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Authentic Connections, Boundaries, and Relationships

Are You a Priority or an Option? How to Tell the Difference. ask me anything effective communication self-worth toxic relationships Feb 09, 2025

Dear Dr. Julie: I caught feelings for a guy. I’m in America, and he’s in Africa. He says there’s no rush for a relationship. At first, I thought we were dating, but him saying that is confusing.

Now I’m at a point where I feel kinda foolish, like he had a change of heart and I was never his type fr...

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Understanding and Healing When Friends Hurt You ask me anything authenticity boundaries effective communication people pleasing self-improvement Jan 12, 2025

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...

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Secrets to Helping a Loved One Who Doesn't Want Help ama ask me anything effective communication relationships Nov 03, 2024

Dear Dr. Julie: Not sure if this is the right place for this question, but how do you help someone who doesn’t believe they need help? My adult daughter, who lives with me, has a mild intellectual disability, ADHD, and may have other genetic disorders we’re getting her tested for. I’ve done all I ca...

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How to Be Confident If You’re Quiet: Embracing Introversion as Your Superpower ask me anything authenticity effective communication healthy relationships Oct 13, 2024

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...

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What is Passive-Aggressive Behavior? effective communication emotional health people pleasing Aug 14, 2024

Passive-aggressive behavior is a way of expressing anger, resentment, or similar emotions without appearing outwardly angry or resentful. This communication style allows the person to express their feelings without risking direct conflict. Even if the receiver of the passive-aggressive statement get...

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Overcoming the Challenges of Setting Boundaries authenticity boundaries effective communication Jun 23, 2024

Setting boundaries is very important to maintaining healthy relationships and protecting your well-being. However, it can be particularly challenging in toxic relationships where the other person may react negatively or try to manipulate you into feeling guilty. Despite these difficulties, staying f...

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When you buy products or services through links on my site or in my emails, I may earn a small affiliate commission. However, I only recommend products that I would use for myself and those I care about.  All videos, articles, and statements made by me (Dr. Julie Shafer) and/or published by me anywhere online are for information and educational purposes only. Because everyone’s situation is different, please consult the appropriate professional before taking action based on information from this site or other publications by Dr. Julie Shafer. Reliance on information contained on my site, emails, or other platforms (e.g., FaceBook, YouTube, Medium, etc.) is solely at your own risk.