“When we turn toward avoidance, we turn away from healthier connections,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, PhD, clinical psychologist and friendship expert.

“It’s often less about these kinds of grand overtures that we can make in our relationships and more about the small moments of letting a friend know that we’re thinking of them,” said Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

“We talk a lot about how challenging long-distance romantic relationships can be, and we don't do enough to normalize how difficult it can be to maintain a long-distance friendship, both practically and emotionally,” Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says.

“The past year and a half has really been a time of meaningful closeness for our friendships,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. “We're asking, ‘Who do we feel safe around? Who are we really wanting to connect with?’”

“When we feel lonely, but then we judge ourselves over that, it makes it even harder to put ourselves out there and to be vulnerable,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Everyone feels left out sometimes. It’s how you handle it that matters, according to experts like Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Ottawa-based clinical psychologist Dr. Miriam Kirmayer said the pandemic has highlighted unforeseen differences in people's perspectives and values.

A “toxic friendship” typically indicates that a function or expectation of the relationship has been challenged, says Dr Miriam Kirmayer. But can it be salvaged?

“We’re capable of working through this,” Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says. “It’s not a sign that anything’s inherently wrong with us or anything’s changed as far as who we are in our friendships.”

“Sometimes our friendships end because they no longer fit into our lives or routines,” said clinical psychologist and friendship expert Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Anxiety about friend-making isn’t so uncommon, according to clinical psychologist and friendship researcher Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, friendship expert, has noticed a reciprocal link between relationship issues and mental health struggles in her practice.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says there are plenty of practical ways someone can show up for a friend who is going through infertility treatments.

“So many of us have internalized this belief that we should just know the ins and outs of adult friendship, that we should have figured out how to maintain our friendships,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

“Reestablishing norms in our friendships will be challenging and confusing and uncomfortable and that is just the reality of what this is,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

“Not only do our friendships help us counteract some of the consequences of loneliness… feeling connected to our friends actually boosts our overall happiness and life satisfaction,” Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says.

According to clinical psychologist and friendship expert Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, it’s totally normal to feel a little anxious at the prospect of a first hangout, even if it’s with someone you already know well.

“We need to remind ourselves that actually, feeling connected with the people around us has benefits across the board,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says the pandemic has also forced people to re-evaluate what relationships they invest in and prioritize.

To help you talk to your friends on this tough issue, Dr. Miriam Kirmayer has some advice to offer.