Tag: critical
A grown woman feels guilty she can’t be her mom’s best friend
Sometimes we have to come to terms with an imperfect mother and set boundaries to maintain a reasonable relationship. QUESTION Hi Irene, My mom and I have had a very complicated relationship. Even before my parents had an awful divorce 14 years ago (and they still can’t attend any events together), we butted heads. […]
Working with friends: A double-edged sword
Working with friends can be complicated but if you have a problem with a work colleague, try to stay calm and make the best of your job.
A teen asks: Why are friendships so fleeting?
The teen years are a time when young people are finding out who they are and figuring out whom to befriend–making friendships somewhat fleeting.
Can a friend who is ‘green with envy’ really be a friend?
QUESTION Dear Irene: I am in my mid-thirties and have always made and had easy friendships. People really like me and I like them and being liked. All would be well except that I harbor a very strong and miserable envious streak. I cannot bear to see my friends be happy in their romantic […]
A ‘best friend’ who is always critical
QUESTION Dear Irene, I am 24 and my best friend is the same age as well. We used to enjoy hanging out together but she acts like she doesn’t enjoy being around me anymore. She always says things like, "Why do you do this or that?" and "Grow up" or “Why did you….” I haven’t […]
Reader Q & A: Emotionally drained newlywed
QUESTION: Hi Irene, I’m in a really tight spot and would appreciate ANY advice you could provide. I have had two friends, A and B, since elementary school, but we went our separate ways after high school. A went to college, B partied and worked various jobs, and I went on to complete undergraduate and […]
Reader Q & A: What to do about a judgmental friend?
QUESTION: Dear Irene, My friend and I have known each other since college, and we were roommates throughout. We were very, very close when we were younger, but as we got older and moved to different places our friendship became more distant, though we remained good friends. I’ve moved to her town for graduate school, […]
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