302: Should Friendships Be Easy? The Truth About Real Connection with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

The Brave Table with Dr. Neeta Bhushan

Hey, Brave Table fam! 💥 Buckle up because today, we’re diving deep into friendships, relationships, and the big question: Should friendships be easy? We’ve all heard it—if it’s not effortless, maybe it’s not meant to be, right? WRONG. In a time where we’re more “connected” than ever yet lonelier than before, we need to redefine what real friendships look like and question whether we’re truly investing in our people. I’m sharing the science of lifelong friendships, the reality of evolving relationships, and why deep, messy, and even conflicted friendships are the ones that stand the test of time. We’re also peeling back the layers of business besties vs. real besties—because let’s be honest, not everyone clapping for you online is showing up for you in real life.

So grab your coffee, matcha, or green juice, and let’s get BRAVE about friendships, real human connection, and building a sisterhood that actually lasts.

What you'll get out of this episode…

Friendships that last over 7 years are more likely to be lifelong.

The loneliness epidemic is real, even in a hyper-connected world.

Making friends as an adult is different—proximity and shared experiences matter.

Conflict in friendships is NOT a red flag—it’s a sign of depth.

Online friends vs. real-life friends—are we confusing the two?

Business besties ≠ real besties—if they wouldn’t show up for you in a crisis, rethink their place in your life.

The “expiration date” on friendships—when to hold on and when to let go.

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Welcome to The Brave Table

01:30 - Should friendships be easy?

03:45 - The shocking truth about long-term friendships

06:20 - The loneliness epidemic & why connection feels harder today

08:50 - Moving abroad & redefining friendships

10:45 - Childhood vs. adult friendships—why they feel different

12:30 - College years: The last time friendships felt effortless?

15:20 - Making friends as an adult—what’s changed?

18:00 - Are your online friendships real? The tough question we need to ask

20:00 - Conflict in friendships—why it’s NECESSARY

23:30 - Business besties vs. real besties—don’t get it twisted

25:00 - Who’s REALLY going to be there for you?

26:30 - The brave challenge: Who do you want to deepen your friendships with?

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Follow along for more tips, community, and resources to brave a better you!

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Want more?

Visit the website and order your copy of “That Sucked, Now What?” →https://thatsuckednowwhat.com/

Take just 2 minutes and find what YOUR emotional type is by taking my FREE quiz here → theemotionalreset.com/quiz

For a weekly dose of my hacks, tools, & tips to emotionally reset, join my newsletter here →yourweeklyreset.com

If you loved this episode, check out…

Ep.#294: Braving New Beginnings: Why We Moved to Dubai & Embracing Change in 2025 with Dr. Neeta Bhushan (Apple |Spotify |YouTube)

Ep.#300: The Shocking Truth About Moving Abroad: What I Wish I Knew with Dr. Neeta Bhushan (Apple |Spotify |YouTube)

Ep.#232: Simone Heng On Why Loneliness is Becoming the World's Next Big Health Problem (Apple |Spotify |YouTube)

Dr. Neeta Bhushan is a 5x Award Winning Author & world-renowned emotional health advocate & human connection expert. She’s written multiple best-selling books including her most recent book,That Sucked, Now What endorsed by Jay Shetty, Host of the Top 50 Mental Health PodcastThe Brave Table, & CEO of Highest Self Institute, a coaching organization training coaches to become the highest versions of themselves. She’s been featured on Forbes, LA Weekly, ABC, NBC, CBS, Grazia, Ok! Magazine, Verve Magazine & Tatler.

After realizing how trapped she felt running the million-dollar dental practice she built, Neeta embarked on a journey that led her across 45 countries as she researched blending the intersection of human behavior, ancient wisdom, Eastern philosophy, and therapeutic psychology. That knowledge, along with other life experiences overcoming multiple adversities, which include being orphaned at a young age, surviving an abusive marriage, and extensive loss, contributed to the powerful message of resilience & connection she shares in her work. Neeta is a mother of two young children, wellness junkie & lover of chai.