2026 TREND PREDICTIONS: Friendships + Social Gatherings (You heard it here first!) Because if the work I do, I’m often in the front line of nothing tends in the friendship and connection space. Then it’s confirmed every time: -clients whisper their fears during a session - journalists message me asking for research-based insights for a story they’re working on - I’m notified of fresh research by colleagues who have bts connections - women in leadership (employers, school principals, HR directors) tell me all about the private issues they’re having with their members/ employees I’m synthesizing this into a list of things I believe I’m seeing on the horizon in hopes that it sparks conversation, healthy behaviors, thoughtful questions among those who follow me in this space. In this video, I shared three…. BUT I HAVE MORE. Comment “newsletter” to get my full prediction list when it drops this Friday! 👀

Learning Spanish and bass guitar at 38 😬 Why? Because I’ve spent the last ten years telling myself it’s too late. But if I started ten years ago, I’d probably be playing the bass professionally in somebody’s Spanish band by now! In all seriousness: One piece of advice I’m often repeating to clients is that it’s literally never too late to begin setting up their FUTURE SELVES with the skills, knowledge, and relationships that they’ll need. But I’ve felt that way about Spanish and the bass guitar for so long, convinced that my fully formed adult brain couldn’t possibly learn such intricate skills. But I’m gonna try. WHY THIS FEELS VULNERABLE For the past several years, I have used social media as an educator. I am always teaching, sharing knowledge to equip and empower others. But I have never shown up as a student, showcasing the process of learning in real time. But as a high-achieving woman, I am working to get comfortable being a beginner again (shout out to my friend @livforrest_ for mentioning this in one of our life chats! ),so I thought I would start with two things that I’ve been on my heart the most! And shout-out to my new bass teacher, @musiclessonswithross !

@daniellebayardjackson • instagram

Wait, WHY aren’t there reality shows about FRIENDSHIP 👀 If you’ve ever had this thought, I’m sharing my PERSONAL experiences with production companies that have reached out to me about my interest hosting a reality show… And the (sad?) themes I noticed in the concepts they kept pitching to me. To be clear, I’m not saying these show ideas wouldn’t be entertaining or that they wouldn’t teach an important lesson, but they’re not MY personal style. I believe that an uplifting, “personal transformation” type of show that centers around friendship would be a hit. But maybe I’m wrong…???

@daniellebayardjackson • instagram

Your besties would never. I’m just sayin’.

@daniellebayardjackson • instagram

Tomorrow on 🎬 #PRETTYSMART with @daniellerobay: Fighting For Friendships with Friendship Coach @daniellebayardjackson 💡💋: @beprettysmart Hear the 2 QUESTIONS every friend wants answered + learn what it means to be a good friend as an adult + how to handle conflict..healthily! •Grab Danielle's book Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women’s Relationships (it’s PHENOMENAL) 📚

@daniellerobay • instagram