60 this year
    I was always very extroverted
    I could make instant friendships especially with shyer people even if only for the length of the party or time they needed a friend
    I am a trauma survivor from childhood til adulthood
    Many many “friends” have betrayed, abused and/or rejected me
    I’m told that I’m annoying, I’m criticised often many times unfairly
    They give themselves permission to do this to me!
    NOW I’m introverted
    I trust just about nobody!
    I stay away from people as much as I possibly can
    I can’t open. Up to friends about ME.. it’s too much
    Their eyes glaze over and I see them burdened by my stories
    I’ve always accomplished “life” alone (even when surrounded by “friends”
    I think I always will
    Thanks for your videos
    As a friend
    Caring
    Compassionate
    Always there to help in practical ways and to listen hug or laugh
    I’d do anything for my friends and they know it
    I LOVE them ❤

    • @petekdemircioglu
      @petekdemircioglu Рік тому

      😘😘😘

    • @stephbyerly9491
      @stephbyerly9491 Рік тому +4

      I feel what you're saying. When you've gone through some very heavy things, it can be difficult to connect with other people. I'm the same way. But I am just as interested in hearing their stories as I am in telling my own. I'm fascinated by people, and I want to be close to people, but I find that people these days don't seem to want much depth in friendships or romantic relationships for that matter. That's not for me. On the other hand, I think it's important that those of us who have been through these things understand how hard it can be for other people to hear it or even believe it. And we certainly don't want to continue a victim mentality by just repeating our stories over and over without moving forward. We want empathy of course, but we also want to be working on ourselves, and have companions in joyful healing too.

    • @whadis404
      @whadis404 Рік тому

      Yes
      I am intrigued by other peoples stories too
      I can do
      Superficially chit chat
      For a short time

  • @davidwilliams9302
    @davidwilliams9302 Рік тому +23

    I don't know if you're still checking messages Esther, but I have one that I have noticed over time. If I invite people, they often come. A groups goes out for a night and I don't get an invitation, but if I invite them out with me, they will come. When I invite their kids over to play with mine, they send them. Yet, no invitation for my little guy to come there. There is basically zero reciprocity. I would think "it's just me" but it's now multi-generational!
    Here is the hurtful bit: i feel invisible. Like when I'm in front of you, I'm "real." When I an not present, I vanish from people's imagination. it's more hurtful than it may sound at first.
    I've gone round and round with this for years and it's rather wearing. I presume I have good social skills. People seem to enjoy me. I don't hear rumors. I just *vanish*
    Anyone else?

    • @moua0067
      @moua0067 Рік тому +4

      Me too. And Im trying to figure what to do :(

    • @channspellman919
      @channspellman919 Рік тому +11

      It took many years, but now if I don't get reciprocal invitations after 3-4 times of someone accepting my invitations, I move on. Like you, there doesn't seem to be a "maybe it's me?" situation, because I do have friends who reciprocate. I still feel confused and slightly rejected, but have learned to let go. It is hard! Keep looking for the right people :)

    • @creative45630
      @creative45630 Рік тому +6

      Yep this resonates but also I give up on people a lot sooner now than I used to. Maybe 2 times with no reciprocity I stop trying. There’s a great School of Life video about the capacity to give up on people. What keeps you hanging on and moving on to different people? I often find it’s a fear of loneliness that keeps me hanging on but when I face that I realise I can cope with the pain and that it makes space for others to come into my life. It’s not easy!

    • @stephbyerly9491
      @stephbyerly9491 Рік тому +4

      @@creative45630 it's a difficult balancing act for me, knowing when to fight for something and knowing when to let go, and that's true for friendships as well as romantic. I don't want to treat people as throwaways, but I also don't want to hang on if there's nothing left. I'm working on this.

    • @rachelcain5688
      @rachelcain5688 Рік тому +6

      Sometimes I think to ask a friend for coffee and go to send a text but notice the last text is me asking and them saying they can’t. It’s just too awkward to ask again.

