When it comes to letting go of a friend, we hesitate—not knowing how to break the news. But this further prolongs the discomfort, explains Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a therapist and friendship expert, says connecting with people at work can also impact our mood, stress levels, and risks of burning out.

"As anyone who has ever struggled with anxiety will tell you, it’s not comfortable," says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. "That’s why having an arsenal of coping strategies or small 'hacks' can help.”

Instead of skipping the “sorry”, you need to actually say the words to convey that you're sorry, say Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

"When we talk about toxic friendships, we are typically referring to a more stable pattern or way of relating, as opposed to a one-time thing or more transient conflict," says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

"If a friend repeatedly expects us to be there for them but doesn't give us anything substantial in return, it’s a sign the friendship is unhealthy and might need to be re-evaluated," says researcher Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

“A sense of belonging and togetherness is a fundamental human need that we have,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. So when you’re thinking about what you want more of in 2024, don’t forget about connection.

Here, Dr. Miriam Kirmayer shares how to build deeper bonds in your current relationships and start brand new ones that bring meaning, support, and a whole lot of value to your life.

“Putting yourself out there and being vulnerable to make new friends can be especially tough for new moms,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

It’s easy to shake off someone’s self-critical comment and move the conversation to lighter things. But if you never dig deeper, you won’t get to the root of those comments or help your bud feel understood, says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Maybe you were working on a project that ended or there was a major company restructuring — all things that can trigger layoffs, says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

If you feel like the good-time friend, that’s not always a bad thing, but see if you have any other connections that allow you to be vulnerable and feel more balanced, Dr. Miriam Kirmayer suggests.