Kate reflects on her own journey through the ebbs and flows of friendships as she transitioned through marriage, parenthood, and the isolating impacts of COVID-19. Anna, known as the New York Times friendship correspondent, shares her insights into maintaining and nurturing meaningful friendships in the modern world. They discuss the loneliness epidemic, the evolution of friendships in the digital age, the challenges of cross-gender friendships post-marriage, and the art of gracefully ending friendships.Anna offers practical advice and hopeful strategies for cultivating lasting and nourishing connections, emphasizing that creating beautiful friendships is a profound act of creativity. This conversation is both validating and inspiring, providing listeners with the tools and motivation to actively foster deep, supportive relationships.Host: Kate ShepherdGuest: Anna GoldfarbKey Topics:The challenge of maintaining friendships through major life transitions.Impact of marriage, parenthood, and COVID-19 on social circles.Anna Goldfarb's journey from writing about dating to focusing on friendships.Practical strategies for cultivating and sustaining meaningful friendships.The concept of consent in friendships.Addressing the loneliness epidemic and its antidotes.The grief associated with losing cross-gender friendships post-marriage.Recognizing when to end a friendship and how to do it gracefully.The role of creativity in building and maintaining friendships.Important Quotes:"Creativity is the intelligence that's animating the entire universe.""The ultimate act of creativity is the life that we create.""Turn down the thoughts about what you're not getting from your friendships and turn up the thoughts about how you can be in service to your friendships."Call to Action:Consider becoming a patron to support the Creative Genius Podcast.Share the podcast with friends, family, and on social media to help grow the community.Reflect on how you can actively create and sustain beautiful friendships in your life.Resources:Anna Goldfarb’s book, "Modern Friendship" – available wherever books are sold.More information and show notes available at Kate Shepherd Creative.Support the Show:Visit Kate Shepherd Creative to become a patron.Share the episode with friends or on social media.Engage with the podcast community by sending feedback and stories of inspiration to Kate.Contact:Kate Shepherd Social Media:@kateshepherdcreative @thecreativegeniuspodcastFollow the Creative Genius Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for updates and inspiration.Enjoy the episode and get inspired to cultivate deep, meaningful friendships that enrich your life!