For Halloween 2013, I went as a “complimentary muffin”. The idea was the costume mimicked a muffin and I was to give compliments to everyone. Halfway through the night, a friend told me that I was doing a terrible job – I hadn’t given anyone compliments.
Being Brave Challenge: Compliments Read More »
You’ve probably heard the saying, “built up walls around your heart.” That’s exactly what a heart wall is. It’s an emotional block you’ve put up to prevent being hurt from others.
What’s a Heart Wall? Read More »
When I was about 22 years old, I went to see “The Hangover” in the theaters with my good friend. I was laughing a lot in the beginning, until I realized my friend was sitting there frowning, making comments about how stupid the movie was.
I quickly wiped the smile off my face.
Being Brave Challenge: Smiling at Strangers Read More »
Is it possible to experience failure and triumph at the same time? Here’s a story about how it can be both, and the triumph of using your voice.
Failure and Triumph Read More »
In this story, you’ll hear about my friend “Jane” and her obstacles with health issues and loneliness. I’ll also share 3 things she did to build better connection with friends; these are tips you can use in your life as well.
3 Ways to Build Trust Read More »
As humans, we are hardwired for connection. We all want people that we can do life together with and feel supported when things get challenging.
61% of U.S. adults say having close friends is extremely or very important for people to live a fulfilling life, according to this article.
Surprising Health Benefits of Friendship Read More »
ou’ve probably realized that it is difficult to meet friends at random. So, if you really want to find the good ones, you need to get intentional. Take charge of your life and put yourself in places where these kinds of people might hang out. Check out the list below for inspiration.
8 Places to Meet Potential Friends Read More »
You may desire to have good friends in your life, but have you ever thought about what that really means? What does it look like to have a good, true friend?
7 Characteristics of a Good Friend Read More »
Let’s talk about how to identify if a friendship is right for you.
Sometimes the truth is scary, and you may think you don’t want to know if you are hanging out with the wrong friends. But what if I told you that…
….by holding on to friends that aren’t a good fit, these relationships can sometimes be detrimental to your confidence, mental health, and even keep you from finding true happiness?
Is this the right friend for you? Read More »
Have you ever hidden parts of yourself from your friends? Things like your hobbies, your interests, your opinions?
Being a Friendship Chameleon Read More »
Here’s a quick story about how an unlikely friends group developed out of a book club, and tips to find your own supportive community like this.
What comes to your mind when you think about book clubs?
Typically, I think of them as an okay way to meet people, but also pretty low-bar. Like, how can you really know someone well by reading a book with them?
Finding Joy in an Unlikely Friendship Read More »
As a kid, did you ever desire to have a treehouse?
I wanted one so badly growing up. I would daydream about climbing up the steps, entering my own little private space where I could see the world, but not have to be part of it.
Deep down, I think kids understand themselves way more than adults do. Children know that they need a place for themselves to find seclusion and recharge.
What is something that weighs on you? Have you found any solace in doing things different in the future?
Today I will tell you a story about the loss of a friend and how the guilt and regret from it became a pivotal learning lesson.
Learning from Regret Read More »
Have you ever been around someone who:
Seems really fun and cool
Is nice to others
Shares your interests and hobbies
…but despite all of this, you don’t enjoy being around them?
Looks Good on Paper Read More »
Make a good friend at work, leave job, lose friend.
There’s a simple explanation for why this happens, but we don’t always realize it in the moment. Sometimes this loss hurts a lot, but understanding why can help you move through and find new friends that will stand the test of time.
Why Don’t Work Friendships Last? Read More »
There are many reasons why people might become friends, but actually keeping a friend requires more than just proclaiming it. The qualities that I’ve come to recognize in long-lasting friendships are this Friendship Stickiness Checkist
What Makes a Friendship Stick? Read More »
Have you ever felt like it is more difficult to have regular conversations if you spend a lot of time alone?
Flexing your Social Muscle Read More »
This week, I attended a smaller group event. Despite having met/conversed with a few people in this group before, I still felt like an outsider. Conversations with most of them seemed difficult, and I felt like I was not welcome. I kept wondering if I smelled bad or if I had something in my teeth.
Feeling Unwelcome – Advice and Reflection Read More »