'Desperate Woman Seeks Friends: Real Talk About Connection, Rejection, and Trying Again for the Friendships You Need is just that: real talk, honest, humorous, tender, and true. In a world characterized by loneliness, transiency, and the oftentimes rewarding but ultimately unsatisfying experience of virtual connection, this book makes a compelling case for face-to-face relationships, not only as the antidote to isolation, but for the sake of a healthy, meaningful life. Refusing to mince words on the personal responsibility required to cultivate and care for the kindred spirits in our lives, Kristen lovingly mentors her readers through the challenges, pitfalls, and rewards of modern friendship. Especially valuable are her insights on boundaries--setting our own and respecting other people's--while her candor over personal friendship failures and successes exemplify the vulnerability she espouses in our closest relationships. With wisdom, humor, and a voice as warm as a Midwestern summer day, this book is an ally, an older sister, and an arm around the shoulder for those who feel the lack of friendship in their lives but don't know where to start. As Kristen points out, we all need friends who will love us for who we are while challenging us out of our comfort zones; friends who will celebrate our successes, enter into our sorrows, and always believe the best of us while cherishing a vision for our best selves. In offering this book, Kristen is exactly that kind of friend.' -- Lanier Ivester, author of Glad & Golden Hours: A Companion for Advent and Christmastide
'As a marriage and family therapist, I've noticed a shift in my practice in recent years: My clients of all ages express distress and confusion over their friendships more than ever before. It's a common struggle. But it can also be an isolating struggle as we wonder, 'Should friendship be this hard?', 'Is it just me?' or worse, 'Is something wrong with me?' With disarming humor, sharp insights, and practical wisdom, Kristen addresses aspects of friendship we often avoid, but need to be talking about. And Kristen Strong is absolutely the woman to lead this conversation. This book was written for such a time as this!' -- Nicole Zasowski, marriage and family therapist and author of What If It's Wonderful?
'As military spouses who understand the unique challenges of finding meaningful connections while constantly on the move, we can't recommend Desperate Woman Seeks Friends enough. Kristen speaks directly to the heart of anyone who has ever felt the sting of loneliness or struggled to build genuine friendships. Her words are an empowering reminder that community is possible, even when life feels transient or uncertain. Her insights about cultivating intentional relationships and pushing through the discomfort of starting over hit close to home for those of us familiar with PCS moves and the constant redefinition of home. Kristen's vulnerability and real-life wisdom offer a roadmap to connection that we all need--whether stationed overseas or navigating life stateside. This book will inspire military spouses and anyone searching for their circle to keep showing up for the shot at finding their people!' -- Jen and Kirst, co-founders of Wives of the Armed Forces
'I absolutely love Kristen's approach to making, cultivating, and keeping meaningful friendships. She infuses humor and honesty and helpful real-life experiences throughout her book that made me laugh, nod my head, and exhale. We need friends. We want friends. But so often we get lost in the mud with how to make friendships actually work. Kristen is the friendship guru guide we've all been desperate for!' -- Anjuli Paschall, spiritual director and author of Feel
'I believe almost every woman has struggled with friendships at some point in her life. Whether you are struggling to make new friends or mourning the loss of an old friendship, Kristen Strong has written a beautiful, heartfelt guidebook to help you in your journey. The encouragement and hope found in the pages of Desperate Woman Seeks Friends will be a balm for your soul as you read Kristen's wisdom on what it means to be a good friend and how to nurture those relationships in a way that is meaningful and real.' -- Melanie Shankle, New York Times bestselling author of Nobody's Cuter Than You
'Kristen Strong is a guide on the journey of friendship that every woman needs! Her heartfelt empathy, hard-earned wisdom, and helpful insights fill this book from start to finish. By the time you reach the last page, you'll feel less alone, more understood, and ready to find the friendships you long for in this season of your life.' -- Holley Gerth, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of The Powerful Purpose of Introverts
'Living in a world that is divided and a culture that pulls us into isolation, we must fight for authentic friendship and not settle for a form of connection online that is merely convenient. You will resonate with Kristen as most of us have experienced challenges in both being and making a friend. And you will be encouraged and challenged by her words to break free from narratives and negative experiences and try friendship, again.' -- Simi John, speaker and author of "I Am Not: Break Free From Stereotypes & Become The Woman God Made You To Be"
'Kristen has a gift for writing in a way that makes you feel seen and known, and in our isolated world this is more important than ever. If you've ever struggled with loneliness this book will become a guide and comfort for you. I recommend this to everyone, and especially think women of all ages can learn from Kristen.' -- Grace Valentine, bestselling author of four books, speaker, podcast host, and encourager on Instagram @thegracevalentine
Kristen has the perfect mix of humor, honesty, and wisdom in these pages. Reading it felt like sitting across from a dear friend who was brave enough to be vulnerable and share her struggles with feeling overlooked and left out. (If you're anything like me, you'll read her stories and feel so seen. I kept thinking, 'so it's not just me who has felt forgotten or not good enough or like everyone else knows how to make friends and I somehow missed that class when I was younger!') If you are lonely and desperate for friends or maybe have a community but are craving deeper connection, the candid stories and practical takeaways in this book will give you next steps and gentle challenges to help you build stronger and richer relationships! -- Crystal Paine, New York Times bestselling author, podcaster, and founder of MoneySavingMom.com
