All posts by Fran Dorf

Disclaimer: The advice in this column is Fran Dorf's personal thoughts. It is not to be construed as a professional opinion. Fran recommends seeking the advice of a trained professional for any serious matter. Fran Dorf writes the "Just Ask Me" column at the Daily Muse. Fran is a psychotherapist-clinical social worker and author of three acclaimed novels. Her essays, poetry, and articles have appeared in anthologies, national periodicals, and literary journals, and she's working on a memoir. Fran also writes a blog, The Bruised Muse. In her spare time, she reads everything, rants about politics, Zumba dances, skis, plays tennis, travels, and plays with her grandchild, Maya.

February 15, 2012, 2 Comments

Ever feel like your family just doesn’t get it? If so, read on! Our advice columnist helps out an ambitious reader whose mom thinks she should just get married and have babies.

Help! How Do I Find the Right Therapist for Me?

February 1, 2012, No comments

If you have a sore throat and need to see a doctor, it’s pretty easy to find one. But picking someone to share your innermost thoughts with (and making the decision to see her in the first place), is much more difficult. Our advice columnist weighs in on the process.

Help! I’m Stuck at a Job I Hate

January 18, 2012, 1 Comment

Feeling less-than-enthused about your first 9-to-5 gig, but biding your time until you get to the next step? If you feel like there’s no end in sight, check out our advice columnist’s wisdom on how to cope, and even make the best of it.

Help! I’m Too Competitive at Work

January 4, 2012, No comments

Ever feel distracted by a colleague’s success? Or find yourself paying more attention to what others are doing than to your own work? If so, read on! Our advice columnist shares how to start focusing your attention on what counts.

Help! My Friends are Facing Off on Facebook
December 21, 2011, No comments
Your friends are in the middle of a divorce—and they’re putting their (very personal) problems out for the Facebook world to see. Our advice columnist gives some practical tips to a reader facing this sticky (and all-too-common) social media issue.

Help! I’m the Breadwinner—and He’s Jealous
December 7, 2011, No comments
Of course we celebrate the fact that today, women can make as much as, or more than, men. But what do you do if your guy is feeling intimidated by your salary? Our advice columnist weighs in on this potentially tricky situation.

Help! I Can’t Stand my Family at the Holidays
November 23, 2011, 2 Comments
The holidays are meant to be enjoyed with your loved ones—but what if yours leave you embarrassed, disgusted, and stressed? Our advice columnist weighs in how to put up with the most trying of relatives.

Help! I Think a Friend has an Eating Disorder
November 9, 2011, 2 Comments
Eating disorders are a very serious and scary dilemma. What do you do if you suspect someone you care about is coping with one? No, you can’t control it for her (or him)—but you can be there, and be a positive influence.

Help! I’m Going Broke Being a Bridesmaid
October 26, 2011, 2 Comments
How does a bridesmaid handle her good friend when the exorbitant bills for the wedding start rolling in? Our advice columnist helps shed some light on this touchy dilemma.

Help! How Do I Help a Friend with Cancer?
October 12, 2011, 4 Comments
Unfortunately, some of us will face disease at a more tender age than is fair. How can you help a friend who has recently been diagnosed with cancer? Our advice columnist helps us understand the struggle and provides some guiding words.