Why is She Acting So Weird?: A Guide to Cultivating Closeness When a Friend is in Crisis

Why Is She Acting So Weird? A Guide to Cultivating Closeness When A Friend is In Crisis sets out to address what happens to friendships when one friend faces a major life crisis like cancer, divorce or job loss.

Are you at a loss for how to help your friend?

Do you worry that you’re going to say the wrong thing?

If you’ve ever tried to help a friend cope with a difficult and painful time in her life, then this book is for you.

Why is She Acting So Weird? fills in the gap of time between building friendships (ala Shasta Nelson) and ending friendships (ala Dr. Irene S. Levine).

When Jenn McRobbie was diagnosed with breast cancer, she found that her friendships changed and morphed in ways that no one could have expected. To honor all of those relationships, Jenn has written this book for all friends; the book she wished she could have given her friends when she was diagnosed. She’s walked the path of crisis with her friends and now offers you the valuable insight gained during that journey. Why is She Acting So Weird? gives friends ways to navigate the difficult terrain of a crisis.

Inside you’ll find topics ranging from developing a support system to what to say when you’re at a loss for words.

You’ll learn practical skills about things like helping your friend build a communication plan and how to offer advice without overstepping your friend’s boundaries.

At the end of the book, you’ll have a greater understanding of what your friend is going through and how you can help.

*** ADVANCE PRAISE ***
We've all been there--struggling with what to say, what to do and how to act when a friend, relative, coworker or fellow homeroom mom says she has cancer. Here, with unflinching honesty, McRobbie relives the pains, triumphs and, yes, awkwardness, of navigating her friendships while facing down cancer. Why is She Acting So Weird? was exactly what I was in the market for--packed with thoughtful, concrete guidance based on real experience. During a crisis, it takes a village. And sometimes that village could use instructions. Why is She Acting So Weird? is that instruction manual.-Sandra Sobieraj Westfall, PEOPLE Magazine correspondent.

With wit, wisdom and a modern new voice, McRobbie deftly weaves a brave and heartfelt cancer memoir with a practical guide on the healing power of female friendship.- Jill Kargman, New York Times best-selling novelist and creator/writer/lead actress in Bravo's new scripted series, Odd Mom Out.

As a physician, I strive to offer my patients more than just the technical aspects of surgery and disease management. I have tried to offer care to my patients that goes beyond the disease itself. Since reading Why is She Acting So Weird?, I have changed how I view patients and value so much more the family and friend support system that is essential to healing. I have modified my approach and now encourage my patients to seek that community support.- Hernan I. Vargas, MD, Director of the Inova Breast Care Institute at Inova Fair Oaks Hospital

Our tagline at the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults is “Cancer Changes Lives, So Do We.” It is our life’s work to create a community of support for young adults, and their loved ones, as they fight cancer and embrace survivorship. Why is She Acting So Weird? is going to play an important role in that work. McRobbie has created an important tool for friends who are at a loss for how to help their friend cope with cancer diagnosis or other crisis. The practical guidance in this book will benefit friends and survivors alike.- Brock Yetso, President and CEO, and Brian Satola, COO and Senior Director of Awareness and Activation, Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults