How can I make space for my emotions and feel safe letting myself feel them? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 22, 2009 - 16 answers

Certain songs bring out memories for me and that's normal. But sometimes, I hear a song that I listened to during a particularly bad time in my life and I'm afraid that I will re-live that time, or even more stupidly, that I will re-experience it. How do I stop doing this to myself? There's some great music out there that I'm withholding myself from. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Nov 12, 2009 - 12 answers

I'm looking for blogs about psychology, storytelling, emotions, why people do the things they do, the human condition, or just good blogs with people's stories. [more inside]
posted by salvia on Oct 2, 2009 - 7 answers

My mom sent me an email today acknowledging for the very first time (that I am aware of) that she experiences symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder. I would like to write the best response that I can to her, with some links or information about possible next steps. I don't want to screw this up, please help me help her! [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Aug 30, 2009 - 8 answers

What's the name of my somewhat useless, but neat, ability to recognize people from their pictures as kids? [more inside]
posted by bunny hugger on Aug 1, 2009 - 5 answers

Did you marry someone you felt "ok" about at first? How did it work out? [more inside]
posted by abdulf on Jul 20, 2009 - 30 answers

Will my inappropriate crush know? How do I keep it hidden? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jun 8, 2009 - 42 answers

I need to get this off my chest. At the moment my emotional state is all out of whack. To the point that it is beginning to adversely affect my daily life. I cannot think as clearly as I used to since my mind is drifting. I keep experiencing daydream-like flashbacks of certain points in my childhood, all dealing with people I wish I was still around with. It's not like I completely stop whatever I'm doing and think about these things, but they are always in the back of my mind, like a subconscious memory that is stuck. Basically, I think memories of this one girl I knew way back when are bringing this on. Should I get in touch with her, despite the fact I now live thousands of miles away? [more inside]
posted by dadaluma on May 9, 2009 - 26 answers

Why don't I feel excited or satisfied about anything and how can I change it? [more inside]
posted by gadha on Apr 30, 2009 - 6 answers

Is there any academic research showing that men can have sex without emotion, i.e. just a "hook up"? Why would this be? [more inside]
posted by monkey85 on Apr 27, 2009 - 25 answers

Can someone who seems embittered by their experiences with the world in general, and with people, institutions, religion and relationships in particular, improve their view with a change in circumstances? Or, is how they handle the feelings from those experiences more about character, with a change in location or fortunes not having much long-term emotional effect? [more inside]
posted by CollectiveMind on Mar 23, 2009 - 18 answers

Do you feel feelings? [more inside]
posted by Neonshock on Mar 4, 2009 - 34 answers

How can I keep from crying or otherwise over-emoting on Tuesday at my son's fourth grade Inauguration celebration open house pot-luck? [more inside]
posted by emhutchinson on Jan 18, 2009 - 19 answers

Does anyone know of any Europe based composers who are concerned with the relation between music and emotions, and who would also be good conference speakers? [more inside]
posted by leibniz on Jan 14, 2009 - 1 answer

How do I keep my head straight about a girl, while being the rebound, even though I am really interested in her? Very confused. [more inside]
posted by weh546 on Jan 14, 2009 - 14 answers

Fiction or film recommendations with characters that undergo serious catharsis [more inside]
posted by brandnew on Jan 2, 2009 - 28 answers

My past experiences are coloring my perception of the present, my personal life is crashing into my professional life, help me make it stop. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Dec 5, 2008 - 17 answers

To what degree do you (or people in general) share your emotions with other people? with your therapist? I'm mostly particularly interested in "negative" emotions, e.g. sadness, guilt, fear, anger, shame, etc. [more inside]
posted by Alligator on Nov 1, 2008 - 9 answers

I've tied myself into a knot trying to date someone and need to undo it. [more inside]
posted by LoneWolfMcQuade on Sep 22, 2008 - 22 answers

I'm terrible at having a job, and it's making my life unlivable. Help. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 30, 2008 - 28 answers

How do I deal with wanting (but not planning to have) children? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 21, 2008 - 15 answers

I realized recently that I’m ashamed of myself at a deep fundamental level. When I fail at something big or small, I beat myself up emotionally more than I should and feel ashamed. I realize that this is not emotionally healthy, but I’m not really sure what I can do to change the dynamic. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Apr 20, 2008 - 24 answers

