friendship
Life
5 Signs That You’re in a One-Sided Friendship
Watch out for someone who’s “too busy” for you but somehow fits in lots of hangs with everyone else.
By Jenna Ryu
The gifts of gab
Why Yapping With Your Friends Is So Good For Your Mental Health
You don’t have to go deep to feel connected.
By Anna Borges
Life
How to Deal With a Friend Who Complains Constantly
You’re not a bad person for wanting a break from the negativity.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
What to Do If Your People-Focused Job Completely Drains Your Social Battery
These little strategies can help you preserve some energy for your loved ones—and yourself.
By Jessica A. Gold, MD
Life
How to Actually Maintain Close Friendships in Your 30s
Because jobs, kids, and living in different cities can make it really, really hard.
By Julia Ries
Frenemy lines
3 Things to Say When a ‘Friend’ Puts You Down
If their snide little comments make you feel shitty, it’s okay to stand up for yourself.
By Jenna Ryu
Bestie behavior
16 People Who Actually Made New Friends in Adulthood Share How They Did It
If you feel like it’s too late—or too hard—let these meet-cutes be your inspiration.
By Anna Borges
Mental Health
5 Little Ways to Show Up for a Friend Who’s Depressed
You don’t have to act as their therapist to make a meaningful difference.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
How to Be a Genuinely Good Listener
Just because you can technically hear someone, doesn’t mean they feel heard.
By Anna Borges
Life
What You Should—And Shouldn’t—Say to a Friend Going Through a Major Illness
It’s perfectly okay (encouraged, even!) to admit you’re at a total loss for words.
By Jenna Ryu
Words of diss-couragement
The One Thing You Should Never Say to a Friend Going Through a Breakup
It’s a well-meaning comment, but it can make your heartbroken buddy feel worse.
By Jenna Ryu
Business etiquette
What Are the Rules for Talking About Your Sex Life With Friends?
Sharing dirty details can be fun (and healthy!) but it’s important to respect everyone’s boundaries.
By Carina Hsieh
Life
5 Little Ways to Be a Better Friend When You’re So, So Tired
Maybe your plans just need to be more low-key.
By Jenna Ryu
Mental health
6 Helpful Tips for Anyone Who’s Feeling Super Lonely Right Now
Simply acknowledging that you’re having a hard time is a great place to start.
By Jenna Ryu
Health
5 Ways Strong Friendships Can Benefit Your Health as You Get Older
Finding your people can set you up for a longer, happier life.
By Lauren Mazzo
Last-ditch efforts
3 Things to Do If Your Friend Is Always Bailing on Plans
Criticizing them will probably make the issue worse.
By Jay Deitcher
Budding rivalry
How to Be Happy for Your Friend, Even When You’re a Little Jealous
Just because someone is winning in life, that doesn’t mean you’re losing.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
How to Grieve and Eventually Move On After a Friend Dumps You
Confusion, anger, and sadness are totally normal when you’ve lost your person.
By Jenna Ryu
Real talk
How to Vent to Your Friends Without Bringing Them Down
Gentle reminder that your BFF is not your therapist.
By Jenna Ryu
Pardon you
How to Actually Forgive Yourself
No matter what you did, you can move past it.
By Patia Braithwaite and Samantha Vincenty