I had a friend I'd known since kindergarten. We grew up together, shared many memories and secret jokes, and were (at least I thought) 'close.' But the friendship felt weird. Most conversations ended with me feeling bad. When I was going through a bad time, I actually hesitated to call her because I knew she wouldn't listen. Eventually I decided it was a dead-end friendship. Do … [Read more...] about Signs you should dump a friend
friendship
What to do when you’re jealous of a friend’s success
Your friend gets promoted, while you're stuck in a dead-end job. Or you stew during her housewarming party, hating the fact that she can afford this beautiful home while you struggle just to make rent on your apartment. How do you deal with this emotion? … [Read more...] about What to do when you’re jealous of a friend’s success
Help your child make new friends at a new school
Remember how stressed we would be at the start of the school year? We were worried about who our classmates would be, what they would think about us, and how to deal with the cliques and unspoken social rules? It's even more terrifying for a child who's transferred to a new school! Here's how to help her adjust. … [Read more...] about Help your child make new friends at a new school
How to make new friends
It was easier to make friends in school: you just struck a conversation with someone in your class, or signed up for a club or a sport, and voila—a potential kindred spirit. But once we start working, our circles narrow down considerably. We're busy, often shuttling straight from the office to our home. When we do go out, it's usually with the same people: co-workers, old … [Read more...] about How to make new friends
How to deal with stressful friendships
Friends should be warm, supportive, and fun to be with, right? Uhm…ideally. There are some 'friends' who seem to make you feel miserable and guilty, or cut you down with sarcastic or insulting comments and then laugh it off. These are very toxic relationships, and it may make us wonder why we bother even hanging out with them. While some 'frenemies' should just be ditched, … [Read more...] about How to deal with stressful friendships