I want to be able to beat the crap out of the inside of my car or truck with some sort of non-destructive implement. What do you suggest? [more inside]
posted by Soulbee on Apr 4, 2008 - 19 answers

Is there a word for: expecting to feel grief or ache of conscience and then not feeling it? [more inside]
posted by coizero on Jan 23, 2008 - 22 answers

Have you ever explicitly told your dad, or any parent, that for your own emotional well-being you need time away from them? Have you ever wanted to? Is there any way to do this? Details inside. [more inside]
posted by Ash3000 on Dec 28, 2007 - 30 answers

My face often betrays my thoughts, what to do? [more inside]
posted by furtive on Nov 27, 2007 - 24 answers

I'm testing a mechanical device (something like a can opener) and I'd like to get people to give me more than comments like "convenient" or "comfortable". [more inside]
posted by kamelhoecker on Nov 21, 2007 - 15 answers

How can I stay more even-tempered at work, when I feel like my emotions are out of control! Or at least appear even-tempered and approachable! [more inside]
posted by catfood on Nov 14, 2007 - 26 answers

How does one dig up and release deep-seated rage, or any other deeply repressed (old baggage-type) emotions? [more inside]
posted by droplet on Oct 24, 2007 - 21 answers

I suffer from a general retardation when it comes to expressing myself verbally in romantic situations, and I am a female. And I'm 25. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Oct 21, 2007 - 22 answers

Is it possible to remain friends with someone you're in love with? [more inside]
posted by jstef on Sep 10, 2007 - 45 answers

What are some songs that universally produce emotional reactions? Joy, sadness, or whatever? [more inside]
posted by Xurando on Aug 8, 2007 - 63 answers

I'm being given a second chance by my ex-boyfriend. Please help me not screw it up. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jul 26, 2007 - 25 answers

I am rewriting my will. I would love some advice on whether and/or how to "leave things" to (close) friends. [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 13, 2007 - 16 answers

I become dull and emotionless for stretches of 3-5 hours at a time. I don't feel depressed, I just feel absolutely nothing. I can play my favorite, rock-out song and it feels the same as listening to CSPAN. I can kiss my girlfriend and I might as well be kissing my hand. It happens regularly, usually in the afternoon, but not every day. Sometimes coffee or food can snap me out of it, sometimes not. The difference between being in or out this "mode" is very distinct. When I'm not in the "mode", I experience a pretty full, normal range of emotions and I'm not what you'd call depressed at all. Have other people experienced this? Any ideas of what causes it or how I can beat it? I hate missing out on experiences while stuck in this zombie-land.
posted by anonymous on Dec 18, 2006 - 17 answers

I've been estranged from my family for 3+ years. How can I explain this to a girl that I'm dating without seeming like a nutcase or weirdo? [more inside]
posted by Jake Apathy on Oct 21, 2006 - 32 answers

It's been recently brought to my attention that I have no clue how to be a boyfriend. The unfortunate part of this relevation is that it was brought to my attention by my girlfriend... [more inside]
posted by SpecialK on Feb 22, 2006 - 69 answers

Emotional Intelligence - can I regain it? How much damage/habit can be undone? Looking for book recommendations and/or mental exercises. [long inside] [more inside]
posted by twiggy on Feb 8, 2006 - 31 answers

How do you override gut emotional reactions? In other words, how can you bring your feelings into agreement with a conflicting conclusion you have reached via rational thinking?
posted by koenie on Jul 14, 2005 - 18 answers

What's involved in being a sperm donor? I was recently approached by a friend of a friend, and don't really know what to say besides I guess I'm flattered. Any legal/emotional/financial/logitical concerns, pitfalls, and/or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
posted by gottabefunky on Jan 31, 2005 - 11 answers

Do you play armchair pyschiatrist? How sure are you that you're right about people's inner lives? Do you act on your hunches? [More Inside.] [more inside]
posted by grumblebee on Sep 10, 2004 - 25 answers

Can you think of any emotionally-involving videogames? Games where you develop an emotional bond for the characters, and have an emotional investment in the outcome of the story? Has a game ever made you cry? [more inside]
posted by waxpancake on Aug 12, 2004 - 81 answers