This week on The Friendship Tour, Cecelia Curtis shares why community matters more than we sometimes realize—and how a simple Friday night at the football field reminded her of that truth.

We’re talking about the difference between friendship and community, and the three big reasons why having a village around you makes life a little easier, a little lighter, and a whole lot more joyful.

If you’ve ever felt stretched too thin, emotionally drained, or just wished someone else could pick up your kids or drop off dinner—you’re not alone. This episode is your gentle reminder that you don’t have to do it all by yourself.

Because the truth is: you need community. And it needs you, too.

After the episode, join the growing online community women like you - women who are passionate about friendship and community. Join us in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group. Want more episodes like this one? Listen to the episodes below! Or, find another that speaks to you.

BONUS - Virtual Book Club Invitation 46 | What Are Deep Friendships, and How Are They Formed? - featuring Lisa Jones Clinton 41 | What is Community? It Might Be More Than You Think 6 | Childhood Neighbors Make the Best Friends! - featuring Nadeen Gayle *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Hi Friends!

Let's read a book together! Why? So we can connect with other amazing women. And, because I personally want to read more and scroll less. I'm just being honest.

If you want to join me for a virtual book club, please send a message to ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com. Don't wait too long, though! I want to make sure the groups are small enough for women to engage with one another, so we only have room for a small group of women.

Registration will remain open until Wednesday, April 16th or until all spots have been filled, whichever comes first.

A few more details...

1. We're reading Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty.

2. The group will meet once or twice between now and the end of May.

3. I'll ask all ladies to keep their cameras on for the Book Club since we want to get to know one another.

I look forward to reading with you soon!

Is your friend just not herself? Does her behavior, sudden distance, or physical appearance have you concerned? Maybe she needs mental health support.

Many of us have found ourselves in this situation - where we see that something is different and we genuinely want to help, but we just don’t know what to do. 

In this important episode, Dr. Kandece Skinner, a licensed educational psychologist, shares 6 ways you can help a friend who might be struggling. Dr. Skinner also shares 3 things NOT to do when you’re trying to help a friend, including:

1. Do not try to diagnose your friend.
2. Do not try to fix your friend.
3. Do not judge your friend.

If we live long enough and encounter enough people, we’ll likely need to put Dr. Skinner’s advice into practice at least once or twice. Or, perhaps a loving friend will use this information to help us, if needed.

RELATED EPISODES:

29 | Boundaries - What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish Them - featuring Ashley Cook

7 | We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart…and Back Together (Part 1) - featuring Wendy Alleyne 8 | We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart...and Back Together (Part 2) - featuring Wendy Alleyne

OTHER NOTES:

1. We have a great group of women in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group! Join the group to keep this important conversation going.
2. Don’t forget to leave a written review in Apple Podcasts!

*BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Do you find yourself keeping score in friendship? It goes something like this… “I went to her kid’s birthday party, but she didn’t come to my kid's party!” “I scheduled the last brunch meetup, so it’s HER turn to plan something!” Or, perhaps you catch yourself saying, “After all I’ve done for her?!”

Are you laser focused on reciprocity in your relationship? If so, it sounds like you have a transactional friendship.

While it’s reasonable to expect our friends to celebrate important days and milestones with us and to give as much as we give, reciprocity shouldn’t really be the goal in friendship. Instead, let’s aim for transformational friendships.

Transformational friendships help us grow and evolve as individuals. In these relationships, we dig a bit deeper - beyond the give and take - to offer a bit more of ourselves. Perhaps we offer a skill that only we have, a favor that a friend really needs, a word of encouragement so a friend can keep going, maybe a prayer. Perhaps we lovingly offer constructive feedback or carefully worded advice - all designed to help a friend grow. Will we get what we offered back? Maybe, maybe not. Still, we do it out of love. 

Join Stewanna Dasari and me for a conversation about transformational vs. transactional relationships.

After the show, head to the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group to share your thoughts.

*BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

Would you like to hear more from Stewanna Dasari? Check out the episode below.

40 | Too Busy for Friends? 10 Tips to Help You Stay Connected When Life Gets Hectic - featuring Stewanna Dasari

Would you like to hear examples of transformational friendships? Listen to these episodes:

37 | GIRL! You Tripping! How a Friend’s Honesty Helped My Marriage - featuring Alicia Matthews

13 | Somebody Prayed for Me - And Those Prayers Got Through! - featuring Ashley Smith

9 | Faith-Building Friends - featuring Theresa Johnson

Let’s Be Friends!

Facebook Community: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast

Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

HAPPY GALENTINE'S DAY!!!

What is Galentine's Day? It's a day that's all about FRIENDSHIP! And, I want to celebrate friendship with all of you - friends near and far.

Listen to the full episode to learn how YOU can be part of The Friendship Tour's 2025 Galentine's Day celebration. But don't delay! The celebration ends on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at 11:59pm PST.

As always, be a good friend!

Let's stay in touch!

Facebook Community: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast

Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

What is community? Is it simply a group of people living in the same general area as one another? Is it people who all have something in common, such as a belief system, dialect, or country of origin? Is community even a thing or is it a feeling - a feeling of familiarity, warmth, and fellowship?

