In this episode of First Round’s On Me, we unpack the lost art of making and keeping friendships in adulthood. From the three people everyone needs in their life — the Anchor, the Expander, and the Mirror — to why adult friendships feel harder than dating, we explore how connection has shifted in the age of social media.

We talk about connection fatigue vs. connection famine, why the disappearance of “third spaces” (cafes, bars, community hubs) has made us lonelier, and how friendships mirror the same awkward first hangs and overthinking that come with dating.

If you’ve ever wondered why your social life feels stagnant, or you’re craving deeper connections, this episode is your reminder: quality beats quantity.

💬 Let us know in the comments: Which role do you need most in your life right now — an Anchor, an Expander, or a Mirror?

Timestamps
00:00 – Where do your friendships actually live?
00:19 – The three people you need in your life
01:22 – Defining the Anchor, Expander, and Mirror
03:17 – Which role would you play for others?
03:27 – Quality vs. quantity in friendships
04:05 – Social media “friends” vs. real friends
05:24 – Viral validation vs. real connection
06:16 – Treating friendship like dating
07:07 – Why friendships require intention
07:29 – Experiencing life beyond your partner
08:33 – Is making friends harder than dating?
09:49 – Why older adults resist new friendships
11:04 – Connection fatigue vs. connection famine
12:08 – Shifts in social priorities over time
13:35 – Finding balance in social interactions
14:25 – Third spaces as hubs of connection
15:14 – Why younger generations avoid clubbing
16:38 – Nostalgia for “home away from home” spaces
17:48 – Do your friendships live online?
18:09 – Finding the Anchor, Expander, and Mirror
19:05 – Final reminder: seek quality connection
19:37 – Outro & subscribe