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What Sad Surprise Might Set You Free?
My letter to an Ask Polly reader receives an unexpected response!
Feb 19
•
Heather Havrilesky
268
24
13
'My Ex Took All of Our Mutual Friends!'
If you never tell anyone how you feel, no one will respect your feelings.
Feb 16
•
Heather Havrilesky
39
5
1
How Do You Decide For Yourself?
When you're anxious, self-conscious, and afraid, how do you find your bearings and learn to trust yourself again?
Feb 10
•
Heather Havrilesky
61
14
7
'I'm Tired and Confused and Lonely!'
Quiet your punishing mind and let the fairy inside you explore and wander without fear.
Feb 2
•
Heather Havrilesky
77
7
10
January 2026
'I Cheated on My Fiancée Fifteen Years Ago. The Guilt Has Ruined My Life.'
A closer look at your emotional rebellion will uncover the honorable desire to be seen clearly and loved deeply at the core of your existence.
Jan 29
•
Heather Havrilesky
47
5
3
'My Open Marriage Is Killing Me!'
Two words: Get out.
Jan 28
•
Heather Havrilesky
71
38
4
'I Don't Know, Man.'
I can relate.
Jan 21
•
Heather Havrilesky
119
10
9
'Help! I Have No Friends At All!'
Making new friends is a slower process than many of us realize. Be patient, tolerate this trying moment, and keep putting yourself out there.
Jan 20
•
Heather Havrilesky
255
32
25
'I Can't Stop Comparing Myself to More Successful Writers!'
You need to stop seeing the world through the lens of your fears.
Jan 15
•
Heather Havrilesky
133
3
18
'I'm a Musician Who Can't Improvise!'
Your heart is seeking a revolution that's not logical, appropriate, or efficient.
Jan 12
•
Heather Havrilesky
40
20
3
'How Does It Heal?'
Teach your mind to stop parroting a rigid fable about how a woman should be.
Jan 5
•
Heather Havrilesky
53
7
5
Six Vibe Shifts For 2026!
This year, I'm determined to make some dramatic changes to how I live. What do you want to change?
Jan 2
•
Heather Havrilesky
408
93
42
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