Ep. 26 - The Shadow Side of Friendships

In the final chapter of the five-part “Abundant Social Life” series, Dr. John Oberg, Randy Lorensen, and Anthony Marino get real about the moments that test even the strongest friendships—crisis, conflict, and emotional strain.

They explore how to show up as a calm, “unanxious presence” when a friend is in crisis, and what it means to support someone without trying to fix them. The conversation moves into the art of conflict—how to approach tough conversations with empathy, when to lean in, when to back off, and how to tell the difference between healthy conflict and truly toxic dynamics. They also reflect on the importance of listening, self-regulation, gratitude, and giving people space to process.

If you've ever wondered how to be there for someone in their worst moments—or how to protect your own peace when a relationship becomes harmful—this episode offers both compassion and clarity. A must-listen for anyone committed to growing deeper, stronger, and more intentional connections.

🔗 Mentioned Resources: The Drama Triangle by Stephen Karpman– Getting to Yes by William Ury