  • @stephbyerly9491
    @stephbyerly9491 Рік тому +61

    It's a shame that you can't friend people on UA-cam and have private conversations with them. I feel like the people who listen to you Esther would all have a lot in common and may well form some very close friendships.

  • @sonalkesarwani1458
    @sonalkesarwani1458 Рік тому

    Thank you esther.. i have been going through up and down in friendships ever since i was in 2nd grade. But this brought me so much peace after struggling 22 years....and a sense o self worth. Much love to you.

  • @ellenbruckermarshall4179
    @ellenbruckermarshall4179 Рік тому +4

    Good friends are hard to make. Casual friends are a dime a dozen. Fake friends love-bomb, then use me, then gaslight over some disappointed expectations I never agreed to.

  • @landraposvijetu6582
    @landraposvijetu6582 Рік тому +1

    I could listen Esther for hours ❤

  • @carolgeorge6409
    @carolgeorge6409 Рік тому +5

    I love listening and learning from and with you♥️

  • @stephaniefortney22
    @stephaniefortney22 Рік тому +4

    Esther thank you for sharing this time Us, filled with beautiful insights and wisdom…Grateful 🌷

  • @b.t.734
    @b.t.734 Рік тому +1

    So good to hear of you, Esther! Thank you.

  • @Mikoyagi
    @Mikoyagi Рік тому

    Ester, you make me smile. You give me something to look for to - when I meet my Ester. Thank you.

  • @theresas.3808
    @theresas.3808 Рік тому +1

    This is a great and much needed podcast subject! I make friends easily, but can't seem to make them last,

  • @lk80630
    @lk80630 Рік тому +3

    Oh, dear Ester, it's like you are telling my story in a way, at least part of it.

  • @theresas.3808
    @theresas.3808 Рік тому +4

    Thank you for spreading your knowledge and wisdom, Esther!

  • @mariaangelova8275
    @mariaangelova8275 Рік тому +13

    I've noticed that as an adult I'm not as flexible on my boundaries. Meaning, I'm defending my personal boundaries more. I'm careful with my time, I'm careful who I spend my time with. I don't forget when people don't respect my time. So as a result, I cut people out of my life faster.

  • @_7.8.6
    @_7.8.6 11 місяців тому

    Always be your own friend first

  • @tgordeliy
    @tgordeliy Рік тому

    Thank you very much for this talk!
    I love the questions you answered.
    One of the questions was about friendship between men and women.
    I also think it is possible and also necessary. I would not say it is primarily or necessarily to go to and talk about your primary relationship. I think it can be just to share other interests that your primary partner maybe doesn’t have or exchange on any other topic.
    Why not talk about your primary relationship, for some people and in some circumstances it can be quite ok, to me it is one of the topics about which you would think twice-to talk or not to. What to say and what not, how much and with whom to share. ..

  • @maranata5834
    @maranata5834 9 місяців тому

    I am in that stage, I found very difficult to make long lasting relationships here in america. This is not my native country but I find that I can make friends easier in other countries.

  • @viktor8584
    @viktor8584 Рік тому

    Recently! Easy. ... Sorry, I'm late! (Maria Knez)
    For me, BALANCE iz the low for all of your questions.
    Friendship? Divine Love! Better than human love.
    Me as a friend? I am an angel of God.
    (Your work, dear Esther, is divine; you are our angel, Angela! 🥰)
    29:09 👏👏👏👏
    30:18 - 30:35 ☀️
    We mustn't be selfish, freedom is essential, friendship is impossible to break up...

  • @Iam_ramankaur
    @Iam_ramankaur Рік тому

    I loved this session ❤❤

  • @kayneich9573
    @kayneich9573 Рік тому

    Because I've got so many commitments, i feel i can't be there when really needed.

