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How many close friends do you actually have — and is that normal?

In this episode of Unfiltered-ish, the one where we talk about friendship circles, Natali, Carina, and Nicki unpack what adult friendships really look like in midlife — from inner circles to casual connections.

They start by sharing how many people they each consider “close friends,” and quickly realize they define friendship very differently. From having 3 deeply intimate relationships to managing multiple “pods” of friends, the conversation explores what closeness actually means.

They dive into:

• How many close friends people can realistically maintain
• Inner circle vs outer circle friendships
• Deep friendships vs social or convenience friendships
• Why friendships change in your 30s and 40s
• The difference between family relationships and chosen friendships
• How time, energy, and life stages impact connection

They also discuss a popular social theory that suggests most people can only maintain about five truly close relationships at once — and what happens when someone new enters your life.

The conversation gets deeper as they explore:

• Honesty as the foundation of strong friendships
• Outgrowing certain relationships
• Why shared interests (like business or lifestyle) strengthen connection
• How friendships evolve over time — and why some naturally fade

If you’ve ever wondered how many close friends you’re “supposed” to have, questioned your inner circle, or felt your friendships shifting in midlife, this episode offers a thoughtful, honest, and relatable perspective.

Unfiltered-ish is a women’s podcast about friendship, midlife, personal growth, and the conversations we don’t always say out loud.