Why does making friends as an adult sometimes feel a lot like dating?

You meet someone you like, wonder if you should reach out again, question whether they actually want to hang out—and suddenly making a new friend feels surprisingly vulnerable.

In this episode of Shrinks on Tap, Dr. Lauren Fisher and Dr. Eleni Boosalis talk about why adult friendships can become more difficult as life gets busier and our relationships change. They explore the belief that “everyone already has their friend group,” the anxiety of putting yourself out there, and why friendships often need to evolve as we move through different stages of life.

Lauren also shares what happened when she essentially went on a blind date for friendship—and why meeting the wrong person first didn’t stop her from trying again.

Lauren and Eleni also share practical ways to create more connection, from reconnecting with an old friend and joining recurring activities to creating your own opportunities to meet people.

Plus, they wrap up with a simple 30-day friendship challenge designed to get you out of waiting mode and into action.

🥂 In the Alexandria area? Join Shrinks on Tap for the Old Town Alexandria Women’s Crawl on October 24th—an event designed to help women connect, meet new people, and have some fun along the way.

Tickets & Info:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-old-town-alexandria-womens-crawl-experience-dance-party-tickets-2001677315735

Why did I say that? What if this happens? Did I make the right decision?

Overthinking can make us feel like we’re solving a problem, preparing for what might happen, or gaining control. But often, the more we think, the more anxious and stuck we become.

In this episode, Lauren breaks down the different ways overthinking can show up — from replaying past conversations and mistakes to worrying about worst-case scenarios, perfectionism, and analysis paralysis.

She also shares practical strategies for getting out of the loop, including how to recognize when reflection has turned into rumination, challenge worst-case thinking, schedule dedicated “worry time,” sit with uncertainty, and identify when there’s actually something you can do right now.

Because sometimes the answer isn’t to think about it one more time. It’s to recognize the loop, decide what’s within your control, and take the next step.

If you’ve ever wished you could just turn your brain off for a little while, this one’s for you.

Can changing what you eat actually change how you feel?

Harvard-trained nutritional psychiatrist, professional chef, and bestselling author Dr. Uma Naidoo joins Dr. Eleni Boosalis for a practical conversation about how the foods we eat can influence anxiety, mood, and overall mental well-being.

This time, the focus is on what you can actually do.

Dr. Naidoo explores protein and changing nutritional needs as we age, electrolytes and supplements, creatine and collagen, coffee and caffeine, sugar and inflammation, and some of the supposedly “healthy” foods that may contain far more added sugar than we realize.

They also talk about foods that may help support anxiety and mental health, including fiber-rich vegetables, omega-3s, fermented foods, spices, and other simple additions to your everyday diet.

Most importantly, eating for better mental health doesn’t have to mean completely overhauling your life. Dr. Naidoo shares realistic ways to start small, make better choices when time is limited, and gradually build healthier habits.

In this episode:

• What women should know about protein and nutrition as they age

• Electrolytes, creatine, collagen, and supplements

• Food, menopause, muscle mass, and healthy aging

• Coffee, caffeine, and mental health

• How added sugar may affect inflammation and anxiety

• “Healthy” foods that can contain surprising amounts of sugar

• Foods that may help support anxiety and mood

• Simple ways to eat better when you’re busy

• Why small, sustainable changes matter more than perfection

Learn more about Dr. Uma Naidoo, her books, recipes, and work in nutritional psychiatry:

umanaidoomd.com

Ready to build a healthier relationship with food?

Dr. Eleni Boosalis’ Hypnosis for Weight Management eCourse is designed to help address the thoughts, habits, and patterns that can influence your relationship with food.

delraypsych.com/hypnosisforweightmanagement

This conversation is part of our special series with Dr. Naidoo exploring the connection between food, the gut, the brain, and mental health. Each episode stands on its own, so you can start right here.

Follow Shrinks on Tap for more conversations about mental health, relationships, wellness, and the psychology behind everyday life.