Some friendships have lasted longer than our marriages, careers and favorite hairstyles. But does knowing someone for 20 years automatically mean they belong in the next chapter of your life?

This week on Lead Like a Girl, Jessica, Jamie and Coralyn are talking about friendships after 40, growing apart, friendship breakups and why your circle might look different as you get older.

Jamie shares a powerful story about forgiveness and reconnecting with a friend during her cancer journey. Coralyn talks about learning to have her own opinions instead of always going with the flow. And Jessica asks the question that gets the conversation rolling: Who still deserves a seat at your table?

We get into everything from lifelong friendships and shared values to finding new girlfriends as an adult. Because apparently, making friends after 40 is a lot like dating. Except nobody knows who's supposed to make the second move.

Three takeaways:

1. History doesn't guarantee a seat at your table. A friendship can be meaningful without remaining part of your closest circle forever.

2. Growing apart doesn't mean someone did something wrong. Sometimes priorities, interests and seasons of life simply change.

3. The right friends let you be fully yourself. They celebrate your wins, tell you the truth, show up when it matters and make you laugh until you can't breathe.

We also talk about whether your spouse can be your best friend, why friendships need honesty and vulnerability, and the surprising challenge of making new friends as grown women.

Maybe growing older isn't about having fewer friends. Maybe it's about being more intentional with the friendships you have.

Lead Like a Girl is empowering everyday women through our stories, the good, the bad and the funny.

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https://leadlikeagirllab.com

Have you ever outgrown a friendship without a falling-out? We'd love to hear your story. Find us on social media or leave a comment on YouTube.