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)
“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)
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
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
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
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?
We all have that one person in our lives. The one we can’t live without. The one who can be both our best friend and… Read More »The most important relationship you’ll ever have
Some days, there’s no name for it. But it’s there. Pressing on my chest. Throbbing behind my eyes. Filling my throat. It’s not sadness, exactly.… Read More »I don’t know what I feel, but it’s fucking loud
Want to keep breathing? I got you … read on (but, for the love of all that is holy, stop breathing so loud) Living with… Read More »The family’s survival guide to living with a midlife woman
Ever find yourself halfway through a mental grocery list, while also reminding someone to pack their sports uniform, planning dinner, and low-key wondering when you… Read More »The invisible load is real … and it’s damn exhausting
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
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)
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
I’ve had a lot of relationships in my life – family, friends, co-workers, the occasional romantic entanglement (pre-husband and child, of course). But none have… Read More »What dogs have taught me about unconditional love
There’s something freeing about reaching midlife. The expectations that once weighed us down start to feel … well … optional. Women, especially, spend decades trying… Read More »The midlife permission slip: Things you no longer owe anyone
Let’s get it out in the open first up: midlife truths are like that one friend who always tells it like it is – brutally… Read More »Honest midlife truths no one warned us about
Midlife is a magical time when your back starts to creak, your energy dips after 9 p.m., and your tolerance for unnecessary nonsense shrinks dramatically.… Read More »Midlife tolerance changes: why am I such a grump?
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
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