Is It Time to Let Go? Female Friendship Breakups and What They Teach Us from the author of Estranged

In this episode of Persistence U with Lizbeth dives into a deeply relatable and rarely explored topic: the estrangement of female friendships. Our guest, Susan Shapiro Barash, is a leading voice in women’s studies and author of over a dozen nonfiction books, including her latest: Estranged: Leaving Toxic Friendships and Creating Healthier Ones. #persistenceu #susanshapirobarash #toxicfriendships#alienation #estrangement  In this conversation, Susan shares research gathered from more than 150 interviews with women ages 20 to 80, uncovering the emotional truths, betrayals, and boundary-crossings that cause female friendships to unravel. Together, we unpack what happens when once-beloved friends become sources of stress, resentment, or grief—and how to navigate the ending of a friendship with clarity and compassion. Why do we feel shame for wanting to walk away? How do we know when a friendship has run its course? And is it possible to honor the good times while also letting go of what no longer serves us? Susan offers thought-provoking answers, real-life examples, and powerful insight into a topic we all experience but rarely discuss openly.  You Will Learn: The 7 types of toxic friendship patterns and how to spot them How to know when it’s time to step back—or step away—from a friendship Why letting go of a longtime friend can be a powerful, self-loving decision  Featured Book Estranged: Leaving Toxic Friendships and Creating Healthier Ones by Susan Shapiro Barash  Buy the book on Amazon 🔗 Learn more: www.susanshapirobarash.com Lizbeth’s links Want to comment on the show? Connect at Lizbeth"s author/podcast Facebook page Wanting great guests for your podcast, or to be a great guest on someone else"s show? Join PodMatch here! Lizbeth"s memoir Pieces of Me: Rescuing My Kidnapped Daughters can be ordered where books are sold, and is now a TV movie, #Stolen By Their Father on Lifetime. Lizbeth"s second book, Grounded in Grit: Turn Your Challenges Into Superpowers is available to order wherever books are sold! Tilka Faces the Odds, One Man at a Time, new release novel https://books2read.com/u/4j760X Sign up to stay in the know on Lizbeth"s latest podcast episodes, books, and appearances at https://lameredith.com