00:40 - Welcome back! Today we’re talking about friendships, strong women, supporting each other, and how important it is!

2:15 - But first, what is in your cup? Of course, Meka is having the Meka Classic, her peach, ginger, mint, with a hint of agave. Monique has a delicious South African mango rooibos. So sit with us and sip your tea while we chat.

3:22 - So, we gotta talk about friends. Meek tells us about her tribe, her girls that have been with her for decades, and reflects on how their relationships have grown from their college days until now.  

5:38 - Monique explains the love of long-term, childhood friendships, but also the importance of holding space within ourselves to invite others (and be invited) into new friendships in our adult years. Meek and Nique met in their young adult years - there’s always good in meeting new people and having new friends!

8:15 - True friendship looks like fruitful relationships and people who inspire you. Those who you can Facetime in Covid, who can see you in your sweats and being real.

11:33 - We sidebar for a minute, our experiences as black women are so important. Remember to use your words, recognize people and the space we take up, and offer respect. See black people, respect our space, see us. Having friends that affirm you and your experiences are needed so we can digest these together, without judgement, so it doesn’t make us go insane!

14:00 - Representation in your friend group and in your experiences is so important so we can relate to each other, support each other, and be intentional in what we do, how we behave, and how we treat others. Pouring into each other means we are filling ourselves up too - friendship is a two-way street and we have to meet each other where we’re at.

18:00 - Who pushes you to grow? The friendships that Meka and Monique appreciate the most are those from women who pray for them, uplift them, challenge them to grow and change, who celebrate their successes and who do better with them. Those who want you to stay the same may end up being toxic, holding you back from being the best you can be. Cheer your friends on and let them feel your support and love!

23:23 - Meka shares a few tips on how to be intentional with your friends. First, check in with them - like really check in to make sure they’re okay, don’t just like their Insta. Second, know what your friends’ love language is! Learn how to support them in the way that they value the most.

25:00 - Meek says another tip is to support your mama friends by also taking care of their kids. Give the mamas a break to take care of themselves, run errands, do a date night, or engage with the kids in a creative way to give the parents a break while building bonds.

27:00 - Most importantly, friendships are two-sided, so remember to check the balance. Sometimes the scales will teeter to one person or another in our times of need, but the investments in each other and our relationships are critical to our own health and happiness. Finding your people, especially as an adult, is so special. 

28:25 - We gotta bring it home with our Drive Tracks! We’re listening to What About Your Friends by TLC and More Than Anything by Sunday Service Choir, because we still got Jesus when all our friends are gone. 

Make sure to follow Meek and Nique on their socials! 

Meka’s blog is Hanging with the Harrells and her instagram is @xomekaharrell.

Nique’s website is Monique Hibma and follow her @moniqueimanhibma.

Follow the show at @teawithmeekandnique on Insta to see behind-the-scenes and more content, make sure to use the #teawithmeekandnique so we can see what you’re sipping on, and say hello to your fearless hosts at meekandnique.com, and tune in for the next episode!