Hot off the press: HRI E-Book: Healthy Sibling Relationships
Sibling relationships are often some of our longest relationships, and while they can be complex and at times challenging, they can also be a source of deep connection and happiness. In fact, research indicates that people who have strong emotional connections with their sibling(s) have increased life satisfaction and lower rates of depression during early adulthood (Milevsky, 2005).
We’ve partnered with Bringing Out the Best at UNC Greensboro to provide families with a free resource on how to foster healthy relationships amongst siblings. Whether you’re a parent of an elementary student or teen, there are insights in this book for you!
By HRI Program Coordinator, Camila Dos Santos, M.Ed.
The endless stressors couples are facing during the pandemic (such as quarantining, homeschooling, working from home or not working at all) are increasing the chances for more divorces in a post-pandemic USA.
It’s not entirely surprising, as difficult and uncertain times cause conflicts in our relationships and oftentimes, our partner relationships are the ones feel the most strain. Combine that with the fact that many couples have limited places to go during the pandemic and it’s no surprise that couple relationships are struggling.
Through HRI, we promote happy, healthy, and safe relationships of all kinds. If your relationship is free from abuse and both partners are willing to put forth effort, it is possible to repair it with the help of counseling.
However, sometimes for partners, the healthiest way to move forward for the entire family is divorce. HRI is here to support and provide resources for couples and and families in this situation. Stay tuned as this week, we will share tips on how parents can support young children through divorce.
Whether your marriage or long-term relationship is in distress or you’re being proactive, check out our Toolkit for Couples and E-Book on Keeping the Love Alive to gain insights on how to strengthen your partner relationship.
Regardless of the stage that your relationship is in, HRI has a resource that can help you move forward in a healthy, happy, and safe way.
“The words of the tongue should have three gatekeepers:
Is it true?
Is it kind?
Is it necessary?”
– unknown
In healthy relationships, people mind their words and speak with respect, especially when working through conflict. These 3 questions can help keep difficult conversations in relationships healthy and respectful.
It’s no secret that in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are drinking more. With the normalization of pandemic drinking in our culture, knowing when alcohol use has become a problem can be tricky.
We partnered with Fellowship Hall and teamed up with a number of substance abuse professionals to hear their thoughts on how to recognize when alcohol use becomes misuse, how to address it with ourselves and others, and how to avoid negative coping behaviors during tough times.
Tips for Healthy Relationships in Older Adulthood: 5
Tip 5: Set clear boundaries for all relationships and stick to them.
Setting boundaries in relationships is crucial to keeping those relationships healthy. Sometimes, even the people we love the most can cross certain relationship boundaries that make us uncomfortable or anxious.
Older adults must especially set and keep boundaries around relationships to ensure that these relationships are reciprocal and healthy.
Certain rights in relationships are non-negotiable and require strict and clear boundaries, such as having the right to express your feelings without judgment, to live free from fear and abuse, and to end a relationship if it’s not healthy.
However, other boundaries are not as clear and often require us to think about what’s most important to us in relationships. Do you value your independence? Is it important for you to engage in activities on your own?
Tips for Healthy Relationships in Older Adulthood: 4
Tip 4: Be open to dating
The need for close and intimate relationships with romantic partners doesn’t decrease with age. Getting back into dating can lead to greater connection, intimacy, and support during later life.
The idea of dating in later life can also be scary and overwhelming, especially if you have lost a partner. It’s important to give yourself the time you need before you start dating, and to use that time to reflect on what your needs and wants are for relationships. Read more about what to expect when dating as an older adult.
Romantic relationships can be a source of great joy in older adulthood and being open to dating can help older adults establish healthy relationships that provide companionship, understanding, and support during later stages of life.
Tips for Healthy Relationships in Older Adulthood: 3
Tip 3: Volunteer your time.
Giving back to your community not only helps you feel connected and fulfilled, it is also a wonderful way to meet new people. It’s important to consider the risks during the pandemic, but there are many ways to donate your time virtually.
Some ideas include asking your place of worship if there are ways you can help virtually or spending time virtually tutoring a student who is learning remotely. You can also consider ways to give back that also align with your hobbies. For example, if you like to sew, sewing homemade masks for a local organization can be a great way to give back and feel like you’re contributing to your community.
Volunteering can give you a sense of purpose, while strengthening social connections, but during a pandemic, it may require some additional intentionality and careful planning in order to do it safely.
Tips for Healthy Relationships in Older Adulthood: 2
By HRI Program Coordinator, Camila Dos Santos, M.Ed.
Tip 2: Reconnect with old friends.
The pandemic has increased feelings of isolation for many of us and reaching out to an old friend with whom you’ve lost touch can rekindle the friendship and lead to feelings of community. Many times, old friendships can pick up right where they left off, regardless of how much time has gone by.
Try reaching out to someone you were once good friends with by giving them a phone call, sending an email or text, or by inviting them to join you for a socially distant walk.
When we reconnect with old friends, we give those relationships a chance to enhance our lives again.
Tips for Healthy Relationships in Older Adulthood: 1
Tip 1: Join a social group or participate in a hobby.
Building friendships and engaging in social activities are important at all life stages and can help you feel more connected and supported. Joining an online social group or participating in a hobby are both great ways to meet new people and make friends.
There are many different ways to connect with hobby groups virtually, and while it may not feel exactly the same as face-to-face interactions, there are still many benefits to connecting with people who have similar interests online.
While online interactions can bring about many emotional benefits for older adults, it’s important to remember that older adults are more susceptible to scams online. Being aware of the risk and how to protect yourself is crucial to navigating the online world. Click here to learn more about keeping yourself safe online and remember to trust your instincts when interacting with someone new.
Overall, joining a special interest group or meeting people who enjoy the same hobbies as you can help to make life more fulfilling and fun, while also building healthy relationships that bring us joy.
“Life’s deepest meaning is found notin accomplishments, but in relationships.” – Dr. Gary Chapman
These wise words by renowned author and relationship expert, Dr. Gary Chapman, ring true for relationships of all kinds. When we focus on the people in our lives, rather than on what we accomplish, what we do for a living, or the things we have, we eventually realize that the true accomplishments in life are the people who love and support us.
The Healthy Relationships Initiative, along with Well-Spring Solutions, are hosting a virtual event with Dr. Chapman on Tuesday, September 15th! To learn more about the event and register, click here.
