We’ve all been there — life happens, and suddenly, you’re in a place where you need your people more than ever. Maybe you’re dealing with something heavy like an unplanned pregnancy, or maybe you’re just feeling a little lost. You might need a little help trying to navigate a tricky situation… or feel like you’re barely coping. Whatever it is, having a supportive circle can make all the difference. Maybe you’re looking for something like a women support group or finding some trustworthy friends.
But how do you find that tribe? To start, here check out ThriVe. We’re a safe place for women facing things like unplanned pregnancy. We’ve been there. We get it. Our staff is pro-woman. That’s why we care about helping you find support, and giving that support to you directly. All of our services are no-cost, and judgment-free.
Feel like you need your village right now?
Here are some tips from the ladies at ThriVe on how to build that support system:
1. Know What You’re Looking For
First things first—what do you need right now? Someone to hype you up when you’re down? Counseling level conversations? A friend who’ll keep it 100% with you, even if it’s not what you want to hear? It’s all about identifying the kind of support you’re craving. Whether you need someone who can give you tough love, help you work through a trigger issue, or a friend who’s all about positive vibes, get clear on what you’re looking for. It’s cool to have friends with different opinions as long as they’re rooting for you and want what’s best for you.
Don’t be afraid to set boundaries or be picky about who you let into your inner circle. After all, this is about your mental health and emotional well-being. You deserve people who lift you up and create a supportive environment — not people who weigh you down.
2. Slide into Their DMs (or Texts, or Whatever)
Got friends who already feel like they might fit the bill? Or maybe there’s someone new you’ve been vibing with but haven’t really hung out with yet. Now’s the time! Shoot them a text, invite them for coffee, a walk in the park, or even a chill Zoom call if that’s more your style. No need to make it formal or awkward — just keep it casual and see where the conversation goes. You don’t have to dive into deep stuff right away, either. Start with light topics and see how they respond. If they’re down for meaningful conversations later on, that’s a good sign they could be part of your tribe. And hey, if it doesn’t click, no worries! Not every connection is meant to be a close friendship.
Our women’s advocates are here to support you with medically-accurate information. We’re not a women support group, per say, but our nurses and patient advocates give one-on-one support during your appointment. We’re all about making you feel heard and seen.
3. Keep It Low-Key
When you do hang out with a friend you’re getting to know, don’t stress about making it perfect. Let the conversations flow naturally, whether you’re deep diving into your feels or just chatting about the latest TikTok trends. The best connections often happen when you’re not forcing it, so just enjoy the time together. Try doing activities that let you relax and be yourself. That could be grabbing a casual bite, hitting up a thrift store, or binge-watching a new series together.
The key is to keep things chill and not put too much pressure on the hangout. If you’re comfortable and having fun, that’s a great foundation for a strong friendship. Plus, low-key hangouts mean you can just be real—no need for filters or pretending you’ve got it all together.
If you feel like it’s right to talk about your situation, you shouldn’t have to feel like you’re “dumping” stuff on them. A good friend will want to hear about your life and offer you support. That’s what makes a friendship authentic and true.
4. Make It a Thing
Life’s busy—totally get it. That’s why it can help to set a regular time to catch up. Maybe it’s weekly coffee dates, monthly brunches, or just a quick check-in over FaceTime. Whatever works for you and your crew, make it a thing so it doesn’t slip through the cracks. When you make plans consistent, it shows that you’re serious about staying connected and value the friendship. It also takes the guesswork out of scheduling, so you’re less likely to drift apart. If you’re really vibing, you can even plan bigger events like weekend getaways or road trips.
If you’re facing a tough situation like an unplanned pregnancy, it’s okay to be vulnerable. You should feel safe with good, genuine friends. Sharing the things you’re going through can strengthen your friendship. It’ll also boost your confidence in making your pregnancy decision.
5. Stay Connected
Between meetups, keep the vibe going with group chats or social media. Share memes, updates, or just random thoughts. The key is staying in each other’s lives, even when you’re not physically together. Don’t be afraid to reach out first —sometimes people get caught up in their own stuff and might need a little nudge. A simple “Hey, thinking of you!” can go a long way. Keeping that line of communication open helps ensure that your friendship stays strong, even when life gets busy. Plus, it’s a good way to remind each other that you’re not alone, no matter what you’re going through.
It’s okay to send an “I need to talk” or “Can I vent?” text. That’s what friends are for.
6. Focus on the Feels
At the end of the day, it’s all about being there for each other. Listen, share, and celebrate the wins — big or small. Building your tribe isn’t just about what they can do for you, but also how you can lift each other up. Remember, it’s a two-way street. Be that friend who’s there for the good, the bad, and the ugly. It’s okay to be vulnerable and show your true self—that’s how real connections are made. Celebrate each other’s achievements. Support each other during tough times, and don’t be afraid to have those deep, meaningful talks.
Your tribe should be a safe space where you can be completely authentic. You’ll know that you’ll be met with understanding and love. That’ll always be the case at ThriVe, where we’re about women supporting women.
How ThriVe Can Be Part of Your Tribe
Feel like you need extra support right now? Totally understandable, especially when it comes to something as big as an unplanned pregnancy, ThriVe has got your back. We’re all about empowering you with the info you need to make the best decision for yourself—no judgment, just real talk.
There’s no shame in getting the help you need. Facing a pregnancy that wasn’t part of your plan is HARD. You’re not crazy for feeling mixed emotions or having confusing, conflicting thoughts. That’s just being human. But you don’t have to go through these feelings alone.
Here’s how we can help:
– No-Cost Pregnancy Tests and Pre-Abortion Screenings: Not sure what your next step should be? ThriVe offers no-cost pregnancy tests and pre-abortion screenings to help you know exactly where you stand. Your pre-abortion screening will give you more info about your pregnancy, specifically. That way, you’ll know what options are medically safe for your body.
We’ll walk you through all your options so you can make an informed, authentic choice that’s right for you. We won’t pressure you one way or another. We want to help you feel confident.
– STD Screenings: Taking care of your health is key, and ThriVe makes it easy with no-cost STD screenings. If you’ve been sexually active, it’s super important to be screened and treated for STIs. Some STIs show no symptoms but can harm your health in the long run.1 Here, you can get tested without any hassle or judgment. Our center is chic and friendly, and you won’t be waiting for hours in a waiting room. At ThriVe, you’re our top priority.
– Women’s Advocates as Part of Your Village: When you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy, you might just need someone to talk to — someone who’s been there and gets it. ThriVe has women’s advocates who are there to be part of your village. They’re available for emotional support, to help you process what you’re going through, and to just be a listening ear when you need it most. Need to talk? You’re able to give them a call, even now.
ThriVe isn’t just a resource. We’re ready to walk alongside you on your journey. Whether you need medical care, emotional support, or just someone to provide medically-accurate information to help you figure things out, we’re there for you.
Real Talk: Everyone Needs Support
No one should go through life’s tough moments alone. Whether you’re facing an unplanned pregnancy or just need someone to talk to, it’s okay to lean on others. And remember, ThriVe is here as your safe space — a place where you’ll find the support, empowerment, and genuine care you need when you’re pregnant (and that wasn’t part of the plan).
So go ahead, find your people, and start building those connections that will carry you through the ups and downs. You’re beautiful, smart, and capable. You deserve a community of support and love. You’ve got this!
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