Podcast Summary: Hot Mess with Alix Earle Episode: New Friends, Fake Friends, Old Friends
Release Date: January 30, 2025

Introduction to Friendship Dynamics

In this episode of Hot Mess with Alix Earle, host Alix Earl and co-host Ashton delve deep into the complexities of friendships, particularly focusing on friendship breakups, maintaining healthy relationships, and navigating the evolving social landscapes post-college. The conversation is candid, relatable, and enriched with personal anecdotes that resonate with listeners experiencing similar challenges.

Reflecting on College Friendships

Alix begins by reminiscing about her college years, highlighting the vibrant social life during the second semester of senior year. She shares her perspective on how college can sometimes feel like a "fake world" dominated by parties and superficial interactions.

Alix Earl [02:12]:
“Second semester senior year, I think was the best time of my entire life... you literally live in this fake world with all of your friends so close to you, and you just party all the time.”

Ashton counters by describing her recent experiences with sorority events and unexpected snowstorms that led to impromptu celebrations, illustrating the spontaneous and lively nature of college friendships.

Ashton [03:11]:
“It was so fun. The energy was just, like, through the roof. Everyone was just, like, hugging and jumping and dancing all day, and it was so much fun.”

The Transition from College to Post-College Life

The hosts discuss the significant shift that occurs post-college, where individuals begin to carve out their own paths, leading to natural drift in friendships. Alix expresses her disillusionment with the party-centric college scene, contrasting it with her current desire for more meaningful connections.

Alix Earl [04:05]:
“But I don't know, after being out of college, you just forget that, like, being in college is just, like, a fake world... it just doesn't make sense.”

Ashton emphasizes the importance of adaptability in friendships, sharing her excitement about attending Paris Fashion Week alone and the challenges of maintaining friendships amidst life changes.

Ashton [06:02]:
“I'm going to Paris Fashion Week... it's kind of scary. I'm going alone.”

Navigating Friendship Breakups

A significant portion of the episode centers on Alix revisiting a previous discussion about friendship breakups. She candidly shares her growth over the past year, acknowledging that earlier conversations were made without fully processing her emotions.

Alix Earl [16:03]:
“I just think last year, like, I was pretty new to podcasting at this point... I just think last year, like, I was pretty new to podcasting at this point.”

Ashton complements Alix's reflections by highlighting the challenges of evolving friendships and the importance of not holding grudges.

Ashton [20:07]:
“It's good just to, like, I feel, like, talk it out and be like, hey, so I used to think this, but now I think this.”

Handling Conflicts and Trust Issues

The hosts explore different approaches to handling conflicts within friendships. Alix discusses her tendency to address issues head-on, aiming for honesty and accountability.

Alix Earl [27:08]:
“I'm talking about someone I'm, like, close friends with. And I basically just didn't say anything... we had a good conversation of, like, maybe where things didn't go right…”

In contrast, Ashton admits to being more of a people pleaser who prefers to let conflicts fade naturally without confrontation.

Ashton [21:07]:
“I've had friendships, like, kind of just, like, fade out or die out. But I've also... never really gotten into, like, a fight or had, like, a real problem with a friend.”

Alix emphasizes the importance of trust in friendships, expressing difficulty in maintaining relationships where trust is compromised.

Alix Earl [36:07]:
“The second I feel like I lose that trust in a friendship, it's really, really hard for me to look back.”

The Importance of Evolving Friendships

Both hosts agree that friendships must evolve alongside personal growth. They discuss the inevitability of drifting apart as individuals pursue different life paths post-college.

Alix Earl [43:29]:
“After college, everyone kind of slowly starts to shape into who they really want to be. And I think that's a beautiful thing.”

Ashton adds that despite growing apart, enduring friendships can adapt and remain strong through mutual understanding and shared history.

Ashton [44:10]:
“We're still in love with each other and best friends probably till the day we die... it's just funny to see how everyone takes on different paths in life.”

Building New Friendships

The conversation shifts to the significance of making new friends and embracing diverse friendships. Alix shares her experiences of meeting new people through her work and hobbies, emphasizing that life after college offers endless opportunities to form meaningful connections.

Alix Earl [47:27]:
“You can never have too many friends. And there's no need to limit yourself to, like, a set group or a set wave of friends.”

Ashton echoes this sentiment, highlighting the joy and variety that come with meeting different kinds of friends who enrich various aspects of life.

Ashton [47:09]:
“I have so many different kinds of friends, like, everywhere. And it's just so fun.”

Final Thoughts and Takeaways

As the episode wraps up, Alix and Ashton summarize their discussions, reinforcing the importance of self-awareness in friendships, setting high standards, and being open to both maintaining and letting go of relationships as needed.

Alix Earl [50:23]:
“It's important to note for yourself, like, what your priorities are in a friendship and the kind of friend that you want someone to be to you.”

Ashton [50:01]:
“Just be aware and, like, hold yourself to a high standard. You deserve better and you should know that about yourself.”

Both hosts encourage listeners to prioritize healthy, supportive friendships and to embrace the natural evolution of their social circles as they grow and change.

Notable Quotes

• Alix Earl [02:12]:
  “Second semester senior year... you literally live in this fake world with all of your friends so close to you, and you just party all the time.”

• Ashton [06:02]:
  “I'm going to Paris Fashion Week... it's kind of scary. I'm going alone.”

• Alix Earl [36:07]:
  “The second I feel like I lose that trust in a friendship, it's really, really hard for me to look back.”

• Alix Earl [50:23]:
  “It's important to note for yourself, like, what your priorities are in a friendship and the kind of friend that you want someone to be to you.”

Conclusion

"New Friends, Fake Friends, Old Friends" offers a heartfelt exploration of friendship dynamics, addressing the challenges of maintaining relationships, handling conflicts, and the natural evolution of social bonds post-college. Through their honest and introspective dialogue, Alix and Ashton provide valuable insights and relatable experiences that encourage listeners to reflect on their own friendships and strive for meaningful connections.