Why I say I’m fine (when I’m really not)
“Hey Em, how are you doing today?” they asked. Without hesitation, I replied: “I’m fine thanks, how are you?” I can’t be sure — because… Read More »Why I say I’m fine (when I’m really not)
Relationships and connection
Everything about the weird, tender world of midlife relationships: friendships drifting apart, changing relationships with children and partners, making new friends, loneliness and boundaries. Why relationships feel different now and what to do next.
The difference between being liked and being known
You can be surrounded by people who genuinely like you, and still feel completely invisible. Not in a dramatic, no-one-loves-me way. More like … you’re… Read More »The difference between being liked and being known
The types of midlife friendships and why you need them all
Your childhood best friend. Your mum friends. Your work crew. The new ones — the ones you’ve somehow managed to collect in the last few… Read More »The types of midlife friendships and why you need them all
Making new friends in midlife: why it’s worth it
Nobody warns you that one of the stranger losses of midlife is the slow fade of social ease. You used to just … make friends.… Read More »Making new friends in midlife: why it’s worth it
The politics of the midlife group chat
If your midlife group chat gives you more anxiety than connection, you’re not imagining it — and you’re definitely not alone. You open the group… Read More »The politics of the midlife group chat
Why friendships change in midlife (and why that’s normal)
Often friendships change in midlife because your identity, energy, values, and emotional capacity all shift, and your relationships naturally reorganise around the person you’re becoming.… Read More »Why friendships change in midlife (and why that’s normal)
When you’re changing and outgrowing friendships
Sometimes, friendships don’t fall apart. They don’t end in dramatic arguments or drift off quietly or explode into silence. They just start to feel …… Read More »When you’re changing and outgrowing friendships
The subtle habit of shrinking yourself for others
At forty-six, I thought I’d be done with this. Done smoothing things over. Done editing myself for the comfort of people I barely care about.… Read More »The subtle habit of shrinking yourself for others
A poodle, a coffee and a tiny shift in the universe
Some weeks feel like someone turned the volume up on life and lost the remote. Work, travel, obligations, sensory overload … the whole shebang. So… Read More »A poodle, a coffee and a tiny shift in the universe
Are we showing up for friends, or just texting?
Hey you, I was thinking about you today … or maybe I was just thinking about us. The way we used to be. Remember when… Read More »Are we showing up for friends, or just texting?
Friendships in your 40s: What changes & what stays the same
Welcome to the friendship plot twist “Friendships in your 40s are like your favourite pair of jeans – fewer in number, more comfortable, and way… Read More »Friendships in your 40s: What changes & what stays the same
When people don’t like you (and you kinda hate that)
There are, believe it or not, times when people don’t like you – and yes, I’ve discovered it happens to me too. “What?” I hear… Read More »When people don’t like you (and you kinda hate that)
Social media and loneliness: connected, but alone
We live in the most connected era in history. At any given moment, we can check in on friends, message family, or scroll through endless… Read More »Social media and loneliness: connected, but alone
Midlife friendships: the unspoken rules
Midlife friendships are a unique blend of comfort, chaos, and deep connection. These relationships evolve alongside us, reflecting the realities of busy schedules, changing priorities,… Read More »Midlife friendships: the unspoken rules
Toxic relationships: how to spot them and move on
Important note: This post addresses toxic relationships in a general sense and is not intended to cover situations involving family violence, abuse, or coercive control.… Read More »Toxic relationships: how to spot them and move on