Perhaps community is all of the above - or maybe it’s none of the above. Perhaps community is whatever you decide it is. It could be the sweet woman in the local sandwich shop who always seems to be working when you want a sandwich, the moms at your kid’s school, or the person in the Facebook group who always responds to your goofy posts. If they can make your day better or worse on a consistent basis, they’re probably part of your community. If they're part of your routine, they're probably part of your community. If they're the people who step up to help you when life gets rough, they're part of your community.

We all spend time thinking and talking about healthy families and healthy friendships, but what about healthy communities? We need those, too, to feel less alone and more supported - in the good times and the bad.

Join me on The Friendship Tour for an episode about community and why it matters.

If you liked this episode, you’ll LOVE the following episodes:

1. Episode 6: Childhood Neighbors Make the Best Friends - featuring Nadeen Gayle
2. Episode 36: Let’s Talk About Friendship and Community - TOGETHER!

Do you want more of The Friendship Tour?

1. Facebook: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast
2. Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com
3. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@thefriendshiptourpodcast

“I’m just so busy.” It’s something we all say, and it’s something we all hear when we ask a friend how she’s doing. There’s something about our culture that makes us wear this “busyness” as a badge of honor. We’re all supposed to be busy...or at least SAY we're busy.

To be fair, there are some people who have extremely busy lives and very little free time after work and family commitments. Some of those women manage to have thriving friendships, and some don’t.

On the flip side, some people actually DO have a bit more free time after work and family commitments. And, again, some have thriving friendships, and some don’t.

So, what’s the deal?

Join me for a conversation with Stewanna Dasari to discuss what it is that has us all feeling so busy, and how we can stay connected with friends even when our free time is scarce.

Next Steps:

1. Listen to the episode.

2. Leave a written review.

3. Repeat.

NOTE: If you liked this episode, you'll love Episode 4 | How to Keep a Friend Forever - Be Thoughtful! - featuring Moira Ballard.

Want More of The Friendship Tour? Let's stay connected!

Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

Facebook: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast

YouTube: youtube.com/@thefriendshiptourpodcast

What's The Friendship Tour Podcast all about? FRIENDSHIP! We talk about making friends, keeping friends, encouraging our friends, having fun with friends, and creating deeper friendships. In short, if it's friendship-related, it's fair game. Let's talk about it ALL so we can create and maintain those meaningful relationships that help us grow as individuals and feel more supported and less alone in life. Join me on The Friendship Tour!

Next Steps? 1. Listen to an episode!

2. Leave a written review!

3. Join a great community of women at bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast.

Do you know lots of great people, but still, somehow, feel isolated and alone? Do you have plenty of acquaintances, but few deep, meaningful friendships?

If surface-level relationships leave you wanting so much more, I have one suggestion. Talk about deeper things. Maybe your friends and acquaintances will enjoy a bit more depth, maybe they won’t. Maybe they will love getting to know more of you, or maybe they’re not quite ready for that type of relationship. You won’t know, though, unless you try. 

Don’t try it all at once, though! Trying to fast-track a deep friendship can sometimes be a turnoff. So, be patient. Hang in there, and be intentional about getting out of shallow waters.

Check out the full episode for the types of questions and topics that can lead to deeper, richer conversations and friendships. Then, join the conversation at Women, Friendship, and Community!

Did you like this episode? Then you’ll LOVE the episodes below.

1. 2 | Authenticity-The Key to Deeper Friendships, Personal Freedom, and Peace - featuring Alexandria Fichera

2. 9 | Faith-Building Friends - featuring Theresa Johnson

Interested in connecting further? I want to hear from YOU!

Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

Facebook: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast

Podcast: https://thefriendshiptourpodcast.podbean.com

YouTube: youtube.com/@thefriendshiptourpodcast

**BE A GOOD FRIEND!**

Everyone needs an honest friend - the kind of friend who can tell you about yourself. The kind of friend who tells you not just what you want to hear, but what you need to hear…for your own good…because she loves you that much.

This week’s guest, Alicia Matthews, is that kind of friend for me. When I went to her with complaints about my husband, she got real with me. It only took a few words, but those words were effective! She put me in place and helped me keep my marriage and my life in perspective.

We all need a friend like Alicia. We all need a real, true, HONEST friend. And, when we find such a friend, we have to be willing to hear, truly hear, what the friend is trying to tell us - even if it stings for a moment. Because isn’t temporary discomfort better than long-term pain?

Join Alicia and me for this conversation about keeping it real with  friends. After the episode, go to the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group to share your thoughts!

NOTE: If you liked this episode, you’ll love Episode 35 | Did Your Friends Leave You Out…AGAIN?! What Are You Going To Do About It? - featuring Lauren Gray.

To make a friend, you have to be a friend. To have friends, you have to trust people! Don’t trust anyone! You can never have enough friends! No new friends! Couple friends are good for your marriage. Never share marriage challenges with your friends. If you can help a friend, DO! God helps those who help themselves.

We’ve all heard advice about friendship - some good, some bad. What have YOU heard about friendship? What are YOUR thoughts?

My friends and I have spent months sharing our friendship thoughts and experiences with you. Now, we want to hear from YOU! Let’s keep the keep the conversation going!

Join the new Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group to discuss all things friendship. We’ll talk about the The Friendship Tour podcast episodes, encourage one another in various ways, and explore ways to connect more deeply in our own communities.

See you there!

Did your friends or potential friends leave you out again? Does it bother you on some level? If so, what are you going to DO about it?

In episode 32, Lauren Gray and I discussed being left out. It happens to everyone at some point. That’s just life, and yes, it sucks sometimes.

