PFO Newsletter- 07.11.25

I’ll admit, it’s been a bit since I connected with you. But I have an excuse. 

When I stepped away from TV News back in 2020, we left NYC for a quiet life on a lake in South Carolina. 

I can’t believe it’s taken 5 years, but a few weeks ago, I DROPPED MY PHONE IN THE LAKE. It’s gone. Buried in 20+ feet of water. 

Anyway, as you can relate, it’s a pain-in-the-hiney getting a new phone (especially if you lost your phone) and a lot of my information didn’t transfer to the new phone. On top of that, one of my email accounts (that’s linked to Amazon, my Apple Cloud, etc) got HACKED. You guys, it’s been insane.

All I can say is this: if you get a warning that your passwords were involved in a data breach, DO NOT continue to use them like I did. Change them immediately. And write them down and put them in a safe place (preferably locked in a safe) in case you need them and can’t access them on your phone. I felt SO helpless and was highly disturbed by how cut off from everything I felt just by not having access to my phone. 

I learned my lesson! I’m still dealing with the hackers, and working to restore some of my accounts. 

In other news, I have been so deeply moved by your responses in my last newsletter. I did a Podcast Series on FRIENDSHIP in JUNE and asked you if you have DEEP friendships–69% of you said YES. But, the comments blew me away and I wanted you to feel less alone since the struggle is real to find and foster deep friendships, especially later in our lives. I encourage you to take some time to read the comments at the bottom of the newsletter–I was moved to absolute tears! 

I hope you have a great weekend, friends. And one more reminder: CHANGE YOUR PASSWORDS! :) 

-Paula xo

FARIS FAVORITES 🤎

1. The Gilded Age: A Cleaner Version of Bridgerton!

If you liked Downton Abbey and Bridgerton made you blush, check out The Gilded Age, a historical drama series about the late 1800’s in NYC, where families were conflicted between the old and new systems and huge fortunes were made and lost. It’s SO GOOD! Season 3 was just released and I’m so excited to watch. ALSO, if you’re looking for great movies to watch with your family, check out all the Mission Impossible movies. We’ve been watching them as a family and I’m reminded how rare it is to find an action-packed movie that has very limited, if any, sexual innuendo and the language is mild

2. The BEST Tool For Building Muscle In Midlife

If you don’t have a weighted vest, what are you waiting for? Amazon’s Prime Deals has my favorite weighted vest listed at the lowest price I’ve seen–but the sale ends today! Weighted Vests are a way to build muscle mass and bone density, which prevent frailty and disease, especially later in life. The recommendation is to buy one that’s approx 10% of your body weight (my vest is 16lbs) and wear it on walks or around the house. Let’s get strong!

3. My New FAVORITE Protein Powder!

I can’t stop talking about my new favorite protein powder (because we all have protein goals, right?). In my quest for a protein powder that tastes excellent just mixed with water, I’ve discovered The Peachie Spoon. I drink it first thing in the morning to get 25g of protein OUT OF THE GATE. Use my Code PAULA for 12% off! One bag lasts a month. 

COMMENTS FROM YOU ABOUT FRIENDSHIP THAT MOVED ME DEEPLY: 

➡️“As I've gotten older, I don't have the close friends I had when my kids were young. Also, I've moved to a brand new community, new state, new towns and retired. Making friends has been a challenge.”

➡️“Lots of acquaintances. No one I consider to be that kind of deep friendship. If I’m honest it scares me because I’ve been hurt in the past by more than one person I considered a close friend. At my age (58) I just don't feel up to it. My sister and daughters fill that void.”

➡️“I had what I thought was a solid deep friendship up until a year ago when it was literally destroyed! We had been very, very close spending almost every week-end together, and many vacations over the past 20 years! All of a sudden all kinds of anger was expressed, and I still do not know where it all came from! No real explanation....just up, and decided no longer want anything to do with me or my family! So all ties were cut! Would not even sit down to discuss anything. Still confused, and hurt, but moving on as best as I can!!”

➡️“I am so blessed to have a friendship that started when we met in 3rd grade and has spanned 36 years. We can talk about anything and everything. We hit milestones as adults but our friendship has remained strong. When I am having a rough time, she is my first call or text. We support each other, lift each other up and most importantly pray for each other. I can't imagine what my life would be like without her.”

➡️“I'm a textbook introvert, so deep conversations & connections are my jam. I'm turning 48 in a few hours, and I've yet to find a true "friend." I find people who I click with, and things go really well for a few months. Then suddenly they vanish, and I never hear from them again.”

➡️“My best friend and I have been together since 3rd grade and I could not navigate life without her.”

➡️“We moved across the country, 60 year olds and struggling to make new friends! Prayerful while also putting ourselves out there. A bit discouraging.”

➡️“Lots of acquaintances. No one I consider to be that kind of deep friendship. If I’m honest it scares me because I’ve been hurt in the past by more than one person I considered a close friend. At my age (58) I just don't feel up to it. My sister and daughters fill that void.”

➡️“I have several “close” friends, but there is a missing element. Not sure what that is. I often wonder if it is me - maybe I am someone who is hard to be friends with?”

➡️“My sister and I are super close but aside from that we don’t have meaningful friendships, just acquaintances. I have longed for it, we both have. We’d love those people that we can call on a dime and hang out or just talk. I’m in my forties. I don’t have much connection to anyone but I hesitate to leave because my parents who are older still love being there. I work freelance in the entertainment industry and it is going through a slump right now but sadly many of the people I know are just acquaintances as well.”

➡️“I lost my sister years ago to a brain tumor and she was truly one of my best friends. Then, my most trusted, deepest friend was killed in a car accident a few years ago (I still cannot remove her cell number from my phone). I still have some great friends and even though I've been out of high school for 40 years, there are a group of us that remain good friends today.”

➡️“Every time I've gotten close with someone, as an adult, something happens and it all changes. Sometimes it's legit, like a move, other times, they pull away with no reason.”

➡️“The older I get the more selective I am at WHO I allow into my deep friendship circle. Over the years people have left the circle and it used to bother me so much. But, now, I look at it as a season. God allows people to come into your life for seasons and when that season is over….its ok. Nothing personal. It's a conscious behavior tho…still, at 46 yrs old.”

➡️“We moved so many times because of my husband’s job with the government. I developed relationships but the next move comes and it’s hard to keep long distance. It was easier when the kids were smaller, as they got older, friendships were harder to make.”

THE PAULA FARIS SHOW 🎙️

Join the Conversation!

If you’ve made it this far, I invite you to join (or start) the conversation in our comments section. What would you like to share? -Paula