After experiencing loneliness post-birth, writer Mariah Maddox shares how she felt distanced from child-free friends. Anne Helen Petersen emphasizes the importance of sustaining diverse friendships. Misunderstandings about time and energy can cause rifts between parents and non-parents. Both sides must communicate openly to sustain these relationships, dispelling assumptions about availability. Maddox's new friends without children play a vital role in her identity outside motherhood. The article provides insights into the unique challenges faced by both groups and suggests proactive strategies for nurturing connections.
"We are not meant to only be friends with people exactly like us. It doesn't make us more interesting or curious. We need people who are living life differently."
"They remind me of who I was, who I am outside of being a mom. It creates a balance."
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