  • @artifundio1
    @artifundio1 Рік тому +1

    14:20

  • @Jessica-vr2eu
    @Jessica-vr2eu 2 місяці тому

    Can you suggest a way to let go the person who they want to be your friend , but you do not feel the click in a kind way? I don’t want to gaslighting the person by saying I am busy as an excuse. It is not very respectful. At the same time, I saw some red flags in her.

  • @universalwildling3566
    @universalwildling3566 Рік тому +15

    Regarding ghosting- I know people who do that because of their own anxiety or depression- it has nothing to do with the other person.

  • @simini1837
    @simini1837 Рік тому +12

    I am happy you applaud friendships between men and women!!

  • @MR-hv1mo
    @MR-hv1mo Рік тому +29

    I find it difficult to make friends because people always seem to put unspoken expectations on me and grow resentful when I can't live up to them.

    • @stephbyerly9491
      @stephbyerly9491 Рік тому

      What sort of expectations?

    • @artifundio1
      @artifundio1 Рік тому +5

      I feel the same way as you described! After decades trying to solve this my best guess is that my looks don't match my way of thinking.
      I have traveled around the world a bit, and the response in other places is almost the same.
      I am in the spectrum, but people say to me "no, you can't be, you don't look like you are" as a compliment 🤯

    • @MR-hv1mo
      @MR-hv1mo Рік тому +2

      @@stephbyerly9491 That I have to show up a certain amount for social gatherings, even when I am depleted. Or, most often, that I have to take care of the other person without them telling me what they need and expecting me to read their emotions to know when they are upset. If I don't, I am accused of being selfish, not caring, or things having to be "my way."

    • @katec9893
      @katec9893 Рік тому +2

      Wow I could have written that myself. By adulthood I've found most people have set ways of doing things with the opinion that other ways are inferior to their own. So if I befriend them I'm expected to fit in with their rules Ie one phonecall per month and no WhatsApp, or only WhatsApp voice messages, or only texts and no WhatsApp etc. The rules are never expressly declared but I'm expected to work them out or be cast aside if I don't. It's pretty tiring. One woman even shouted at me for not inviting her out 'after she'd invited me out twice' and 'sending her too many voice messages' after I was trying to match her communication style which involved her sending me lots of long voice messages. She was a bit crazy so I ended all contact with her after that. I wish people could be more flexible.

  • @universalwildling3566
    @universalwildling3566 Рік тому +4

    I find it hard to make new friends because I don’t know where to meet them, and how to take it to the next level (beyond initial conversations). My community is rather small as well.
    I worry about new friendships being too emotional laborious (that they trauma dump), or too many expectations.
    And I feel shame about not having many friends too.

  • @amberstiefel9748
    @amberstiefel9748 Рік тому +6

    I think the depth of adult friendships is hard to gauge when your history has so many instances of boundary violations and gaslighting

  • @brucemah609
    @brucemah609 Рік тому +4

    Wow I do need this!! I really want to be a friend and have friends!! Thank you so much for laying out the gold first briks

  • @33Jenesis
    @33Jenesis Рік тому +4

    I seldom reach out to make friends. All my friends approached me first. I was living in an apartment complex with 28 units (not large but not a 5/10 unit tight knit complex) for 28 years. I only talked to the super and didn’t know any neighbors. I moved to my retirement home 2 years ago. I talk to 2 neighbors (one next door, one across the street) and know 3 other neighbors but no regular contact. I am simply not comfortable to reach out. Thankfully I am self contained, happy to be at home not venturing out for a long time.

  • @manuelapinto3862
    @manuelapinto3862 Рік тому +18

    It's really hard to find real friendships. They come and go. Don't feel disappointed about it bc having 1 or 2 real friends can be enough. The rest you just enjoy it socializing as it is. And that's it. 😊

    • @stephbyerly9491
      @stephbyerly9491 Рік тому +1

      Previously I would have agreed with you wholeheartedly. However, these days people seem to throw away a friendship like it's a used snot rag, without even much of a thought if any. "Plenty more where they came from!" This is true with dating too of course, it's the concept of well there's plenty of fish in the sea so why do I need to "settle' for this one? Why do I need to do any work to salvage this? It seems no one has any value to anyone else anymore.
      So my point is, that if you only have one or two real friends, and one or both of them decide to ditch you, then where are you? I mean they weren't really real if they ditch you, but you're still alone without any friends and that sucks.

