RSS Amplifier

Blog

Ask Polly

Advice and wisdom from Heather Havrilesky, published since 2012 (formerly at The Awl and NY Magazine). Paid subscribers receive 1-2 weekly posts on how to navigate our broken world with compassion, realism, and an open heart.

ask-polly.comSource feed ↗21 posts

Live Last read · last published · next check

Written by

Latest posts

‘I’m Not Feeling Excited About The Rest of My Life!’

In order to reawaken your passionate, sensitive core self, you have to surrender to the friction, awkwardness, and vulnerability of navigating the real world in real time among real people.

'I Moved West But Now I Feel Lost. Was It All A Mistake?'

Every mistake is an experiment, every experiment includes learning and discovering more about what you love.

‘Most of My Friendships Were Toxic, But Now I’m So Lonely!’

Until you learn to assert healthy boundaries, you'll struggle with all your relationships.

'My Dad Died and I Don't Know Why I'm Not More Devastated!'

Grief is a long, unpredictable road.

'I'm Failing at My Job and I Feel Powerless to Change It!'

Listen to what your body is trying to tell you.

Put Your Phone Away.

Are you honoring your humanity?

'Why Am I Always the Girl Before the Girlfriend?'

Stop repeating this myth and show some respect for your brilliant, savage, ravenous spirit.

'My Boyfriend's Friend's Wife Is Angry That I Won't Babysit For Her!'

Oh my sweet Jesus.

'I Moved Back Home and Now I'm Single and Depressed!'

Sadness attunes you to your values and desires.

'Are Most People Liars and Fakes?'

Curiosity is the cure to confusion.

What’s Your Top Priority?

Keep it simple.

'I'm a Miserable Fuck-up!'

You're not lazy. You're on strike.

'Celebrity Hurts Everyone, Not Just Celebrities'

An interview with "Famesick" author and "Girls" creator Lena Dunham

Attuning to Social Cues Can Be Empowering!

How observation, patience, and even *negative* feedback can boost your confidence and soothe your soul.

'I'm Hungry but Life Is Giving Me Crumbs!'

Honor your passion without shame and you'll feel much more satisfied.

'I Got Dumped And Now I'm Depressed!'

Stay open and watch as your fears reshape themselves into brand new desires.

'I'm Exhausted But I'm Afraid to Take a Less Stressful, Lower-Paying Job!'

Before you rush forward, take stock of where you are and where you've been.

Mental Health *Is* Physical Health

When you pay attention to what your body needs, you send yourself the message that you are precious and deserve to be cherished. Many of us love that idea but we still don't live it.

'I Hate All Photos of Myself And I Can't Seem to Get Over It!'

It's time to switch things up. SWITCH IT THE FUCK UP, ISLANDERS!

'How Can I Justify Working Part-Time to My Daughter?'

Nothing makes you a better feminist than showing her how to pursue joy.

The Value of Regret

When you dare to examine your past mistakes through a vulnerable lens, you clarify your priorities and attune yourself to your deeper values.