I hold a little fundraiser every day. It’s called going to work. — Stephen Colbert Most of us work. As an Employee Assistance Provider (EAP), I often do work-related confidential counseling. I find the number one concern expressed by clients is dealing with other people. It might be the passive-aggressive…

A friend is a person with whom I may be honest. Before him, I may think aloud. –Ralph Waldo Emerson To initiate a deeper conversation with a friend, find a quiet place and sit down. You cannot connect well while in constant motion, looking at devices, or in a noisy environment….

If you are uncertain about what to do in a questionable social relationship or friendship, use a checklist and ask yourself the following questions: Like – In this friendship, can I feel liked without feeling taken advantage ofRespect – In this friendship, is it important that I feel respected? What…

Sometimes you have to give up on people. Not because you don’t care, but because they don’t. — Jennifer Green If your friendship is draining you, or lacking more of the essentials than it is providing, it’s time to let it go. Depending on the level of closeness, the loss of…

I don’t force friendships or communication.  If its not mutual, I’ll let it go.  It’s that simple for me. –Rob Hill Sr. Current etiquette suggests about 24 to 48 hours for a response to texts. If you find yourself being ghosted and you value the friendship, you might reach out with: “Are we…

People change and forget to tell each other. –Lillian Hellman Do not confuse doing nothing with lack of caring about the friendship. It’s about keeping your self respect. When you stop initiating after three attempts, you are essentially doing nothing. You go on with life as if the friendship has…

Do Nothing? Communicate? Leave? When it is time to address issues in a friendship, your options come down to the same three potential solutions: do nothing, communicate or leave. Before you explore these options decide: Are you willing to fight for this friendship? Or could you let it go? While we…

Self reflection is a powerful tool. When assessing a friendship, ask yourself:Reciprocity – Am I good listener? Am I doing my part to nurture this relationship?Reliability – Can my friends count on me? Am I predictable? Can I be trusted?Respect – Do I treat my friends with the respect they…

 I have plenty of friends I don’t like. –Julian Fellows (Lady Violet of Downton Abbey) At this point decide if this a one, two or three circle friendship. If less than three, what is workable, what you are willing to put up with? Social media without a face-to-face or real time connection?…

If you feel drained after spending time with someone, that’s a red flag!  –Doreen Virtue If you are questioning a friendship – maybe it is new and you are uncertain, or a longer-term friendship that seems to be fading, use the flags. Ask yourself the same sort of questions as you did…