What happens, though, if you’re left out A LOT? What if you often feel like you’re on the outside looking in? Maybe you just haven’t found your tribe yet. No big deal. But, if you’ve met lots of cool people, yet you’re never invited to join the fun, AND it bothers you, it might be time for some self-reflection. And after the self-reflection? It might be time to put in some real work.

Join Lauren and me for this conversation about being left out and what you can do about it.

After you listen, let’s keep the conversation going on the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group! Let me know what we got right, what we got wrong, and what advice YOU have for those who are often left out. Or, just stop by to say hello!

Women often say they want more friends or deeper friendships—but what we don’t always talk about is how overwhelming it can be to actually make new friends as an adult. From awkward small talk to decoding texting etiquette, building new connections can feel like dating all over again.

In this episode of The Friendship Tour, I’m joined by my lifelong friend Kina Thornton-Frazier to talk about the emotional highs and lows of forming new friendships in adulthood. We dive into questions like: 💬 How do you know if the interest is mutual? 📲 When and how should you follow up after meeting someone new? ⏰ How much communication is too much—or too little? 🤯 Why does initiating friendship sometimes feel so exhausting?

Whether you're introverted, in a new city, or simply out of practice, this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and empowered to build meaningful relationships—without burning out.

🎧 Listen now if you’ve ever searched:

• “Why is making friends so hard as an adult?”

• “How to build new friendships without feeling awkward”

• “What’s normal when forming a new connection?”

• “How to meet and keep female friends”

Friendship may take effort, but it’s so worth it.

💖 If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend. Then explore more episodes about growing and maintaining lifelong friendships!

1 | What is a True Friend? - featuring Lauren Gray

3 | Do You Want Lifelong Friends? Learn to Forgive and Ask for Forgiveness - featuring Dr. L’Tanya Morrow-Cain

6 | Childhood Neighbors Make the Best Friends - featuring Nadeen Gayle

7 | We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart, Then Back Together (part 1) - featuring Wendy Alleyne

8 | We were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart, Then Back Together (part 2) - featuring Wendy Alleyne

Are you ready to make some new friends? Are you trying to grow your community or your village? If so, what’s your plan? Check out this episode for 5 quick tips on how to make new friends.

This episode was adapted from an article I wrote for Just Between Us Magazine several years ago. You can find the full article here: https://justbetweenus.org/christian-relationship-advice/real-friendships/10-tips-for-making-new-friends/.

Want more episodes about making new friends?

1. 11 | Making New Friends-Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel
2. 30 | How to Start and Nurture a New Friendship as an Adult - featuring Jenai Eustache

Finally, let's keep the conversation going! Join the Women, Friendship, and Community group on Facebook! We'll talk about the The Friendship Tour podcast episodes and all things friendship!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! And THANK YOU for joining me on The Friendship Tour in 2024. It's been quite a year! As you know, relationships are important to me, so I'll be spending time with the people I love during the holiday season. See you in 2025!

Have you ever been left out? Maybe you weren’t invited to the birthday party or to brunch with the girls. Perhaps your cousins left you off of the group chat or maybe your coworkers didn’t tell you about happy hour after work. Maybe it was intentional, maybe it wasn’t. Maybe it hurt you a lot, maybe you didn’t care all that much. Maybe you pretended not to care all that much. Whatever the case, it happened.

It's possible you weren’t exactly left out, but life has you feeling a bit left behind. Perhaps your best friend got married and another friend had a baby. These life transitions might have you feeling left out or like you’re somehow on the outside looking in - even if it’s not really anyone’s fault.

The truth is, we’ve all been left out. It starts in childhood, and it never really ends. When we’re left out, it’s only natural to get in our feelings, but don’t stay there! Being left out and feeling left out is a part of life, albeit an unpleasant part. If and when it happens to you, just remember - you are not alone. We’ve all been there.

Join guest, Lauren Gray and me for a discussion about times we felt left out and left behind.

If you liked this episode, you’ll love the following episode: 29 | Boundaries: What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish them - featuring Ashley Cook.

Other Episodes with Lauren Gray:

1. 1 | What is a True Friend - featuring Lauren Gray
2. 15 | MOMS! Want Your Kids to Have Friends? Show them How! - featuring Lauren Gray
3. 26 | My Best Friend Has Another Best Friend! Now What??? - featuring Lauren Gray and Tolibah Davis

There’s nothing quite like finding THAT friend - the one you have so much in common with, the one you can be completely yourself with, the one your husband and your kids love, too. When you’re lucky enough to find that friend, you just want to hold on forever, but that’s not always the way life goes.

It’s a real bummer when a true friend moves away, but that doesn’t mean the friendship is over. It really doesn’t have to end, but it does have to change.

What will the new, long-distance friendship look like? Will you talk weekly? Will you visit one another? Will you still celebrate life’s big milestones together?

Join Michelle Dallas and me for a conversation about what we did when she moved away and how, all these years later, we’re still successfully navigating our long-distance friendship.

Next Steps: 1. Listen. 2. Leave a Review. 3. Share The Friendship Tour podcast with a friend!

“Look, Honey! Our new friends just walked in!” I’m still not exactly sure what made my friend, Jenai, think that when we first encountered one another at a local winery. Was she simply trusting her gut? Was it discernment? Was it something else? Whatever the case, I’m glad she went with it, moved a bit closer, and struck up a conversation.

