friendships
Asking for a Friend
My Friend Always Gets Free Stuff by Complaining to Managers—and It Gives Me the ‘Ick’
I feel bad for the servers…and even worse about our relationship.
By Miriam Kirmayer, PhD
Life
The ‘Contrarian Friend’ Is Real—and They’re Driving Everyone Crazy
When disagreeing with you becomes someone’s entire personality.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
5 Subtle Signs It’s Time to Break Up With a Friend, According to Experts
Here’s how to know when a “bestie” feels more like a burden than a blessing.
By Jenna Ryu
Asking for a Friend
My Best Friend Keeps Ditching Me for Guys. Should I Call Her Out?
When she’s single, I’m her person. When she’s not? It’s like I don’t exist.
By Miriam Kirmayer, PhD
Asking for a Friend
My Friend Cut Me Off. How Can I Get Them to Forgive Me?
I ruined a great friendship over jealousy…and I’ve regretted it ever since.
By Miriam Kirmayer, PhD
Life
5 Signs You’re in a Codependent Friendship, According to Experts
Because not all “closeness” is healthy.
By Jenna Ryu
Column
Need Friendship Advice? Welcome to SELF’s Asking for a Friend
Therapist Miriam Kirmayer is here to help you make sense of your messiest, most complicated friendship moments.
By Jenna Ryu
Entertainment
How to Survive Friend Group Drama—Without Picking Sides
This season of ‘The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ is a textbook example of how *not* to handle beef. Here’s what to do instead.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
6 Ways to Feel Better After Being Ghosted
Whether it was a promising potential partner or a so-called friend who pulled a disappearing act.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
5 Signs Your ‘Friend’ Is Secretly Competing With You
Watch out for someone who’s always turning the spotlight away from you…and back on themselves.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
4 Signs of Love Bombing in Friendships You Should Never Ignore
Moving too fast isn’t just a romantic red flag.
By Jenna Ryu
Entertainment
Can a Trio Friendship Ever Actually Work?
They make for some of the messiest dynamics according to social media—and on “The White Lotus” too.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
10 Tips for Navigating Friendship After a Baby
Whether you’re a new parent or supporting one, these simple moves can help you stay close.
By Carolyn L. Todd
Life
6 Things That Will Make Your Long-Distance Friendship Even Stronger
These small, intentional acts can make all the difference.
By Jenna Ryu
Relationships
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Deciding to Stay Just Friends With Your Ex
It’s not easy to go from romantic to platonic—but these prompts can help you figure out if it’s even possible.
By Jenna Ryu
Life
5 Signs You’ve Outgrown a Friendship
Your relationship has probably changed over the years, but has it truly run its course?
By Jenna Ryu
Gift Guides
39 Great Gifts for Your BFF
Find the perfect present for your number one.
By Malia Griggs and Kristin Canning
Life
How to Make Friends With Other Couples
You might have to look outside your social circle to find The Ones.
By Julia Ries
Life
5 Little Ways to Practice Setting Boundaries If You’re a Recovering People Pleaser
Standing up for yourself doesn’t have to be dramatic or confrontational.
By Jenna Ryu
Hater aid
How to Be a Little Less Judgy
You’re not a bad person if you have a lot of critical thoughts—but it’s still worth trying to keep your inner Regina George in check.
By Anna Borges