Donna Novak, Psy.D
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 (36)
How to
Comfort a Girl on Her Period over Text
If you're texting a person who is on their period, you likely really want to make them feel better. It can be hard to know what to say sometimes, though, especially over text. Thankfully, there are many things you can sa...
How to
Overcome Lust
It’s completely normal to experience lust, or sexual desire. Your feelings might be focused on a particular person, or you might be drawn to activities like masturbating or watching pornography. But sometimes, these de...
18 Ways to Increase Physical Intimacy in a Relationship
Build physical intimacy with your partner and reignite your relationshipWhen you think about physical intimacy, your mind probably goes to sex—but physical intimacy is about so much more than that. It's about feeling p...
How to Diss Someone: 20+ Funniest, Best Disses
If you're being consistently dissed by someone and want to come back quickly, a little planning can go a long way. Figure out their weak spots, stay cool, and come back confidently to make sure you'll never be dissed aga...
Is Your Guy Stressed Out? Here Are the Best Ways to Help
Supportive things to do and say when your partner is tense and distant It can be hard to watch a man you care about feel stressed, but luckily, there are tons of things you can do to help him calm down. In this article, ...
How to Deal with Feeling Stupid and Improve Your Self-Esteem
You can be your own worst critic. Maybe you said the wrong thing to someone, you made a mistake at work, or you feel like everyone's smarter than you at school. This doesn't mean you're stupid—everyone feels this way a...
How to
Comfort a Man
If a man in your life is having a tough time, it can be hard to know how to comfort him without being overbearing. No matter what he’s feeling, respecting his boundaries and listening when he talks are great ways to ge...
12 Simple Ways to Stop Caring So Much
Learn how to let life’s negativities just roll off your backIt might be hard to believe, but learning to not care can sometimes be the best thing for your health and happiness. When someone hurts you or judges you, or ...
Expert-Backed Ways to Deal with Loneliness as a Single Person
Overcome your loneliness and attract new possibilities Are you tired of going out solo or feeling left out with all of your friends pairing up? If you're single and feeling lonely, you're not alone—it's totally natural...
How to
Talk to Strangers
You’ve probably been told not to talk to strangers, but it can be really rewarding to socialize with people you don’t know. While it may seem a little tough figuring out what to say, there are a lot of things you can...
How to
Overcome Social Anxiety
You want to meet people, make friends, and share yourself with the world, but social interactions can be especially intimidating for people who struggle with social anxiety. While many people feel nervous before a presen...
How to
Avoid Blushing
Your guide to the easiest and most effective ways to quell your blushing It might seem like there's no escaping that embarrassing flush of the cheeks every time you look at your crush, hear an off-color joke, or make a m...
How to
Make Friends in a New Country
Moving to a new country—or even spending a year abroad—is a thrilling experience, but it also has challenges. Once you're past the whirlwind phase of seeing new sights and exploring your new life, it's time to put do...
How to
Comfort Your Girlfriend
When you see someone you care about in distress, it's easy to feel helpless. This is particularly true in a romantic relationship, where emotions tend to get exaggerated. There are many reasons a girlfriend may need comf...
How to
Take Action if a Guy Calls You Ugly
Unfortunately, if you are a girl, sometimes guys may call you ugly. Nobody likes to be made fun of, right? Chances are, if you lack self esteem, after he says you're ugly, you find yourself wondering if he's right and be...
How to Deal with Moving Away from Family
Whether you moved for work, school, or just to explore a new area, moving away from your family can be really hard. Experiencing homesickness after moving away from your family is totally normal, and it might happen all ...
How to
Ignore Insults
When you are insulted by someone, you might feel embarrassed, hurt, or frustrated. Whether this person is your boss or a parent, the insults can really be damaging. Accepting their mean comment or responding aggressive...
How to
Be a Recluse
There are many benefits to solitude. Spending time alone allows you to unwind and reboot your brain. Time alone to think can allow you to more effectively think through your problems, finding solutions you may have previ...
How to Recognize and Deal with Relationship Anxiety
Figuring out whether or not you’re overthinking your relationship Everyone has concerns and anxieties about their relationship at some point. But when you can’t seem to shake those concerns, you might start to wonder...
How to
Start a Conversation with a Stranger
Talking to a stranger can be nerve-wracking, but it can also be fun to get to know somebody you don’t know. If you’re ready to make some new friends or just talk to people around you, start by choosing a good convers...
