S1E1: Friendships, Mental Health, and Boundaries in Your 30s

World mental health day special

Friendships in your 30s? It’s a whole new world! In this debut episode of Let’s Pour & Ponder, hosts Pooja and Nikita dive deep into the unfiltered realities of adult friendships, setting boundaries, and how to deal with toxic dynamics that crop up when you prioritise your mental well-being. With World Mental Health Day as the backdrop, this episode doesn’t just serve the tea – it spills the entire pot! 🎙️☕

The Reality of Adult Friendships

If you are in your 30s, you know how friendships evolve – sometimes gracefully, sometimes not so much. Gone are the carefree days of your 20s, when everyone had all the time in the world. Now? Life’s a balancing act. Between career demands, relationships, and (for some) kids, finding the energy to support friends while looking after your own mental health can feel like a juggling act. That’s what Pooja and Nikita are here to break down for you, especially if you’re facing similar struggles.

Is Your Friendship Dynamic Becoming Toxic?

Pooja and Nikita get real about the red flags of unhealthy friendships. We’ve all had that friend who guilt-trips, plays the blame game, or refuses to respect your boundaries. It’s a vibe-killer, right? But the question is, do we recognize these behaviours soon enough? The hosts dig into the emotional exhaustion of one-sided friendships and share their stories of setting boundaries – even with people they’ve been close to for years.

Trust us, it’s not just about the drama; it’s about reclaiming your peace!

Setting Boundaries is Self-Care, Period.

“Boundaries” is a buzzword these days, but honestly, it’s a lifesaver – and Nikita and Pooja give you the rundown on why it’s vital to protect your mental health. When a friendship feels like a constant emotional drain, that’s your cue to hit pause, reassess, and decide whether it’s time to put up some walls. Whether it’s learning to say “no” or carving out space for yourself without guilt, these boundaries can feel like a breath of fresh air. It’s all about self-care, girl!

Mental Health is NOT a Taboo (Especially on World Mental Health Day!)

In this episode, we celebrate World Mental Health Day by encouraging listeners to have more open conversations about mental health. You’ll hear us talk about seeking professional help when things feel too heavy because while friends can support us, our therapists can do it better! Let’s break the stigma around therapy, especially in South Asian cultures, where mental health is often swept under the rug. Getting help doesn’t mean you’re weak – it means you’re strong enough to prioritize yourself.

Friendship in Your 30s: Selective AF

One of the most relatable parts of the episode? The shifting dynamics of friendships in your 30s. Whether you’ve got kids or are busy slaying your career goals, you’ll relate to Pooja and Nikita’s take on how friendships become more intentional as you age. It’s not about quantity anymore – it’s about quality. It’s okay to have a smaller circle, filled with people who truly get you and don’t drain your energy. Don’t feel bad for being selective!

ADHD, Autism, and Social Relationships

As if navigating friendships wasn’t complex enough, Nikita shares her personal journey of being diagnosed with ADHD and finding out she’s on the autism spectrum –in her 30s! She reflects on how this has shaped her relationships and helped her understand why social dynamics have always felt a little different for her.

This episode is about two friends having a candid conversation and pondering over friendships & how it can sometimes break us and also heal us! Want to dive deeper?

Listen to the full episode on Spotify

Video episode coming out tomorrow 

Key Takeaways:

1. Learn how to spot unhealthy behaviours in friendships.

2. Set boundaries without guilt – it’s self-care!

3. Why professional help is sometimes the best way to protect your mental health.

4. How friendship priorities shift in your 30s, and it’s okay to be more selective.

5. Understand the impact ADHD and autism can have on friendships and social dynamics.

Let’s normalize taking care of our mental health and setting boundaries. Whether you’re a Millennial, Gen Z, or in between, there’s something in this episode for you!