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Communication and language

Photo of two smiling women in a pool wearing floral swim caps and sunglasses using pink flamingo inflatables, with bunting flags in the background.

Friendship

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How to make friends as an adult

Friendships give us so much. Be bold, take the initiative, and you’ll be surprised how many people are pleased to connect

by Marisa G Franco

Vintage poster by Roger Broders depicting Antibes beach with swimmers, umbrellas, and two women in the foreground.

Learning and education

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How to learn a language (and stick at it)

Forget about fluency and how languages are taught at school: as an adult learner you can take a whole new approach

by John Gallagher

Two women talking in front of a poster depicting men reading newspapers, with a construction worker nearby.

Communication and language

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How to have more meaningful conversations

Be brave enough to share, kind enough to listen, and you can escape the shallows of small talk to dive deep with another

by Lucy Foulkes

Woman with glasses and red beanie sits in café, contemplating with hand on chin, a cappuccino and phone on the table. Background is softly blurred.

Emotion regulation

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How to take things less personally

Always blaming yourself or assuming others think ill of you? A CBT therapist shares ways to break these self-critical habits

by Joel Minden

Abstract painting with bold colours depicting a man in a striped robe holding a paintbrush and palette, next to a woman person in light clothing.

Conflict and conflict resolution

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How to have a difficult conversation

Avoidance will only foster more conflict. Aim for a shared understanding with these techniques from an expert mediator

by Adar Cohen

Marble bust of a man with short hair and a stern expression, showing signs of age and wear, set against a dark gradient background.

Communication and language

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How to speak in public

Public speaking can feel like an ordeal, but take a lesson from the ancients: it’s a skill you can develop like any other

by John Bowe

A crowded Tube carriage with passengers standing and sitting, some holding onto blue handrails, others using their phones.

Communication and language

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How to ask for help

You’re not weak or lazy – everyone needs support. Follow these steps to learn when to reach out, who to go to and what to say

by Debbie Sorensen

Man in white shirt leaning out, speaking into a large megaphone overlooking a sea filled with distant ships and smoke on the horizon.

Communication and language

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How to find your voice

Do you sometimes feel silenced or afraid to speak up? Learn to use your natural voice and be heard for who you really are

by Sophie Scott

Ancient elongated humanoid statue with a minimalist design and folded arms, carved from a reddish stone, against a grey background.

Communication and language

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How to say no

It’s a little word, but if you’re a chronic people pleaser it can be so tricky to say it. These tips and tricks will help

by Shayla Love

Close-up of two people lying together, one person gently touching the other’s forehead.

Sex and sexuality

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How to talk about sexual desires

It’s not always easy to open up about sex. But letting a partner in on your wants and fantasies can strengthen your bond

by Sarah Hunter Murray

Painting of a man in a brown hat and coat, leaning on a table with a bottle and fruit, hand resting on his chin in contemplative pose.

Addiction

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How to talk about someone’s substance use

Worried about someone’s drinking or drug use, but not sure what to say? There’s a counselling approach that can help

by K Michelle Peavy

Back view of a man holding a child at an outdoor evening gathering with string lights in the background.

Stigma and taboo

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How to talk about your mental illness

Careful disclosure can be highly rewarding. Use tips from the Honest, Open, Proud programme to share your story

by Carla Kundert & Patrick W Corrigan