Welcome back to The Lifestyle Prescription — Pharmacy Planet’s podcast series where real stories meet real wellness. In Episode 10, host Rena Annobil is joined by Mamta Saha, Business Psychologist, international speaker, and personal transformation expert, for a powerful and vulnerable conversation about friendship in adulthood.

From navigating ghosting and grief to building long-distance connections and community, this episode takes a deep dive into what it really means to form — and sometimes let go of — friendships as adults.

Watch the full episode here: Friendship in Adulthood – Mamta Saha
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Why Friendships Matter — For Your Mind and Body

The episode opens with an essential reminder: friendship is not a luxury — it’s a health intervention. Mamta shares how meaningful relationships impact our emotional, cognitive, and even physical health, helping regulate our nervous systems and lower stress hormones.

Whether you’re laughing with a best friend or talking through a tough week, these connections contribute directly to better immunity, emotional stability, and overall wellbeing.

The Silent Toll of Loneliness

Loneliness isn’t just a feeling — it’s a risk factor. Rena and Mamta explore how chronic loneliness can increase your chances of heart disease, depression, and even early mortality.

They also ask a difficult but timely question: Are we more isolated than ever before — despite being more connected digitally? For many adults, especially mothers and those without large social networks, the answer is yes.

Boundaries, Triggers & False Guilt

One of the most impactful parts of the episode addresses the misunderstood role of boundaries. Mamta breaks down why setting emotional limits isn’t selfish — it’s self-preserving.

This segment explores:

  • Why triggers often arise in close friendships
  • How to prioritise wellbeing without guilt
  • The importance of showing up with empathy and self-respect

If you’ve ever felt bad for saying “no” or protecting your peace, this part is for you.

Ghosting, Growth & the Messiness of Friendship Breakups

Adulthood brings difficult transitions — and sometimes that includes losing friendships. From the pain of being ghosted to the awkwardness of hard conversations, Mamta shares tools for:

  • Knowing when to walk away
  • Grieving friendship loss
  • Managing conflict without resentment
  • Letting go without losing yourself

This part of the episode offers validation for those quietly carrying the emotional weight of lost or fading friendships.

Making Friends as an Adult (Yes, It’s Possible!)

Rena and Mamta tackle the age-old struggle: Why is it so hard to make friends as we get older? Whether it’s social anxiety, parenting, or just different life stages, forging new bonds can feel intimidating.

Mamta shares compassionate, actionable strategies for:

  • Making friends as an introvert
  • Rebuilding community after isolation
  • Embracing multigenerational friendships
  • Nurturing long-distance connections

Spoiler alert: it’s never too late to start over.

Friendship Contracts, Green Flags & Building Real Community

The episode closes with a surprising twist — the concept of a “friendship contract.” Mamta explains how naming expectations and values in a relationship can foster clarity, healing, and long-term emotional safety.

Other key takeaways include:

  • Red flags in unhealthy friendships
  • Green flags of genuine connection
  • The importance of reciprocity and “symmetry”
  • How community helps protect against loneliness

This episode is a love letter to adult friendship in all its forms — messy, beautiful, heartbreaking, and healing.

Tune in to Episode 10 of The Lifestyle Prescription here: Watch now

Guest: Mamta Saha | @saha_mamta
Follow Host: Rena Dipti Annobil | @sisterhoodofmummyimperfect

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