Introducing 'Dear Phil': Your Connection Questions Answered
- Phil McAuliffe and Dr Hans Rocha IJzerman
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Introducing Dear Phil, an advice column blending real stories and science to help you overcome loneliness and build meaningful connections.
Get honest, expert advice, created just for you.
Hello my friend.
It's always a joy to be here with you. Thank you for choosing to spend some time in your day as you take steps to become a more connected human.
I'm excited to announce our new 'Dear Phil' advice column - a special place where you can bring your connection challenges and receive honest guidance delivered with love.
What is 'Dear Phil'?
The concept is timeless - think 'Dear Abby' or those advice columns that used to be in newspapers and magazines. But instead of etiquette or health questions, you'll send us your connection challenges.
These might be frustrations about time-poor relationships, being ignored when you reach out and ask for connection, or feeling overwhelmed when trying to put yourself out there despite loneliness.
Whatever stands between you and meaningful connection, send it our way.
No nonsense. No dense language. Just real stories and practical advice from one human who understands loneliness to another.
Who's answering your questions?
It'll be me and Dr Hans Rocha IJzerman.
I bring my lived experience of loneliness and the wisdom I've gained along the way as a human connection thought leader. I use stories and insights developed through my life to offer guidance that's compelling and relatable.
Dr Hans brings the scientific perspective as a behavioural scientist specializing in social connection, social isolation, and loneliness. He's the co-founder of Annecy Behavioral Science Lab, where he and his team conduct cutting-edge research on what actually works for building meaningful connections.
His evidence-based approach uses the latest findings in social and behavioural science to ensure you're getting advice backed by rigorous research. He's Dutch, so you can count on refreshingly direct insights (we all need a Dutch friend to tell it like it is!).
Together, we'll combine the power of story with the power of science. Our partnership means your questions get addressed from both experiential and empirical angles. We may not always agree with each other's advice, but that's the beauty of it—you get a fuller picture of what might work for your unique situation, informed by both heart and data.
Will this be anonymous?
Absolutely. We'll remove any identifying details when we publish responses on this blog, while sending you a personal email with our complete thoughts.
How to send us your question
You've got two easy options:
Complete our survey
When you share your question and story, you'll not only get tailored advice from two connection experts, but you'll also see how common the loneliness experience truly is. That platitude "you're not alone" becomes real context when you recognise that others are thinking the same thoughts and feeling the same feelings.
Stay tuned for our first article in a few weeks!
That’s it for this article
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You’ll get an email from me each week or when there’s something new for you. You’ll have access to our weekly subscriber book club where we discuss content on the HUMANS:CONNECTING blog and podcast.
You can unsubscribe any time if you’re not feeling it anymore: we’ll still think you’re amazing.
Until next time, be awesomely you.
~ Phil
Important: All views are intended to inform and support. If you're in crisis, please don't wait - get support now from the resources linked on our crisis support page.
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