  • @amberstiefel9748
    @amberstiefel9748 Рік тому +3

    I have a hard time knowing if someone is trying to have sex with me until it's "obvious" by traditional standards.
    I've had so many friendships turn sexual or sexually hostile that I've given up. I have no problems hitting it off with people standing in line at a grocery store or anywhere tbh. Things don't progress beyond a certain point because I think I'm rather weird. Then if I disclose my past they're appalled unless they've also been through similar experiences and the people willing to put in the work to not perpetuate predatory behaviors mostly congregate at places of worship. I hope I'm not predatory, I don't touch people unless they touch me first and I feel weird touching friends.
    I have a couple of friends but they're busy so it's not a full buffet. I'm ok with that. Quality over quantity. I used to go for quantity but I was younger then.
    Not owning a car also really puts a damper on things. When I had a car I was going on hiking trips with groups that organized online. I met great people that way. Working and going to school eat up a lot of time. I'm also a Starbucks employee with diverse interests. Most of the people interested in the same things meet online or in professional settings and the choices that I've made have made me look a certain way that I feel very self conscious about. I guess I assume that people are more superficial than they probably are...?

  • @paulap9958
    @paulap9958 Рік тому +4

    i wanna be your friend Esther 🥰🥰

  • @Envlo
    @Envlo Рік тому +2

    Friends are hard to make because I find due to past experiences people are very hurt, guarded, and even have an attack first mentality that erodes our newly budding friendship before it can even bloom

  • @holliebingham1311
    @holliebingham1311 5 місяців тому +1

    Esther, thank you for this beautiful conversation! Please do a video on how men and women can and should have platonic friendships 🙏💕🫶

  • @lydialove382
    @lydialove382 Рік тому +3

    Every thing you say is profoundly supportive and helpful with one exception (in my experience) that is if you say to someone “you hurt me and it’s beyond repair at this moment” is sending a mixed message that you might be willing to one day resolve things and that may keep someone hanging or give them false hope which is often a slow cruel way to make someone grieve the ending of a friendship.

  • @gyoumans2901
    @gyoumans2901 Рік тому +3

    If I plan to far in advance I start to talk myself out of doing anything and get anxious 😅

  • @juliecampbell2441
    @juliecampbell2441 Рік тому +4

    I love listening to you Esther. Thank you so much. You give the best perspective always. 🙏🏼

    • @davidjay47
      @davidjay47 Рік тому

      I love you. But hurry up! I'm 61.

  • @george1528
    @george1528 Рік тому +1

    People are paying too much attention to their gadgets for example phones

  • @azr6288
    @azr6288 Рік тому +2

    Esther 2013 10 years ago sadly last. I come across as too strong I like and overshare too much. My favourite post ever from yours. Im a cis gendered biological gay male and choose to be single. I feed better on podcasts about friendships mental health for better living Thanks for being inspiring

    • @stephbyerly9491
      @stephbyerly9491 Рік тому +1

      I like people who "overshare" as long as they're willing to listen as well. I like depth and closeness to my friendships. One of my closest friends a few years ago was a gay man (I'm a mostly heterosexual female). And for no reason that I could ever figure, he just started ignoring me and didn't seem interested in spending time with me anymore. Most of my invitations were turned it down when previously we had been extremely tight. We would talk for hours, share many intimate stories, and laugh and laugh and laugh. I really loved him. But then he just started blowing me off, and when I asked him about it, he called me a bitch and blocked me with no explanation for any of it. Yes he had mental health problems which I knew when we became friends, but I still don't understand why he did what he did and it was so hurtful. See, there I go oversharing with you and I've never even me you. 😅

  • @BrianAldrich
    @BrianAldrich Рік тому +1

    Thank you Esther...great insights and perspective. I always feel like you've opened my mind in some new way each time I listen to you.

