friends

Q: How can I handle feeling excluded from my dance team at a dance competition? A: Hi there,  I’m hearing how difficult this is for you, and I commend you for reaching out for support. Feeling excluded is one of the more challenging experiences for us as humans, given that…

When it comes to the topic of health, physical health tends to be the focus. However, your mental and social health are just as important to your overall health and livelihood, and are even tied to your physical health. Social wellness is a term used to describe the quality level…

Nothing prepares us for the loss of a loved one—whether from death, a divorce, or simply them moving to a new area. The grief that comes with loss is overwhelming. And it doesn’t usually go away quickly.  Months, even years following, you might be asking, “How long does grief last?…

Friends make up a huge part of most peoples’ lives, but over time, friendships can fade and drift apart if they aren’t maintained. Fostering and putting effort into friendships is key to making sure those relationships stay strong and close.  That being said, it can be hard to know where…

Glancing at our phones when we hear that familiar “ding” or vibration is muscle memory; after all, we’re curious. It’s also just as common to see what the notification is—and then to put our phone down and wait to respond until, well, we feel like it. From switching off our…

Q: I have a friend that I think might be a manipulative narcissist and we definitely aren’t on good terms right now. They’re part of a larger group of friends that I hang out with pretty often. Basically, they tend to monopolize all of our conversations, and usually only talk…

The front door open for the last time that night, my friends standing on the front porch, arm in arm, waving goodbye, their silhouettes shimmering against the half-moon behind them. Just beyond, I see another set of friends (another couple) climb into their car, as the cabin light illuminates the…

Toxic relationships are everywhere: We can have an unhealthy attachment to our parents, our partners, even our phones— anything that we interact with, really. Yet rarely do we take a look at our friends. This might be important, considering they’re the people we often vent to about everything (and everyone)…

Weddings came back with a vengeance this summer, and let’s be honest: It had been kind of nice to see people elope for a while. So cheap. So quiet. So little pressure on friends and family. You could just send a gift instead of making small talk with strangers and…

Starting a new job can be intimidating. As you step into the unfamiliar territory, a few thoughts might cross your mind, like: Is this company the right fit for me? Will I be successful in this role? And perhaps the most daunting question of all, will my coworkers like me?…

Feeling isolated or forgotten by your loved ones is a terrible feeling, but it’s important to put things into perspective. First, consider why you feel isolated from your friends; then, think about expanding your social circle and also show compassion to the friends with a busy schedule. Once you’ve grounded…

Moving to a new, unfamiliar place can lead to your feeling lonely—but you can find back against these feelings and turn it into a positive experience. It’s important to get connected to your new home however you can: check out organizations and groups around you, or consider volunteering. Stay connected…