“It’s easy to assume that setting boundaries will come at the expense of our relationships, when often it is the very thing that allows us to continue to show up as a present, supportive friend,” Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says.

One of the essential elements surrounding this question is what self-care is at its core and what purpose it serves. According to Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, it’s ultimately about self-reflection.

The demands of everyday life are among the reasons that it’s hard to make new friends. But experts like Dr. Miriam Kirmayer say that traveling can stoke new connections.

You are allowed to say no, even to the wedding itself. Experts like Dr. Miriam Kirmayer provide tips to help you approach the situation with consideration, grace, and a plan.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a therapist and friendship expert in Montreal, says some of her clients in their 20s have had luck on friend apps.

Relationships with colleagues have always played a role in workplace satisfaction, but experts like Dr. Miriam Kirmayer say it’s possible these office relationships are more critical today than they once were.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer can attest to the power of real-life friendships in making someone feel socially connected. Real-life friendships allow people to “feel seen and appreciated and chosen for who you actually are,” she says.

Online peer-to-peer support groups can be an amazing place to find community. “The benefits of this are, obviously, hearing that other people are going through a similar struggle,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

"Befriending somebody who’s younger and helping them walk through a life stage or experience that you have already gone through can foster closeness and that can feel really good," says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Researchers and experts like Dr. Miriam Kirmayer are saying the 20s, typically a time of important first experiences, are prime years for meeting your closest lifelong confidantes.

At the end of the day, if you often feel uncomfortable and unsupported around them, that’s a big sign that you’ve got yourself a frenemy. Still, there's a lot that you can do to shift the dynamic, says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

“Sometimes a cancellation comes from a place of burnout,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer. “Maintaining our friendships and investing in our relationships does require a significant amount of energy.”

Most of us haven’t been taught that breaking up with a friend is worthy of sympathy, it leaves a lot of ambiguity around how we should feel when one is ending, says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

"Many people want to feel that their friendships are close and exciting. Excessive spending is often used to fill a void that has to do with feeling disconnected or lonely," says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Because the whole "making friend with moms" thing doesn't feel intuitive, Dr. Miriam Kirmayer weighs in with some helpful tips.

"We tend to think of women's friendships as being much more intimate than men's, and there are certainly some meaningful differences," Dr. Miriam Kirmayer told Snapchat.

“Women — especially women of colour — who feel more socially connected with one another tend to feel more comfortable asserting themselves,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Not every friend needs to be your BFF. Dr. Miriam Kirmayer helps explain why weaker ties can help offer strong rewards.

“Sometimes meeting people with whom you hit it off is a matter of chance… Recognize and reward any steps you take to approach someone new,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Many couples are forgoing religious norms and traditional vows for wedding ceremonies they feel are more individualized, more intimate, and maybe even more fun. Dr. Miriam Kirmayer weighs in.