  • @artifundio1
    @artifundio1 Рік тому +1

    This was absolutely beautiful. Thank you.

  • @Kbcappetta377
    @Kbcappetta377 Рік тому +1

    Really love this. It rings up a whole lot of issues I’ve run into over the years but I’ll keep following and maybe I’ll share in a bit. Thank you Estel!

  • @CindyG1712
    @CindyG1712 Рік тому +2

    Thank you for your advice 🙂

    • @JollyMestiza
      @JollyMestiza Рік тому

      I say to myself: Open up again to yourself , take back your power ❤

  • @Robert-3691
    @Robert-3691 7 місяців тому

    This is outstanding material. I recently enjoyed a similar book, and it was truly impressive. "The Art of Meaningful Relationships in the 21st Century" by Leo Flint

  • @WildWomanBeads
    @WildWomanBeads 4 місяці тому

    I'm very grateful that you spoke about how painful it is to be ghosted by a longtime friend. Because there is an absence of information that led to the ghosting---one is left not knowing what happened---it's in that vacuum where we suffer most. Trying to make sense of something that doesn't make sense leads to making up all kinds of stories (trying to find something that would explain the ghosting). The suffering is immeasurable, certainly for the friend who's been ghosted, and possibly for the one who found it necessary to ghost someone once dear to them. It's often worse than a death. As a person who has both been ghosted by a (once) very close friend and who also makes an effort not to add to the suffering of myself or another, I deeply appreciated your advice to immediately surround ourselves with others who love us and hold us in their compassion. Ghosting is a form of relational toxicity; surrounding ourselves with loving others is an antidote. Thank you.

  • @mariamirza8259
    @mariamirza8259 Рік тому +1

    I got a fear to get married I'm 32. How to tackle this fear.

    • @bunknee1220
      @bunknee1220 Рік тому

      Hi 😊 I reosnate with this. can I share my experience with you?

  • @lucasbrunger7575
    @lucasbrunger7575 Рік тому

    i was recommend to watch your videos/insights but in a way i wanted to know what u think of Jorden peterson because since iv listed to his advice it has helped me with mental health and make friends, plus get out of my confit zone n make me braver like i use to be as a kid because when i was 17 i turned to heavy drugs befor i found jorden and thats what made me scared of the world seeing the evil side of life and the things that happen too n around me. like everyone i still hav bad days and i just want to be more wiser

  • @elinorwhite8915
    @elinorwhite8915 Рік тому

    Ah Esther, you do so much with this lecture for so many people....I love listening to you!

  • @baharramezani
    @baharramezani Рік тому

    It was really interesting video, thank you so much

  • @nancyyancy5199
    @nancyyancy5199 Рік тому

    I am always making assessments of people.

  • @peachnightlight
    @peachnightlight Рік тому

    Love you Esther and you're wisdom 😊

  • @jaclyncunningham2483
    @jaclyncunningham2483 Рік тому

    Thank you for sharing this :-)

  • @soyamor6528
    @soyamor6528 7 місяців тому

    Thanks Esther 🥰🙏❤️

  • @Ninetyeight89
    @Ninetyeight89 Рік тому

    Thank you!

  • @mihaelaadamita1900
    @mihaelaadamita1900 Рік тому

    really good❤

  • @mariamirza8259
    @mariamirza8259 Рік тому

    Hello Miss Esther

  • @laurie7746
    @laurie7746 Рік тому

    Wasnt this filmed and posted quite a while ago? It says one day ago, but ...???

    • @sheilamutaramuka5400
      @sheilamutaramuka5400 Рік тому

      I am sure this was live 2days ago. She was interacting with live chats

  • @restisresistance
    @restisresistance Рік тому +1

    This is helpful 🫶🏾🌺