Christy Irvine, PhD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
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 (17)
How to Be Honest Without Hurting Someone's Feelings
Learn to express your opinion with kindness and confidence Mastering the art of honesty without hurting other people’s feelings helps you communicate and build stronger relationships with those around you. Consider th...
13 Easy Ways to Have the Most Fun with Friends Online
Best activities you can do remotely with your friends Whether your friends live a long way away or you’re just not able to hang out in person right now, it can be tricky to come up with fun things to do together. While...
How to
Cope With an Annoying Friend
You love your friend, but sometimes they are just a little difficult to take. Friendships are often complicated. You may need to talk to your friend or change how you deal with them. With honesty, effort, and communicati...
How to
Tell if Someone Is Your Friend
Friends make life more rich and satisfying, that’s for sure. But sometimes it can be hard to tell when you've crossed the line from "acquaintance" to "friend" with another person. Learn to recognize who's a friend in ...
How to
Be a Kind Person
Being a kind person isn't always easy. Sometimes it takes some real effort to be able to treat others with the kindness you would hope to receive, but through practice you can change your perception and start seeing kind...
How to
Be Taken Seriously
Are people blowing off what you are saying and not really taking you seriously? Maybe you joke around a bit too much or made a mistake that others won’t let you live down. No matter the reason, you need others’ resp...
How to
Use "I" Language
Using "I" language, also known as “I” statements, is a way to express your thoughts and feelings in an assertive, non-aggressive way. “I” statements tend to make people feel less defensive and more willing to lis...
How to
Find Good Friends
Good friends can bring happiness, health, fun, and relaxation into your life—but for many people, finding a great pal can feel a little challenging. Making friends is all about being open and accepting while using your...
How to
Deal With an Adult's Temper Tantrum
Most people associate “temper tantrums” with toddlers, who are often incapable of controlling or appropriately expressing their emotions. However, adults can have anger outbursts that have the same qualities as a tod...
How to
Always Be in a Good Mood
Frustration and disappointment are inevitable, but you don't have to let them ruin your mood. With a few behavioral changes, you can alter your experience of life. By focusing on being or doing good, you'll feel good. Ha...
How to Deal with Confusing People
People are complicated. It’s normal to feel confused by someone’s behavior or words from time to time. Luckily, clearing up your confusion is often as simple as just talking to the other person and asking what’s u...
How to Be More Compassionate to Yourself & Others
Even when you have the best interests of others at heart, showing compassion is not always easy. It’s a skill that takes time and effort to cultivate. One simple way to show your compassion for others is to listen and ...
Are Relationships Supposed to Be Hard?
You've probably heard that relationships take work, but what does that actually mean? Since all relationships go through their ups and downs, you might be wondering what's normal in a healthy relationship and what might...
How to
Help a Man Who Cannot Cry
Some men choose not to cry while others struggle to express their emotions effectively. If you want to help a man who struggles with crying, start by encouraging him to express his emotions openly. Be someone he can tal...
How to
Handle a Fair Weather Friendship
Fair weather friendships are so tough to navigate. You may be stuck feeling hurt and unsatisfied, constantly looking for ways to make the relationship feel better for you. You deserve to get just as much out of your frie...
How to
Make New Best Friends
Making a new best friend can be difficult if you're not accustomed to stepping out of your comfort zone. However, the first step is meeting new people and making casual friendships. As you find people you like, you can t...
How to
Have the Courage to Speak Up
Speaking up for yourself and others doesn’t come naturally. Most often, it has to be worked on and the skills must be refined over time. You may not necessarily feel comfortable using your voice, but it's one of your b...