The Friend Manual: How to make friends when you're bad at it

Category: Cartoons / Comics

• Cartoons / Comics Events & Doing Things Social Skills Uncategorized

  When small talk is animal talk

  What if a conversation subtext makes more sense as a nature show soundtrack? Like, when we’re chirping at each other. Or, when we’re just pinging. Maybe we’re trying to prove something. Or share good feelings.

  December 21, 2025
• Cartoons / Comics Concepts

  Friend energy is not consistent

  

  (and it’s not your fault) I like to think that I’m able to be 100% when needed. Like, no matter what I can show up and be a good, cool friend. Crises, parties, tapas, watching a movie, or a bitch session. But really, my 100% is rarely there. I don’t…

  December 8, 2025
• Cartoons / Comics Signal Detection Theory Social Skills

  How to make friends with Signal Detection Theory

  There’s a concept I came across in neuroergonomics called “signal detection theory” which helps to analyze decision-making in the presence of uncertainty. And what is socializing if not that? The basic idea is that you have things that are signals and based on the qualities of the signal, the qualities…

  August 24, 2024
• Cartoons / Comics Drawings How to Ask for Help

  When you’re an ungrateful turd while accepting help

  A post that’s part of the series: “How to ask for help when you’re bad at it.” I’ve already discussed that having to ask for help means that you’re probably vulnerable. And, sometimes, you have to ask for help for something that’s scary or stressful. When I’m scared and stressed,…

  October 18, 2023