That first conversation between strangers at the winery was the start of something special. Over the next few months, there were shared text messages, goofy Instagram videos, baby christenings, family dinners, couples’ dates, birthday parties, prom send offs, more wineries, and even a choir rehearsal hangout as we nurtured our new friendship. We covered a lot of friendship ground in a short period of time, building trust and authentic connection each step of the way.

Making new friends and nurturing new friendships as an adult isn’t easy, but it’s possible and beautiful when everything aligns just so - when you meet the right person, at the right time, in the right place, and when you share a mutual openness to genuine friendship.

Join Jenai Eustache and me for a discussion about making new friends and nurturing new friendships.

Next Steps:

1. Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts.

2. Share THE FRIENDSHIP TOUR with a friend!

3. Keep listening!

Want More Episodes About Making New Friends? Check out Episode 11 | Making New Friends - Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel.

Do you often feel angry, sad, frustrated, annoyed, drained, confused, or just…some kind of way when you interact with a certain friend or friends? Maybe you need to check your boundaries.

Boundaries are the physical, mental, emotional, and other limits that protect our personal space and define how we interact with others. They help us feel safe as individuals in all areas of our lives. They help us protect the people and things that are important to us, including our finances, our time with family, our self care - the list goes on and on. 

How do you know you need a boundary? I’ll give you a hint. Pay attention to that icky or uncomfortable feeling you have after you interact with someone. Take note of the confusion you feel when you're together, then do something about it. 

Join Ashley Cook, Associate Marriage Family Therapist (AMFT133670), and me for a talk about boundaries - what they are, why we need them, and how we establish them. Why? Because healthy boundaries are a huge part of maintaining healthy friendships and protecting personal peace.

Additional Resource:

Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Stay Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life - by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

Other Episodes Referenced in This Episode:

1. Episode 7: "We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart...and Back Together, Part 1 - featuring Wendy Alleyne"

2. "We Were on a Break! How Two Friends Grew Apart...and Back Together, Part 2 - featuring Wendy Alleyne"

Thankfulness Transforms Relationships and Lives Gratitude isn’t just for the Thanksgiving table—it’s a powerful mindset that can deeply impact our friendships, relationships, and overall well-being. In this episode of The Friendship Tour, we explore how thankfulness can help us build stronger, more meaningful connections and bring more peace, joy, and resilience into our lives.

I’m joined by Alberta Curtis Minters—my amazing mother-in-law and one of the most thankful, joy-filled women I know—for a heartfelt conversation about the power of gratitude. Mrs. Minters shares how cultivating a grateful heart has helped her navigate everything from personal disappointments to family dynamics (yes, even with a strong-willed daughter-in-law like me!).

Together, we unpack:

• 💛 What it truly means to live with a heart of thankfulness

• 🙏 How gratitude can change your perspective on friendship and life

• 🧠 The link between thankfulness, emotional health, and resilience

• 💬 Practical ways to practice gratitude in everyday relationships

• 🌱 Why grateful people often build deeper, longer-lasting friendships

Whether you’re in a season of joy or challenge, this episode will inspire you to see your friendships—and your life—through a more thankful lens.

🎧 Tune in now, and don’t forget to subscribe, leave a 5-star review, and share this episode with a friend you’re thankful for.

✨ Stay Connected:

• Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com
• Newsletter: Sign Up Here!
• Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast

• Facebook: The Friendship Tour Facebook Community

It’s almost the start of the holiday season! It’s the most wonderful time of the year…but not for everyone. The holidays can be full of love and laughter for some, and a bit lonely for others. If you’re alone for the holidays, and you don’t want to be, check out this episode. I’ve shared some of my favorite ways to spend the holidays when I’m away from loved ones, including:

1. Serving others

2. Hosting my own holiday celebration

3. Traveling

If you happen to have family and/or friends with whom to spend the holidays, count your blessings! Then, listen to this episode for a few ideas on how you can spread a little extra love in your community this holiday season.

Let's be honest. It can be tough to hear that your best friend has another best friend. Why is that even necessary? She already has YOU! Still, it happens, and it can honestly be a great thing if you know what to do and what not to do…so you're not just keeping the peace, but thriving as a friend group. Join Lauren Gray, Tolibah Davis, and me as we navigate the friend-in-law experience. We talk about the potential for jealousy, remembering whose turf you're on, and so much more...because it can be difficult to bring different friends together! We promise you it can be done, though. Next Steps: 1. Leave a written review on Apple Podcasts. 2. Subscribe to The Friendship Tour Podcast. 3. Share the podcast with a friend! Related Episodes: Episode 1 - What is a True Friend? - featuring Lauren Gray Episode 15 - MOMS! Want Your Kids to Have Friends? Show Them How! - featuring Lauren Gray

What makes military spouses such great friends? For starters, they lead with trust. In addition, they’re usually more than willing to help others. Why? Because they know what it feels like to need help themselves. Another plus? They tend to be incredibly adventurous and a lot of fun.

I learned so much about friendship from one of the best military spouses out there -  Tameco Brannon. To have a friend like her for a season would have been great. I really lucked out, though, and got her for a lifetime.

Join Tameco and me for a conversation about how great friendships with military spouses can be…and let’s see if there’s anything we can apply to friendship outside of the military population.

