Frenemy: Definition, Types, And How to Spot Them
Have you ever placed your trust in a friend who turned on you, became toxic, or stabbed you in the back? If so, you have had a firsthand encounter with … Read more
Hailey Shafir, M.Ed, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS
How to Talk to People (With Examples For Each Situation)
Talking to people doesn’t come naturally to everyone, especially when it involves approaching new people. Even after you’ve started a conversation, you might struggle to keep it going or find … Read more
How to Start a Conversation With A Friend (With Examples)
A lot of people have trouble finding ways to start conversations with a friend online, over text, or even in person. Whether you’re trying to stay in touch with people, … Read more
How to Overcome Social Anxiety (First Steps and Treatment)
People with social anxiety dread some or all social interactions and spend a lot of time worrying about what others think of them, how they are perceived, and what will … Read more
Platonic Friendship: What It Is and Signs You Are in One
The simplest definition of a platonic friendship is one without any sexual or romantic feelings or involvement, but these friendships can be more complicated in real life. For example, some … Read more
How to Adapt to Post-Pandemic Life With Social Anxiety
If you’re nervous, worried, or dreading the “return to normal” as society re-opens, you’re not alone. Since the start of the pandemic, lockdowns and social distancing policies forced people to … Read more
12 Types of Friends (Fake & Fair-weather vs Forever Friends)
“I have a large group of friends, but not all of them are people I consider ‘real’ friends. I’m at a point in my life where I want to focus … Read more
Tired of Always Initiating With Friends? Why & What to Do
“I always end up in friendships where I am the one to reach out, call, text, and make plans. Why are all of my friendships so one-sided, and are there … Read more
How to Be a Better Listener (Examples & Bad Habits to Break)
Most people believe they are better listeners than they actually are.[1] A big part of the disconnect is that most of us were never taught how to listen well, which … Read more
How To Set Goals and Make Them Happen (Step-by-Step Examples)
Without goals, it can feel like you’re drifting through life without a plan, purpose, or sense of direction. While most people want to have goals in life that they work … Read more
What to Do if You Have No Social Skills (10 Simple Steps)
Social skills are a complex set of “people skills” that help you communicate and interact effectively with others in a variety of situations. Whether your goal is to build and … Read more
How to Believe in Yourself (Even if You’re Full of Doubt)
“I just went through a really hard year where I lost my job, had a really bad breakup, and got rejected from a grad school program I really wanted to … Read more
How to Improve Your Social Life (In 10 Simple Steps)
“I feel like I have no social life at all. Most of my friends from college don’t live near me, and I have not built a new social circle yet. … Read more
Do You Feel Like You’re Not Interesting? Why & What to Do
“I just started a new job, and my coworkers are all really cool and have so many interesting things to talk about outside of work-related stuff. I feel insecure around … Read more
How to Be More Interesting (Even if You Have a Boring Life)
“I am trying to make some new friends, but I feel like I am just a really boring person. I don’t really have anything exciting to talk about in my … Read more
How To Fix a Broken Friendship (+ Examples of What to Say)
“Recently, I broke a promise to my best friend. I know I messed up and want to make things right but don’t know what to say or how to start. … Read more
How to Make Friends When You Hate Everyone
“I can’t stand most people I meet. They either seem fake, shallow, stupid, or self-involved. Any advice on how to make friends when you hate everyone or aren’t a people … Read more
How to Overcome Jealousy in a Friendship
“Is it normal to feel jealous of my friend’s relationships with other people? My best friend has another best friend who she has been spending more time with, and I … Read more
10 Sorry Messages For a Friend (To Mend a Broken Bond)
“Recently, I’ve said some hurtful things to a friend, and I know she’s still upset. I feel awful and really want to apologize through text, but I’m not sure what … Read more
Why Eye Contact is Important in Communication
“I’m an introvert, and when I feel shy or nervous around someone, I tend to look away or look down during a conversation. How can I improve my eye contact … Read more