Why do friendships feel so hard and are they even worth fighting for?

In this honest and empowering conversation, Willow sits down with friendship expert Danielle Bayard Jackson to unpack the complexities of female friendships—from unmet expectations and conflict to healing after hurt.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted by friendships, questioned your worth in relationships, or wondered if it’s easier to just do life alone… this episode is for you.

Because the truth is: The very place you’ve been hurt might also be the place God wants to bring healing.

Key Takeaways

You weren’t meant to do life alone. Friendship isn’t optional—it’s essential to your well-being.
Unspoken expectations create silent resentment. Healthy friendships require clear, honest communication.
Conflict can deepen connection. When handled well, it actually brings people closer.
Healing happens in community. The risk of relationships is also where transformation happens.
Not every friend can meet every need. Healthy women build relational diversity, not dependency on one person.

Connect with Danielle

Website | daniellebayardjackson.com

Friend Forward Podcast | Apple Podcasts or Spotify

Women's Relational Health Institute | womensrelationalhealthinstitute.com

Instagram | @daniellebayardjackson

Book | Fighting for our Friendships (available on Amazon or wherever books are sold)

Collide Book

Follow Willow: Website | Instagram | Facebook

🎧 Listen and Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Amazon Music

🛍️ Shop for Good at the Collide Store

🎁Partner with Collide to impact lives with your financial gift.

💑Check out Collide’s website for info on upcoming conferences, events, and resources.

📲Follow Collide on Facebook and Instagram for encouragement, inspo and a fun peek into our ministry.

📰Plus, subscribe to our newsletter to stay up-to-date on all things Collide!

Mentioned in this episode:

Book | Collide: Running Into Healing When Life Hands You Hurt

National Bestseller ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Life hands us hurt we never asked for—leaving us anxious, insecure, and stuck. In Collide, Willow invites you to stop numbing and running, and start bravely stepping into the places you’ve avoided—because Jesus meets us in our mess, and healing starts there.