6 Signs You're Outgrowing Friends & What To Do About It

1. "Follow your dreams."

This phrase became a mantra for many Boomers, pushing the idea that pursuing passion and fulfillment in work should be a top priority. Unfortunately, that's just not realistic any more.

Sure, passion is important, but the reality is that dreams don't always pay the bills or ensure financial stability. Today, many people find themselves balancing passion with practicality by taking on side gigs, freelancing, or choosing careers that might not be their ultimate dream job but offer security.

2. "You can pull yourself up by your bootstraps."

Pulling yourself up by your bootstraps has long been hailed as the hallmark of self-made success. It suggests that anyone, regardless of their background, can achieve greatness through pure hard work and determination.

However, younger generations agree that's just not the case in 2025. With growing economic inequalities, skyrocketing housing costs, and student debt, that proverbial bootstrap can feel pretty elusive. For many, the idea of pulling yourself up isn't as simple as working harder; it's a matter of having access to the right opportunities and resources.

3. "You can be whatever you want."

Again, just because someone wants to be a lawyer or doctor (and is willing to work hard) doesn't mean they can. Sure, the idea of limitless potential sounds inspiring, but it blatantly overlooks the systemic barriers that so many people face.

In the modern era, the road to success is often paved by factors beyond anyone's control, like access to education, family wealth, and even geography. The harsh truth is that "being whatever you want" is a lot harder with these obstacles in the way.

4. "Go to college, get a degree, and you'll be set."

It was once thought that a degree would immediately open the door to a stable, well-paying job and a secure future. While college education is still valuable today, it's no longer a guarantee of success, especially due to crippling student debt and a more competitive job market than ever.

Many graduates still find themselves underemployed or stuck in jobs they didn't really want. So, unfortunately, degrees are no longer surefire tickets to successful careers.

5. "You should buy a home instead of wasting money on renting."

Homeownership was a milestone viewed as a mark of stability and success. Meanwhile, renting was considered a temporary solution.

Even so, high home prices and interest rates, coupled with housing shortages, have left plenty of young people simply unable to buy their own property. Instead, renting has now become a long-term reality for many.

6. "It's taboo to talk about money."

Talking about income or other financial matters used to be considered tacky or inappropriate. Yet, salary transparency is more important than ever in 2025.

Wage inequality and pay gaps are major issues, and openly discussing money helps ensure people are fairly and equally compensated in the workplace. Many employees now recognize the power of sharing their salary as a way to hold their bosses accountable and help others negotiate better pay.

7. "Just save your money."

Anyone with a Boomer parent has probably been told that if they "just" set aside a portion of their income, they'll be set for the future. That's not true anymore.

With inflation and rising living costs, stashing cash away in the bank isn't enough to secure financial stability. Not to mention, many people can't even keep up with the increasing costs of essentials, let alone saving to build wealth. Instead, budgeting, investing, and strategic financial planning are essential for money management today.

8. "Settle down and start your family."

Last but not least, settling down and starting a family used to be viewed as the natural next step in adulthood. But this advice doesn't resonate the same with younger generations.

The pressure to settle down has been replaced with a desire to achieve personal growth, career advancement, and financial independence first. Also, starting a family isn't a one-size-fits-all goal anymore, especially amidst evolving gender roles and an increased focus on mental well-being. That's why more people are choosing a path that feels right for them as opposed to following a set timeline.

1. Finally schedule that lunch date you've been putting off

Have you written down a list of friend date ideas that didn't come into fruition this year? That sounds similar to our own sad plans that never left the notes app on our phones. One of the first things Murray suggests is to schedule a lunch date with your friend.

It's not a romantic situation, but simply an uninterrupted time where you and friend can give each other your undivided attention! You can talk about everything from work to reminiscing about the time one of you fell flat on your face in front of your crush.

2. Have a weekly FaceTime session

Technology has finally evolved to let us see the people we're talking to, friends and family included. It's a great way to connect with someone if you don't live in the same state or haven't seen each other in a while. " In the days of FaceTime and video calls, distance is not necessarily a barrier to friendships lasting for many years — and in some cases, distance can actually nurture relationships as it gives both people the space to breathe and live their lives," says Murray.

3. Vow to have phone recaps of your week to dish about your annoying co-worker or celebrity gossip

When life feels busy and you just need someone to dissect the latest Blake Livelynews with, you need a friend to recap your week with. Murray says, "Sometimes too much pressure to meet up in-person or integrate the friend into your day-to-day life can actually put a strain on the relationship, especially if routines or other relationships are not compatible with one another."

This helps you to stay connected to your friend without forcing each other to sit in a crowded bar just to strengthen your connection after work.

4. Surprise your friend with a birthday card

You can always give your best friend a birthday card in the mail, but planning ahead to have one show up in her physical mailbox is just as thoughtful! She'll enjoy that you decided to go the extra mile to send celebratory snail mail to her. Of course, you're free to still surprise your friend in person! Throw in a mini dessert and small gift to see your friend burst with excitement!

