friendships
Asking for a Friend
My Ex-Friend Keeps Bad-Mouthing Me. What Do I Do?
Every time I think the drama’s over, someone new fills me in on what she’s said.
Life
This Is How Long It Takes for Your Social Battery to Run Out, a New Survey Shows
Plus, a few tricks to make it last longer.
Life
The Secret to Keeping a Friend Group Alive? Thank ‘the Mom’
Call it what you want, but they’re the reason your hangouts are happening.
Life
So You Got Ghosted. Here’s How to Get Over It
Whether it was a promising potential partner or a so-called friend who pulled a disappearing act.
Asking for a Friend
My Friend’s Botox and Filler Look Terrible. Can I Say Something?
Hearing other people say she looks “botched” breaks my heart.
Life
We’re In a Friendship Recession. Are ‘BFF’ Apps Really the Solution?
A fancy algorithm may not be able to solve what, at its core, is a human problem.
Life
3 Reasons Women Have Stronger Friendships Than Men, According to a Psychologist
If Sex and the City taught us anything, it’s that sometimes your soulmates aren’t romantic at all.
Life
Why Every 20-Something Needs a Friend in Their 40s
Let Venus Williams and Leylah Fernandez show you the way.
Asking for a Friend
My Friend Won’t Leave Her Cheating Partner—but Won’t Stop Complaining
Am I selfish for distancing myself until she finally ends things?
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.
Life
The ‘Contrarian Friend’ Is Real—and They’re Driving Everyone Crazy
When disagreeing with you becomes someone’s entire personality.
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.
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.
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.
Life
5 Signs You’re in a Codependent Friendship, According to Experts
Because not all “closeness” is healthy.
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.
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.
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.
Life
4 Signs of Love Bombing in Friendships You Should Never Ignore
Moving too fast isn’t just a romantic red flag.