You want meaningful friendships. You need connection. But something keeps getting in the way. Maybe it's the ghost of friendships past. Perhaps it's a breakup, a betrayal, or a childhood full of unhealthy relationship dynamics. If you’ve ever found yourself overthinking a new connection, replaying old stories in your head, or second-guessing your worth in someone else’s life — this episode of The Friendship Tour is for you. In this episode, Cecelia explores how emotional baggage from the past can affect your ability to form and sustain healthy adult friendships. You’ll learn:

• How past hurt impacts new relationships

• The subtle signs your friendship baggage might be showing up

• Why self-awareness is key to breaking unhealthy patterns

• Tips for moving forward and building stronger, more secure friendships

Whether you're recovering from toxic friendships, rebuilding after emotional wounds, or trying to figure out how to let people in without fear, this episode will speak to your heart.

🎧 Listen now if you’ve ever searched for: “Why can’t I make new friends?” “Friendship anxiety” “Letting go of toxic friendship patterns” “Healing before new relationships”

✨ If you feel like baggage really, truly is a problem for you, and you need help dealing with it, please contact a qualified therapist or counselor in your area.

If you want to connect with an amazing group of women on a regular basis, join the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group.

Want to hear more episodes like this one? Check out the list below.

44 | Does Your Friend Need Mental Health Support? Here are 6 Ways You Can Help - featuring Dr. Kandece Skinner

32 | Feeling Left Out? You're Not Alone - featuring Lauren Gray

29 | Boundaries - What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish Them - featuring Ashley Cook

Some say politics don’t belong in polite conversation. Maybe that’s true. Or, maybe we just need some ground rules when it comes to discussing politics with friends.

Check out this episode with Dr. Bryan Curtis for tips on how to discuss politics without losing friends.

They say you never get a chance to make a first impression, but what happens if you blew it? What if you said the wrong thing, did the wrong thing, or just looked at someone the wrong way? What if you didn’t look friendly, and the vibes were off? Can you still be friends? Can you bounce back from a bad first impression? The good news is…YES, you can! But it takes some work.

Join Tiffany Hurt and me as we discuss our friendship’s rocky start, the real reasons behind it, and how we bounced back from our initial bad vibes to become the friends we both needed and wanted at various seasons in our lives.

The Friendship Tour is back for Season 2! In this trailer, I’ll give you a quick overview of the new season - what’s new, what’s the same, and what to expect from each episode.

In short, The Friendship Tour is about women making, maintaining, and celebrating healthy friendships. We laugh, we cry, and everything in between as we tell uplifting stories about finding our tribe of sisters and holding on to those sisters through life’s ups and downs.

Hopefully, you’ll hear something that’ll make you want to pick up the phone and call an old friend or get out there and make a new friend. Why? Because we weren’t made to do life alone. We were made to be in fellowship with one another. We need friends!

Thanks for joining me on The Friendship Tour. I’m so glad you’re here!

So, what's The Friendship Tour all about?! It's about making new friends, maintaining healthy friendships, and being a good friend. Check it out for yourself. Join me on the tour!

SEASON FINALE!!! Join me for part 2 of the season finale with my husband and best friend, Dr. Bryan Curtis.

In this episode, we discuss some of our favorite moments from Season 1, what we've learned about friendship, and what we've learned about one another along the way. And, if you listen closely, you'll hear a hint or two about Season 2.

Thanks for listening to the season finale and thank you for joining me on The Friendship Tour! I'll see you in the fall, but in the meantime, BE A GOOD FRIEND!!!

CHEMISTRY! What's With That Invisible Spark? What attracts two people to each other—whether in a romantic relationship or an adult friendship? Some call it chemistry. But what does that really mean? How do you know when it’s there—and when it’s missing?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Bryan Curtis, my husband and best friend, to explore the spark that makes certain friendships and relationships feel effortless. We talk about how chemistry shows up, why it matters in adult friendships, and how to recognize when a connection is worth nurturing.

🎧 Tune in for a warm, insightful, and practical conversation about adult friendships, relationship chemistry, and the connections that truly click.

Next Steps:

1. Notice the people in your life who just “get you.”

2. Show up consistently for the friendships that matter.

3. Reflect on the adult friendships where chemistry is strong—and nurture them.

✨ Stay connected:

• Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast

• Facebook: The Friendship Tour Community

• Newsletter: Sign up here

• Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

The Nosey Friend: Why Checking in Matters in Female Friendships Have you ever had a friend who calls just to ask the tough questions—or shows up when life gets messy? That’s the magic of a nosey friend.

My childhood neighbor and lifelong friend, Nadeen Gayle, is back on the podcast to explain why she proudly claims the title of “nosey friend”…and why we could all use a little more of this kind of care in our friendships.

A nosey friend doesn’t mind a crying baby or a barking dog in the background—they just want to hear your voice and know you’re really okay. But our conversation goes deeper than check-ins: Nadeen shares her thoughts on a variety of friendship topics, from the small moments to the big, meaningful gestures that strengthen connections.

🎧 Tune in for an episode full of warmth, laughter, and practical friendship tips you can use in your own life.

Next Steps:

1. Call a friend today—just to check in.

2. Reflect on how you show up for the people you care about.

3. Listen, laugh, and share this episode with your friends.

✨ Stay connected:

• Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast

• Facebook: The Friendship Tour Community

• Newsletter: Sign up here

• Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

I'm one of those annoying people who thinks spouses should be best friends, and it's entirely my parents' fault. They've been married for 54 years, and are still the best of friends. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, MOM AND DAD!!! I LOVE YOU!!!

