By Christine Murray, Healthy Relationships Initiative Director It’s important to do your best to keep hope alive, even in the midst of the most difficult relationship struggles. Take time to develop a positive mindset, such as by reflecting on the
In the Midst of Relationship Chaos, Step 5: Practice strong relationship skills
By Christine Murray, Healthy Relationships Initiative Director In times of relationship chaos and conflict, it’s time to activate your strongest and best relationship skills. This includes an intentional effort to use positive communication skills, such as speaking clearly and thoughtfully
In the Midst of Relationship Chaos, Step 4: Set appropriate boundaries
By Christine Murray, Healthy Relationships Initiative Director Although you can’t control another person’s actions, that doesn’t mean that you should simply allow other people to continue to treat you in ways that are damaging to you, your relationship, and other
In the Midst of Relationship Chaos, Step 3: Commit to kindness and your own integrity
By Christine Murray, Healthy Relationships Initiative Director Take time to reflect on the values that are important to you. How do you want to treat others? Most of us want to act with kindness and to be thought of as
In the Midst of Relationship Chaos, Step 2: Focus on yourself
By Christine Murray, Healthy Relationships Initiative Director When chaos erupts in our relationships, we often have little control over the things happening around us, such as the choices another person is making, how quickly things can change, and external circumstances
In the Midst of Relationship Chaos, Step 1: Remember that you can’t change the other person.
By Christine Murray, Healthy Relationships Initiative Director It’s so tempting to focus on what the other person needs to change! You could probably offer the other person a lengthy lesson on all of the problematic things they’ve said and done,
In the Midst of Relationship Chaos: Series Introduction
By Christine Murray, Healthy Relationships Initiative Director Relationships can be the source of so much pleasure and joy in life. There are few joys that rival the wonderful feeling of truly and deeply connecting with a person who we love
All the Bricks in the Wall: Barriers to Healthy Relationships in our Community
By Christine Murray, HRI Director The mission of Healthy Relationships Initiative is to promote happy, healthy, and safe relationships of all kinds. When we think of the ingredients of healthy relationships–like trust, respect, safety, and acceptance–doesn’t it seem like everyone
“On the Back Burner”
“We Are Losing Out on Face to Face Contact”
Note: This quote is taken from a response to the Healthy Relationships Initiative Community Needs Assessment Survey, which was conducted in 2016.