FamilyLife Today®

Fake Friendships and the Fear of Vulnerability: Shelby Abbott

FamilyLife Network

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24 min·February 19, 2026

About this Episode

If they really knew me, would they still love me? That fear of vulnerability fuels loneliness, curated online masks, people-pleasing, and walls that block deep friendships, marital closeness, or authenticity in ministry. And suffering eventually deepens that fear instead of healing it. If you're weary of performing, tired of fake friendships, and craving courage for real connection, listen in. Shelby Abbott, author of Why We’re Feeling Lonely and What We Can Do About It, exposes the roots of our universal dread--and points the way to freedom from approval-seeking and isolation.

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