Social skills, like any other, take continuous effort. “It’s common for people to feel out of practice and uncomfortable,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

“It’s perfectly appropriate to experience both happiness and envy, pride, and worry about our own future or goals,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Relationships with colleagues have always played a role in workplace satisfaction, but experts like Dr. Miriam Kirmayer say it’s possible these office relationships are more critical today than they once were.

“Women — especially women of colour — who feel more socially connected with one another tend to feel more comfortable asserting themselves,” says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Cleaning out your closet is well and good, but it’s also important to take stock of the people and relationships in your life, according to therapist and friendship researcher Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

“As adults, we become busy with work, romance, children, careers, and aging parents. Even if we do have time to meet new people, where can we look?” Dr. Miriam Kirmayer says.

“When people we were friends with become higher or lower than us, that creates issues with how open, transparent and authentic we are,” said Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.

Dr. Miriam Kirmayer, a therapist and friendship expert, says connecting with people at work can also impact our mood, stress levels, and risks of burning out.

Maybe you were working on a project that ended or there was a major company restructuring — all things that can trigger layoffs, says Dr. Miriam Kirmayer.