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Authentic Connections, Boundaries, and Relationships

From Roommates to Lovers: How Play Rekindles Connection connection dating healthy relationships marriage play relationship advice Sep 26, 2025

Remember when you first met someone and you felt that spark? The two of you would find ways to spend time together, and it was FUN.

If you stayed in the relationship, however, the fun slowly faded. Even in a secure relationship, too much routine can make a long-term relationship feel boring, almost...

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Self-Reflection: The Skill That Changes Everything emotional maturity healthy relationships relationship advice relationship tips self-improvement self-reflection Sep 06, 2025

I confess...I'm a self-help junkie. Not something most psychologists are into, surprisingly, but here I am. I read my first self-help book in grade school. I had a hard time understanding it (I was about 11 🤣), but I wanted to learn more about how to talk to people because I was so shy. I could see ...

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Can You Rebuild a Friendship After Betrayal? ask me anything boundaries healthy relationships life lessons self-improvement Jan 19, 2025

Dear Dr. Julie: I haven't spoken to my best friend in a couple of years because before she was married she slept with my boyfriend. I haven't spoken to either of them since I found out. I miss my best friend and I want to be friends with her again but I can't forgive her for what she did. How do I f...

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Break Free From Toxic Relationships Cycles and Find Healthy Love ama ask me anything healthy relationships relationship advice relationship tips self-worth toxic relationships Nov 10, 2024

Dear Dr. Julie: Hi, I keep feeling like I’m not good enough because I’ve only been in toxic relationships—ones I knew would end, with guys who used me for emotional support. I want to feel like I’m enough, like I have it all together to be with someone who truly values me and lets me be chased. How ...

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The 7 Secrets to a Passionate, Long-Lasting Relationship with Corinne Farago healthy relationships relationship advice relationship tips Oct 30, 2024

Have you ever wondered how to navigate the complexities of long-term relationships? In my latest video, I had the pleasure of speaking with Corinne Farago, a relationship and intimacy coach and author of The Turned On Couple: Your Path to Lasting Love, Passion, and Pleasure. Our conversation offered...

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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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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.