Do you want your kids to build strong, healthy friendships—but aren’t sure how to help them get there? The truth is, friendship skills aren’t just taught; they’re modeled. In this heartwarming episode of The Friendship Tour, Lauren and I reflect on our own lifelong friendship and the incredible influence of one very special mentor: Lauren’s mom, Ms. Edna.

Long before we knew what it meant to be “good friends,” Ms. Edna was quietly showing us how. Through her words, actions, and consistent kindness, she taught us foundational friendship values like reciprocity, emotional availability, playfulness, staying connected, and prioritizing the people who matter most.

In this episode, we explore:

• 👩‍👧 How parents and caregivers influence children’s friendships

• 🔄 Why modeling reciprocity and empathy builds long-term relational skills

• 💬 How to talk to kids about friendship in everyday moments

• 📞 The value of staying in touch—and how to teach that to kids early

• 🌟 Why your friendships as a parent matter to your children’s social development

Ms. Edna didn’t just tell us how to be friends—she showed us, and our 30+ year friendship is living proof that those early lessons work.

🎧 Whether you're a parent, caregiver, or simply someone who wants to influence the next generation for the better, this episode is packed with insight, warmth, and gratitude.

Subscribe, share, and don’t forget to leave a review—then go thank the Ms. Edna in your life.

✨ Stay connected:

• Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast

• Facebook: The Friendship Tour Community

• Newsletter: Sign up here

• Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

Can your friends actually help you become more successful in life? The answer is a resounding yes — especially when those friendships are rooted in mutual growth, encouragement, and accountability.

In this inspiring episode of The Friendship Tour, I’m joined by my friend Michelle Dallas for a conversation on the principle of “iron sharpens iron.” We explore how the people closest to us can push us forward, help refine our goals, and hold us accountable — all while celebrating what makes each of us unique.

Together, we discuss:

• 💬 How friendships can motivate us to grow and evolve

• ⚡ The importance of surrounding yourself with people who challenge and inspire you

• 👯‍♀️ Why being in community with high-character, high-purpose friends can elevate your life

• 🌟 Ways to be that “iron-sharpening” friend to someone else

If you’ve ever wondered whether your friendships are helping you move forward or holding you back, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now to discover how strong, supportive friendships can be one of the most powerful tools in your journey toward success and self-development.

After the episode, let’s keep the conversation going in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group. I’d love to hear about a friend who encourages YOU to succeed in life.

Want to hear more from Michelle and other amazing women? Check out the episodes below.

31 | What Do You Do When a Friend Moves Away (other than cry, of course)? - featuring Michelle Dallas

43 | STOP KEEPING SCORE! Aim for Tranformational, Not Transactional Friendships - featuring Stewanna Dasari

37 | GIRL! You Trippin’! How a Friend’s Honesty Helped My Marriage - featuring Alicia Matthews Final thoughts...

1. If you love The Friendship Tour, please leave a review and share with a friend.

2. *BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

SUMMER'S HERE! But instead of enjoying summer, I was running around trying to do too much. When I told a friend about it, he told me to slow down and just enjoy life, and I received that.

When Christian Women Pray: A Story of Faith, Friendship, and God's Perfect Timing What do you do when you don’t know how—or even what—to pray? Sometimes, the answer comes through a friend who lifts you up in prayer.

During a long, challenging season of infertility, I felt discouraged and weary. God, however, used friends like Ashley Smith to encourage my faith, pray on my behalf, and remind me of His perfect timing.

Years later, after many prayers and in God's perfect timing, I was blessed with three children. In this episode, Ashley and I reflect on the power of God, the importance of faith and prayer, the beauty of Christian women supporting each other, and the transformative power of true friendship.

✨ Stay connected:

• Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast

• Facebook: The Friendship Tour Community

• Newsletter: Sign up here

• Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

Japan is famous for its cherry blossoms, Mt. Fuji, and breathtaking scenery… but the best part? The people you meet along the way.

In this episode, I share my recent trip to Japan—a journey filled with unexpected reunions and meaningful connections. From a dear friend to former colleagues, a mom friend, and my college roommate, each reunion reminded me how friendships—new and old—enrich our lives.

Join me as I celebrate the joy of adult friendship, reconnecting, and the beautiful moments that come from showing up for the people you love, even halfway across the world.

✨ Stay connected:

• Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast

• Facebook: The Friendship Tour Community

• Newsletter: Sign up here

• Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

How to Make New Friends Anywhere – Airport Edition

What do you do with three little boys during a 7-hour layover in Taiwan? Make new friends! Sometimes, the best friendships happen in the most unexpected places.

In this episode, I share how I met Kinnari Patel—a kind and generous woman who noticed I needed a hand. She jumped in to help, I gladly accepted, and a fast friendship was made.

This story is a reminder that adult friendship can be found anywhere, and a little openness and kindness can turn even the most unexpected situations into meaningful connections.

✨ Stay connected:

• Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast

• Facebook: The Friendship Tour Community

• Newsletter: Sign up here

• Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

Who's the baddest chick you know—and what makes her unforgettable? In this heartwarming episode of The Friendship Tour, I'm sharing a personal story about one of the most remarkable women in my life: my mom.