5. Snap a picture of a cute pair of Target shoes your friend has been eyeing

If you stop by your local Target and see the pair of shoes she won't stop talking about. Take a picture of them to let her know they're in stock and have her size. She'll appreciate you for thinking of her and may even Cash App you the funds to get them for her. Murray says doing this can "go a long way to show the other person that you care about your connection with them."

6. Verbally tell your friend how much they mean to you over dinner

After you've cooked your friend's favorite meal, sit down and tell that how important they are to you. "Affirmative statements like 'You are really important to me' and 'I value this friendship so much' can be things we tend to shy away from because they feel vulnerable," Murray shares, "but they can go a long way in solidifying the friendship and contributing a sense of closeness and security."

7. Be honest when you're unable to be 100% present in your friendship because work is super busy or you're having family issues

In a perfect world, we'd always have time for our friends. But things can come up that can derail even the most intentional person's friendship plans. It shouldn't be assumed you're a terrible person because you're unable to spend as much time with your friends, but communication is key.

"If something is going on with you personally that’s getting in the way of you showing up in your friendships the way that you want to, the best thing you can do is communicate. Even if you don’t want to talk about it, letting them know 'I’m sorry I haven’t been super present in our friendship lately, I’ve had a lot going on with family and I’ll fill you in when I feel more ready to talk about it' can help communicate to your friend that you’ve got something personal going on, and you’re not pulling back from them because you don't care," advises Murray.

8. Establish an understanding that your friendship may shift with different stages of life (i.e. marriage, having kids, relocating, etc.,)

This may be confused with a red flag, but it's not. As much as we wish we had all the free time in the world, life just isn't set up that way unless we're a part of the 1% that gets to make the rules. Even at that, I'm sure their attention is pulled in different directions. Murray says she understands this stage of life, however.

"When life gets busy, it can be really hard to find time to prioritize your friendships. And the older we get, the busier life becomes. As you get older, it is ok to acknowledge that you just may not have as much time for some friendships, and focus your energy on the few that matter most to you," she shares.

One of your goals shouldn't be trying to force yourself to make time for friends when things are super busy in your life. "When you spread yourself too thin, you can end up not really feeling connected to anyone at all," Murray adds. What she suggests you do is let "your friends know what's going on" or find a way to do "things that are less of a time commitment like sending a quick text or stopping by to say hi after work."

They're amazing "ways to stay connected if it feels at all possible" along with "inviting your close friends to participate in whatever is going on (maybe as a study buddy or on a double date with you and your new partner," according to her. All of these things create room for "feeling close even when life gets hectic!"

e.l.f. No Budge Retractable Eyeliner

This is by far the best drugstore eyeliner out there. Designed with a convenient retractable (no-sharpen!) tip, it's super easy to take on the go for any touch-ups. Plus, the color payoff and wearability of each shade is insanely impressive.

If you're looking for an eyeliner that, no matter the circumstances, does not budge, this $5 is the perfect pick-me-up. You can find it in a handful of different colors to suit your makeup needs.

Promising review: "I can’t believe I’ve been trying to make felt tipped eyeliners work for so long. Usually I put on felt tipped eye liner and it barely shows up, maybe my eye lids are watery or oily. So naturally within a hour or two it doesn’t even look like I’ve put on eye liner. This is not the case with this elf eye cream retractable liner. It actually shows up right away, it also lasts for hours. Even after 8 hours there was still some on my eyes, although I did need to re apply in some spots. It also didn’t smudge. For it to last at all and not smudge is amazing for me."

Nivea Body, Face, & Hand Moisturizing Cream

Though some people may see this $10 tinned cream as truly "old school,"many others still hold it near and dear for its ability to moisturize and heal dry skin in need of nourishment.

The thick, non-greasy formula is chockfull of provitamin B5 that really sinks deep into the skin. The best part is it's really gentle, so you can use it on your face, body, and hands.

Promising review: "Nivea is a great product. My parents always had a tin of it around. I've continued the tradition. It is a wonderful thick cream that moisturizes well. Great value for the price, as a little goes a long way. Softens rough skin."

TONYMOLY Petit Bunny Lip Gloss

This adorable bunny-shaped lip gloss is enriched with vitamin E for soft lips and a pinch of pigment so your pout gets a nice wash of color. It comes in a convenient stick form that's super easy to travel with!

Right now, 6 different shades of this gloss are on sale for $6 (originally $8). Snag one before the sale's over!

Promising review: "I am really happy with this product. The tint is very pretty, and not too pigmented. I am very picky about the texture of my lip glosses and lip balms and this one is lovely."

Versed Sweet Relief Night Mask + Face Balm

B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, truly cannot get enough of this stuff from Versed. It's a thick, moisturizing face balm that really nails down the 'slugging' skincare trend without totally swamping your skin. It is fairly oily and shiny after one application, so she recommends using it only at night – and you'll wake up with a glowy complexion!

