In this follow-up to our episode, Why Am I All Alone?, author and rehabilitation consultant, Val Walker returns for a powerful conversation about the hidden ways social media shapes our confidence and friendships—especially for women navigating adult connection.

With hundreds of online “friends,” why do so many of us still feel alone? Why does a single unanswered message or unliked post feel so personal? And how do comparison and online validation impact how we show up offline?

🎧 In this thoughtful and honest episode, Val and I explore:

• The link between social media and self-esteem
• How the comparison trap chips away at confidence
• How social media discourages real-life connection and vulnerability

You’ll also hear Val explain what it’s like to feel unseen online—and how we can start reclaiming connection beyond the screen.

• You’ve ever questioned your worth based upon likes or follows
• You want deeper, more authentic friendships
• You’re trying to be more intentional with social media and real connection

You can support the show and Val Walker by purchasing one of her books through the links below:

• 400 Friends and No One to Call: Breaking Through Isolation and Building Community
• The Art of Comforting: What to Say and Do for People in Distress

*As an Amazon Affiliate member, I may earn a small percentage from qualifying purchases—at no extra cost to you. Your support helps keep the podcast going and growing! 💛*

You can also contact Val Walker directly at www.valwalkerauthor.com.

• ✨ Become an Insider: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourinsiders
• 🧡 Join the Facebook Community: bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast
• 📷 Follow on Instagram: @thefriendshiptourpodcast
• 📬 Email: ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com

💬 Finally, if this conversation resonated with you, don’t keep it to yourself—share the episode, leave a review, and let’s keep building friendships rooted in faith, honesty, and real connection.

In this quick update, I'm sharing a few exciting changes happening with The Friendship Tour :

• A fresh new look that captures the heart of friendship

• A new newsletter for friendship tips, encouragement, resources, and early access to events

• An open invitation to send in your questions for an upcoming Q&A episode

Let’s stay connected — just choose a way and say hello!

📬 Sign up for the newsletter 💬 Send in your friendship questions for the Q&A episode at ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com 👯‍♀️ Follow along on Instagram and join the Facebook group!

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “Why am I all alone?” In this heartfelt and honest episode, I’m joined by author, Val Walker to explore one of the most tender—and often silent—struggles many women face: isolation and loneliness in adulthood.

Val shares the powerful story that sparked her journey into researching loneliness. Val’s story highlights the harsh realities of and complicated emotions surrounding isolation. She also discusses how even a friend’s abandonment isn’t always what it seems. Finally, Val’s story highlights forgiveness, reconciliation, and her own passion for helping others realize this simple truth - you are not alone. In fact, any one of us can become isolated through various life circumstances. The good news, though, is that, with a bit of effort, we can also find our way back from isolation and loneliness. We can find our way back to connection and community.

• What really happened when Val’s friend didn’t pick her up

• The deeper reason loneliness is not just a personal issue—but a societal one

• How shame keeps us stuck in isolation

• What Val learned through research and reflection on friendship and healing

• Why grace, forgiveness, and reconnection matter

• How to move forward with compassion when people let you down

Who in your life might feel forgotten or overlooked? Send a message. Make a call. Show up. You never know how much it might mean.

400 Friends and No One to Call by Val Walker

The Art of Comforting by Val Walker *As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. Thank you for supporting the podcast by using my links!* Let’s Stay Connected! 💛 Become a Friendship Tour Insider → bit.ly/thefriendshiptourinsiders 📌 Join the Facebook Group → bit.ly/thefriendshiptourpodcast 📷 Follow on Instagram → @thefriendshiptourpodcast 📬 Email Cecelia → ccurtis@thefriendshiptourpodcast.com