Everyone needs a tribe. I have been so blessed over the years with an amazing tribe to do life with. We support each other in good times and in bad. We pray for each other and lift up one another. Your tribe will often be a group with whom you have some things in common. What happens when these things begin to change? It takes work to maintain these friendships and to keep those groups alive. Have you noticed this in your own groups? Have you noticed some backing away? Is it because they have changed……or have you? In our groups, we need to be mindful that we are not excluding our friends in the conversation. Maybe most are married while some are not. Maybe most have kids now and some do not. Maybe some advanced in their careers while others did not. What ever the difference, make an effort to include them in the conversation. For inspiration, see my blog post “ What Do you Say?” Your friend wants to be able to still be involved in social groups but is likely looking for a safe environment. When we are struggling with infertility or loss, we still want to be involved with our social groups. However, if kids are the topic of conversation every time, you will drive that person away. Try not to make statements in your groups such as “we are all moms here” when clearly that is not the case. Save that for your exclusive ‘mom’ groups. Parents, spouses, single, no kids…..we all need group therapy. We just have to ensure a healthy environment for all.