Getting good feedback but no promotion is actually worse than getting honest criticism, because at least then you'd know what to fix. Right now you're getting mixed signals.

Those responses are classic ways to avoid having a real conversation about your career. The key is shifting from "why haven't I been promoted?" to "what specific steps do I need to take to get promoted?" You could ask your manager something like...

When couples have these "roommate" dynamics, there's usually something deeper going on.She might be overwhelmed, disconnected, or honestly... checked out.

The defensiveness when you bring it up tells me she's protecting herself from something. The real question isn't how to get more time together - it's whether she actually wants to reconnect or if there's something she's not telling you. I think you need to...

When kids become messengers between parents, it puts them in an impossible position. They shouldn't have to manage adult conflicts or worry about choosing sides.

The path forward isn't about fixing your ex - it's about becoming completely predictable and stable for your children, no matter what chaos your ex creates. This means switching to...

Those moments when she mentions other guys or calls you her "best friend" - that's probably her unconsciously setting boundaries because she senses something but doesn't want to address it directly.

The friendship you're trying so hard to protect isn't really there anymore. You're already not "just friends" on your side and watching her with someone else while pretending to be happy? That's not sustainable. You're just the only one carrying that weight. I think you need to...

That chest tightness is your nervous system going into overdrive. You're dealing with both the physical panic response and probably watching everyone else seem so natural while you're stuck feeling like an outsider.

Most people try to push through the anxiety or force themselves to be more social, but that usually backfires because you're fighting your nervous system. What's worked is starting way smaller than you think you need to. Like...