Its $10 (was $18) formula is loaded up with bacuri and kokum butters and apricot kernel oil that are all dedicated to protecting the skin barrier. Though these ingredients may sound intimidating, the product is still wonderfully gentle overall for any skin type.

Promising review: "I have very sensitive skin and LOVE this as an overnight moisturizer. It's thick but a little goes a long way. The winter where I live is very dry. I use it every night before bed, my skin feels great in the morning! It's neutral smelling but I prefer that."

Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Strengthening Shampoo

This $7 (was $10) shampoo will set all your hair growth goals so right. It's made with rosemary and mint essential oils that help stimulate the scalp for better growth, along with biotin that ensures your locks don't lose moisture during the washing process. Snag the coordinating conditioner to get the full benefits (read an editor's review here)!

Promising review: "This shampoo is my favorite. It has a nice smell and gives my thinning hair a lot of volume and softness. Lathers well. Packaged well, no leaks. Hair loss has slowed down some. I will definitely continue to use."

e.l.f. Cosmetics Glossy Lip Stain

This $6 (yes, $6!) lip stain is unlike most lip stains in the way that it boasts a fun, glossy formula. Where some leave-on lip stains may dry up and make your lips look crusty AF (hate that), this one nourishes your pout, all the while leaving a nice wash of color behind.

This e.l.f. product stole the heart of B+C Affiliate Writer, Meredith, for its natural look, comfortable wear, and undeniable affordability. Its low price of $6 makes it so easy to try out the lip stain trend without going all-in! There are also so many shades to pick from, so you're sure to find one that suits you perfectly.

Promising review: "This was the first time buying any thing that was being called a lip stain. I didn’t want to spend a lot since I wasn’t sure if I would like them or if they worked the way people said they did. This goes on very easy and I have only used it a few times now, but it did last for a number of hours and did not come off when I ate or drink anything. I have thinner lips, but I like at this at least helps them show up more and when I don’t want to wear a lot of color, this is a soft neutral."

Method Pure Peace Body Wash

This $8 body wash smells like heaven, truly. With notes of peony, rose water, and pink sea salt, it's perfectly feminine and clean and feels like a total treat in the shower or bath. Though fragranced, it's still gentle on the skin and provides a good amount of moisture after each use!

This body wash from Method also boasts a unique biodegradable formula made with plant-based cleansers that contains zero parabens or phthalates to ensure healthy skin 24/7.

Promising review: "I was hesitant to buy this as I was not sure about how the scent would be. I am pleasantly surprised.
It has a simple rose smell, but it's mild and lacks that perfumey, cloying sort of smell that can happen with floral scents. Very simple, like I'm rubbing roses on myself. Not super strong, it lingers but doesn't feel like it's following you around all day either."

Essence Lash Princess Mascara

This $5 mascara definitely doesn't feel like it's $5. It undeniably volumizes and lengthens your lashes in a few simple swipes, all without those pesky clumps you might expect from a more affordable product.

The brush itself features an easy-to-use conic shape that lets you access the entirety of your lashes for a cohesive look, too!

Promising review: "What a little hidden gem this is. I first saw this on a you tube video and decided to try it. The bottle is adorable, but the contents will blow you away. It's probably the best mascara or one of the best that I have ever used. It was very inexpensive so even though the woman on the you tube video was saying how great it was, I wasn't expecting it to be all that great, but was still curious. I'm really glad I bought it, because it is the best mascara from a company no one probably even knows of because it is not mainstream. Buy it! I think you will love it!!"

Cocokind Mymatcha All-Over Moisture Stick

Infused with caffeinated matcha, this one-of-a-kind $9 moisture stick is perfect for combatting everything from dry lips to tried under eyes. Its formula is 100% vegan and super gentle on the skin, so people of any skin type can try it out.

The wide shape of this balm-like moisture stick allows you to cover a good amount of real estate on your face or any dry patches elsewhere. It has a very slight matcha-y scent, too, for all you matcha fiends out there!

Promising review: "I have used these moisturizing sticks since I was pregnant with my son 7 years ago. I used them all over my face in the harsh winter months working at a ski resort and now under my eyes as a sleepy mama to a toddler. Great for preventing windburn and easy for kids to use. I can throw this in my son’s book bag for school when he plays outside in -30 degree weather and don’t have to worry about it getting all over his hands or leaking. No funky ingredients. No synthetic fragrances. We love it."

Wet Brush Original Detangler Hair Brush

The Wet Brush is a team favorite around here. It's gentle, lightweight, and oftentimes comes in the cutest colors and patterns to make our hair care routines more fun.

If you're still using your old, ratty hair brush, the flexible bristles on the Wet Brush will feel like a total treat on your head. They help minimize breakage while still effectively detangling your locks. We're simply obsessed with this $7 rainbow colorway, too!

Promising review: "It glides through my hair effortlessly, detangling without pulling or causing breakage. The bristles are gentle yet effective, making it perfect for both wet and dry hair. Plus, the color is so pretty! If you struggle with knots or just want a great everyday brush, this one is a must-have!"