Growing up, I knew her simply as “Mom” — the woman who loved me, fed me, and cared for me with quiet strength. But one day, she revealed a hidden talent that completely changed how I saw her. Not only did it leave me in awe, but it also helped me make new friends. Today, this story reminds me of the quiet power and love so many women carry within.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• How our parents can help us connect with others as children

• The surprising ways hidden talents can bring people together

• A touching story of motherhood, admiration, and friendship

• A reminder to celebrate our moms - life's everyday heroes

Whether you're a mom, a daughter, or just someone who cherishes stories about amazing women, this episode will remind you of the beauty in everyday moments — and in a mother's love.

🎧 Listen now if you’ve ever searched for: “Stories about strong women” “How moms influence friendship” “Making friends through shared experiences” “Hidden talents that build connection”

👑 Celebrate the “baddest chick” in your life by sharing this episode with someone who inspires you.

Faith and True Friendship: How Christian Women Support Each Other

Life can throw unexpected challenges at us, and sometimes it’s hard to know how we’ll get through them.

In my mid-thirties, many years into a long season of infertility, I was beyond discouraged. I didn’t want to hope, pray, or even think about it anymore. Then, God sent Theresa Johnson—a friend who encouraged me, prayed with me, and helped restore my faith in a season when I felt stuck.

Years later, with three children and a heart full of gratitude, Theresa and I continue to celebrate how God worked through our friendship and in His timing.

This episode is a reminder that Christian women can strengthen each other’s faith, support each other through hard seasons, and model hope, prayer, and encouragement.

✨ Stay connected:

• Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast

• Facebook: The Friendship Tour Community

• Newsletter: Sign up here

• Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

Have you ever met someone who seemed nice, engaged with her a few times, then something happened that made you think, “NOPE! This friendship isn’t for me.” Perhaps that happened to you. You met, hung out, then nada - you never heard from her again. What happened???

We all have our relationship warning signs or red flags - the things that make us think the relationship just won’t work out. And other people have them, too. And, that’s okay! Those little warning signs are how we protect ourselves from relationships that just aren’t right for us - for whatever reason.

When you see the warning signs, what do you do? Do you try to power through and build a friendship anyway (not advised) or do you move on to someone who might be a better fit for you?

Everyone is different, and everyone has their own relationship warning signs. In this episode, I share five of the warning signs I just can’t ignore when making new friends. You may have a different list, but it IS important to give some thought to which behaviors and habits you will and will not tolerate in a relationship. Then, if you’re serious about making and keeping friends, consider if there’s anything YOU’RE doing that might be a turnoff to others.

Next Steps:

1. Listen to the episode.
2. If you like the episode, share it with a friend or on social media.
3. Leave a comment about the episode in the Women, Community, and Facebook group. Talking about friendship is a lot more fun when I get to hear YOUR thoughts, too.

Do you like this episode? Here are two more you might enjoy.

29 | Boundaries - What They Are, Why We Need Them, and How We Establish Them - featuring Ashley Cook

18 | CHEMISTRY! When it Comes to Relationships, You Either Have it or You Don’t - featuring Dr. Bryan Curtis

“How do introverts make friends? They wait for extroverts to find them, like them, and adopt them.”

Funny? Maybe. True? Not quite.

If you're an introvert who craves deeper connection but struggles to initiate friendships, this episode of The Friendship Tour is for you. I share practical, encouraging tips to help introverts build real, authentic relationships—without pretending to be someone they’re not.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why your mindset about introversion is the first and most important shift

• The subtle signals you might be sending when it comes to connection

• How making the first move (yes, really!) can lead to stronger friendships

• Why giving yourself grace is essential in the friendship-building process

Whether you're shy, reserved, or simply someone who enjoys their own company, you can build strong, supportive friendships—on your terms.

🎧 Tune in now for four gentle, doable ways to create the connection you deserve.

After the episode, share your thoughts in the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group.

Want More Episodes About Making New Friends? Check out any one of my episodes with a guest! We almost always share how we met and a favorite friendship moment. Don’t feel like scrolling through the episode list? No problem. See the list below for a few episodes about making friends.

34 | 5 Tips for Making New Friends

45 | 5 MORE Tips for Making Friends

30 | How to Start and Nurture a New Friend as an Adult - featuring Jenai Eustache 11 | How to Make New Friends - Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel *BE A GOOD FRIEND*

This episode is so simple. If you love them, tell them. Maybe they really need to hear it today. Maybe you really need to say it today. You may not get another chance. You might 1,000 more chances. Say it in ways big and small, and make sure they hear it. I love you. Tell them.

When life gets hard, who do you turn to? When you’re celebrating a big win, who do you call first? If your answer is unclear—or if you’re realizing your circle might not be as deep as it looks—this episode of The Friendship Tour is for you.

Many women crave meaningful friendships but still find themselves feeling lonely, unsupported, or unsure how to truly connect. It’s not just about how many friends you have, but about the quality of those friendships—are they deep, rooted, and dependable?

In this episode, I’m joined by the wonderful Lisa Clinton for an honest conversation about what it really takes to form deep, lifelong friendships. We talk about:

💬 How to break the ice and initiate meaningful connections 💡 Where to meet like-minded, supportive women ❤️ What deep friendships actually look and feel like 🌱 How to grow and nurture those relationships over time

Lisa shares heartfelt stories about how she met her closest friends, including the one simple comment that sparked a lifelong bond. Her wisdom is a powerful reminder that deep friendships aren’t accidental—they’re intentional. And they're necessary.

