Tips for Engaged Couples: 2

Whether you are already engaged, or starting to have those conversations with your partner, creating shared meaning can strengthen your relationship and set the tone for a healthy marriage and relationship later on in life. 

This article provides couples with a list of questions to begin discussions that can help you both embark on your journey to creating shared meaning. 

Whether you make Sunday breakfasts together or choose to celebrate a particular day in your relationship each year, having different rituals and celebrations will help to stay connected even if times are difficult. 

Begin creating shared meaning today, whatever that looks like in your relationship!

Tips for Engaged Couples: 1

A big misconception in our culture is that we must resolve every conflict in our relationships, but in fact, there are certain problems in relationships that can’t necessarily be solved. (Learn more about solvable vs. perpetual problems here.)

Rather than trying to resolve all of their conflicts, couples should aim to talk through conflict in a respectful manner. Practicing active listening, validating your partner’s feelings even when you do not agree, and finding ways to stay connected while discussing conflict (i.e., a touch on the hand, making soft eye contact) are helpful strategies to help keep emotions at bay when talking about difficult issues together. 

Remembering that the point is not always to resolve or end the problem helps to ensure that couples can move forward through all types of conflict.

11.4.20 | Coping With Loneliness (HRI Holiday Series)

Coping With Loneliness

Coping with loneliness during the holiday season is challenging, but by being proactive and intentional about how you spend your time, you can combat holiday loneliness. In this program, HRI Director, Dr. Christine Murray, will address strategies for overcoming loneliness during the holidays by finding ways to connect with yourself and others.

Click here to view a recording of this program.

10.13.20 | How to Maintain Healthy Relationships During Election Season

Free Webinar | How to Maintain Healthy Relationships During Election Season

The Healthy Relationships Initiative believes in promoting happy, healthy, and safe relationships of all kinds.  As we continue to face external stressors in our world,  including but not limited to the presidential election, it is normal and expected for our relationships to suffer under the stress and tension we are all experiencing. 

Tune in on Tuesday, October 13th from 12-1:30 pm to hear a pre-recorded interview featuring a panel of professionals from UNC Greensboro as they provide insights and strategies on how to keep yourself and your relationships healthy during election season. Participants will also be able to ask questions live in the chatroom during this time. 

Click here to access a recording of this video.

Talking to Teens About Dating: Tip 5

Teens are heavily connected to many different types of media, including music, television and movies, and social media. It’s important to talk with your teen about how they see sex and relationships portrayed in the different sources of media they encounter throughout their days. Help them develop media literacy so they understand how what they’re seeing in the media compares to reality.

Adapted from HRI Article, Don’t Have “The Talk.”

Talking to Teens About Dating: Tip 4

Instead, have a series of ongoing conversations that evolve in a way that corresponds with your teenager’s changing needs, questions, and developmental stages. 

When parents take the pressure out of having “the talk” with their teen, it allows for more natural conversations that end up being more meaningful than just one talk. 

By keeping an open door to conversations about sex and sexuality with your teen, you are offering a foundation for them to navigate this often complicated and perplexing part of their growth into adulthood.

Learn more about how to engage in ongoing discussions with your teen about dating and sexuality by clicking here.

Talking to Teens About Dating: Tip 3

Good communication is an essential part of any relationship. All relationships have ups and downs, but a healthy communication style can make it easier to deal with conflict and build a stronger and healthier relationship. You can help your teen learn this by mirroring these skills in your own relationship. 

By being open to disagreements and being willing to compromise in your point of views, you can engage in meaningful conversations about dating with your teen.

Adapted from HRI article, Guiding Teens Towards Healthy Relationships.

Talking to Teens About Dating: Tip 1

If you’re feeling intimidated when thinking about talking with your teen about dating, you’re not alone.  A good place to start when talking to your teen about dating is to hear them out on what they currently know and think about relationships.  

By letting them lead with what they already know, your teen is more likely to feel like this is a conversation instead of a one-sided lecture, increasing the likelihood that they will be engaged and buy into what is being discussed. 

Asking your teen for their opinions, experiences, and input will also help them feel heard and respected throughout the conversation. 

When teens feel heard by their parents, it offers an opportunity to not only connect meaningfully, but also to have meaningful teaching moments together. 

Read more about how to talk with teens about healthy relationships here.