Author Archive: Irene
Author Irene S. Levine, PhD, is The Friendship Doctor, dispensing expert advice on The Friendship Blog.
The Trauma Queen Always Has A Calamity To Share
A group of women doesn’t know how to handle a “trauma queen” amongst them who consistently dominates conversations with her problems.
A Reader Asks: Is This Lifelong Friendship Toxic?
A discordant lifelong friendship extending over decades between two “third-age” friends falls apart and one woman wants out.
Getting Over A Friendship With A Next-Door Neighbor
A woman asks what to do after a friendship with a next-door neighbor goes sour and she has to come face-to-face with her all the time.
My Friend Is Avoiding Me: What Can I Do?
When a close friend is avoiding you, it’s hard not to take it personally but that may not be the case. Try to find out what might be causing her to withdraw.
Friendship Trends: 9 Ways The Pandemic Has Changed Our Friendships
The pandemic has changed our friendships. Here are 9 pandemic friendship trends culled from members of “The Friendship Blog Connection.”
How Do I Deal WIth A Pushy Person?
How do you deal with a pushy person? Two women met in a workshop but one wants more of a friendship than does the other.
When Exchanging Gifts Feels Awkward
During the pandemic, even exchanging gifts with friends can feel strange when everything else seems to be topsy-turvy.
Pandemic-Related Losses: How To Show A Friend You Care
A reader wonders how to respond to friends experiencing pandemic-related losses. QUESTION I have several friends right now who are going through VERY trying situations. In a few instances, I’ve sent people emails expressing my commiseration but I’m wondering what, if anything, to do next when I don’t hear back from them. Do you think […]
My Friend Has Mental Health Problems: How Can I Help Her?
When a friend has mental health problems it can be hard to know how to help, especially during the pandemic.
Friendship Divided By Politics
Divided by politics, a long-term friendship seems to be on the verge of falling apart. A woman asks whether she should cut it off for a while.
