Stefanie Barthmare, M.Ed., LPC
Psychotherapist
wikiHow's Editorial Process wikiHow partners with over 1000+ experts from a wide range of fields to ensure our content is accurate and based on well-established research and testimony. Content Managers conduct interviews and work closely with each expert to review information, answer reader questions, and add credible advice. Learn more about our editorial process and why millions of readers trust wikiHow.
Co-authored Articles (12)
How to
Detach from Someone
The process of detaching from someone can seem overwhelming, but you can do it either in part or whole by starting to care less about what they think. You can detach from them temporarily or break up with them (or break ...
How to Gradually Drift Away from a Friend
Backing away when a friendship isn't working Some friendships or relationships are meant to last forever, but others are meant to last only a while. Often, a big, explosive breakup isn’t necessary, and a slower driftin...
"Why Is My Boyfriend So Mean to Me?" How to Handle an Angry Partner
Learn how to live with (or move on from) a mean bfIt can be incredibly painful or draining when your boyfriend is mean when he’s angry. However, it’s important to remember that his emotions are not your fault. If thi...
How to
Speak Your Mind
It’s not always easy to tell people how you feel. If you’re shy or prefer to avoid confrontation, you might let an opportunity to share your views or stand up for what you believe in pass you by. Although it can be i...
How to Stay in Silence for 24 Hours
You’d be surprised how easy it is to take a temporary vow of silence. The hard part is just getting started! No matter your reason, staying silent for an entire day can be both beneficial and enlightening. You may find...
How to
Develop Listening Skills
Communication isn't just about talking with others and sharing stories, ideas, goals, and desires. Effective communication often involves listening skills that develop your ability to really absorb what others say, and l...
How to
Stop Being Bossy
Do people often describe you as overbearing? Does no one want to be your partner in work or school projects because you tend to dominate everything? If you want to stop being bossy, then you have to learn to give up some...
How to Deal with Passive Aggressive People
Learn to handle and respond to passive-aggressiveness Passive aggression is an indirect expression of anger; a passive-aggressive person might try to upset or hurt you, but not in an obvious way. People act passive-aggre...
How to
Stop Thinking You Deserve Nothing
Sometimes feelings of low self-esteem can turn into the feeling that you don’t deserve anything good. It’s important to manage these thoughts and try to change them as soon as you notice them. If the feeling that yo...
How to
Improve Your Social Life
You don't have to hook up a lot or go out clubbing every night to make friends, but you do need to make an effort in order to improve your social life. A little patience and a willingness to put yourself out there, howev...
How to
Ignore Pain and Feelings
Pain and negative feelings exist for a reason—they tell your brain that something is wrong and needs to be fixed. While experiencing those feelings is healthy (and inevitable), sometimes you need to ignore them so you ...
How to
Get out of a Bad Relationship
Bad relationships can appear to have no viable exit, but you always have a choice. Plan ahead and rely on family and friends to help you through the process. Remember that ending the relationship will free you to find a ...