Have you ever found yourself agreeing to do something, only to regret it moments later? Maybe it’s taking on an extra project at work, volunteering for an event, or even saying yes to plans when all you really wanted was a quiet evening at home. It’s easy to fall into the habit of saying "yes" too o...

Dear Dr. Julie: Hi, I've been going through a hard time recently. My mom was diagnosed with a terminal illness and I'm feeling overwhelmed and depressed. To make things worse my best friend has completely abandoned me. I can't believe she did this and it's making things even harder because I don't k...

Do you pride yourself on being the “go-to” person for everyone around you? Do you bend over backward to keep others happy—even if it leaves you feeling drained or unappreciated?

While it’s natural to want to help others, people-pleasing habits can quietly damage one's mental, emotional, and even ph...

Have you ever had a conversation that left you feeling confused, guilty, or even questioning your own memory? Sometimes, people use certain behaviors to influence others in ways that might not be very honest or healthy. Recognizing these signs can help you protect your feelings, set boundaries, and ...

Have you ever walked away from a conversation with a sinking feeling, like something wasn’t right? Maybe you felt taken advantage of or manipulated but couldn't pinpoint why. This feeling can hit especially hard if you tend to give people the benefit of the doubt, trust easily, or avoid conflict. If...

I received the following question from a community member:

Dear Dr. Julie, I feel inadequate most of the time. I graduated from high school in 1965. I've worked a variety of jobs, including 13 years with the federal government across three different agencies, and retired in 2002. I don’t talk a lot...