Whether you're seeking stronger connections or hoping to deepen the relationships you already have, this episode offers practical tips and inspiring encouragement to help you build a community that truly has your back.

Next Steps:

1. Listen to the episode.
2. Leave a 5-star review in Apple Podcasts.
3. Share the podcast with a friend.

Want to Stay Connected? Join the Women, Friendship, and Community Facebook group! It’s a lot of fun! Want to hear more episodes like this one? See the related episodes below. 1 | What is a True Friend? - featuring Lauren Jones Gray

2 | Authenticity: The Key to Deeper Friendships, Personal Freedom, and Peace - featuring Alexandria Fichera

9 | Faith-Building Friends - featuring Theresa Johnson

What do you do when you meet someone interesting, cool, or fun - someone who you’d like to be friends with? What are the next steps?

In episode 34, I shared 5 tips for making new friends. Here in episode 45, I’m sharing 5 MORE tips for making new friends. Why? Because friendship is so important! And, despite many of us having hundreds or thousands of social media friends or followers, many of us are still longing for deeper, more meaningful connections in real life.

This episode was adapted from an article I wrote for Just Between Us Magazine several years ago. You can find the full article here: https://justbetweenus.org/christian-relationship-advice/real-friendships/10-tips-for-making-new-friends/.

Want more episodes about making new friends?

1. 11 | Making New Friends-Airport Edition - featuring Kinnari Patel 
2. 30 | How to Start and Nurture a New Friendship as an Adult - featuring Jenai Eustache 
3. 34 | 5 Tips for Making New Friends

Let's keep the conversation going! Join the Women, Friendship, and Community group on Facebook! We'll talk about the The Friendship Tour podcast episodes and all things friendship!

*BE A GOOD FRIEND!*

What happens when you begin to grow—and a friendship doesn’t grow with you?

In this final episode of 2025, Cecelia is joined by Dana Mosley for an honest, compassionate conversation about outgrowing friendships. Together, they explore what it feels like when personal growth, healing, or life changes begin to shift the dynamics of a relationship—and how to navigate that transition with clarity, maturity, and grace.

This episode is especially for women who find themselves asking quiet questions like: Have I changed? Have we changed? And what does it mean if this friendship no longer fits the way it used to?

Rather than rushing to labels or dramatic conclusions, Cecelia and Dana discuss how growth can create distance without creating failure—and how honoring seasons in friendship can be an act of wisdom, not selfishness.

What it really means to “outgrow” a friendship

How to recognize when a friendship has entered a new season

Letting go (or loosening your grip) without bitterness, guilt, or shame

If this episode resonated with you, please consider leaving a review and sharing it with a friend. LET'S STAY CONNECTED:

Facebook: The Heart of Friendshjp Facebook Community Newsletter: The Heart of Friendship Newsletter Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

💛 Please be a good friend.💛

The holidays are meant to be joyful—but for many of us, they can also be complicated and STRESSFUL!

This episode builds upon last week's conversation about why the holidays can feel especially hard and offers five simple, practical tips to help you navigate holiday gatherings with more ease—especially when you’re being hosted.

Whether you’re staying with family or attending a themed party you’re not quite sure about, these ideas are meant to help you protect your relationships and your peace.

- The importance of honoring arrival times, departure times, and expectations

- How dress codes (yes, even themed ones) can be a quiet way to show respect

- Navigating dietary needs without adding stress for yourself or your host

- How "make yourself at home" doesn't EXACTLY mean "make yourself at home"

- Simple ways to give—and receive—more grace during the holiday season

- The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes, all it takes is a little effort, a little flexibility, and a lot of grace. Listen, leave a review, and share with others this holiday season! STAY CONNECTED BETWEEN EPISODES: Facebook: The Heart of Friendship Facebook Group Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com Website: www.ceceliacurtis.com

We’ve all had those moments — someone says something that rubs us the wrong way, and before we know it, our petty side makes an appearance. In this honest episode, Cecelia H. Curtis, Christian Friendship Coach and host of The Heart of Friendship, shares one of her own petty moments (yes, it involves a customer service call gone wrong) and what she learned about herself, emotional maturity, and pettiness itself.

If you’ve ever caught yourself being a little petty in your friendships or relationships, this episode is for you. Cecelia shares five practical tips to help you stop being petty and build stronger, healthier connections.

You’ll learn how to: ✨ Recognize when you’re being petty (and why) ✨ Pause before reacting ✨ Practice empathy and compassion ✨ Focus on what really matters in your friendships ✨ Choose growth and grace over pride and ego

This lighthearted but meaningful episode reminds us that healthier relationships and stronger female friendships start with self-awareness, humility, and heart.

☕ Grab your favorite drink and tune in for a funny, faith-inspired reminder that we all have petty moments — but we can learn from them and grow into better women and  friends. 💖 Connect with Cecelia: Join the conversation and keep growing in friendship!

👉 Facebook Community: The Heart of Friendship Community 👉 Newsletter: Sign up for weekly encouragement + updates 👉 Website: www.ceceliahcurtis.com

Hi Ladies!

Come hang out with us! You’re officially invited to join The Heart of Friendship Book Club, which is meeting soon!

We’re reading The Vanishing Half by Brit Bennett — and the meeting won’t be the same without you. So, grab your book and come join the conversation!

You can let me know you’re coming by emailing me at The Heart of Friendship Community 

💌 Email: www.ceceliacurtis.com