The more we learn to break down painful interactions into components, and analyze each part, the better able we will be to respond in a way that preserves our relationships rather than damages them.
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When something hits a nerve and causes a strong reaction in us, it often indicates the need for us to take a closer look at it to understand and work through the underlying cause.
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If we set an intention to address relationship issues with a bit of humor, we’re more likely to be effective. Smiles beget smiles, brightening not only our moods, but the moods of those around us.
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It’s much easier to make short-run decisions than long-run ones, especially when we are stressed. But with patience and imagination, we can learn to play the long game, which yields greater rewards in the future.
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The armor we often wear with others in order to protect ourselves can actually keep us from enjoying healthy relationships. Therapy can help us drop our shields so we can connect with others in more meaningful ways.
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Venting about issues can temporarily relieve our frustration, but we can make an actual difference if we choose one thing that most concerns us and work toward a solution to it.
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In our tumultuous world, family connections are increasingly important. At every stage in the life cycle of a family, we can extend care to each other, which bolsters peaceful, happy interactions.
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When it comes to our interactions with others, much as we’d rather believe our frustrations are all their fault, there’s a lot of work to do on our side as well. We sometimes forget to use the emotional tools we already have at our disposal.
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In our frustration with others, it's easy to assume that they are the cause of our relationship conflicts. But conflict can resolve spontaneously when we take the time to ask questions and understand fully why other people are doing what they’re doing.
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It can be hard to set limits on the behavior of others, even when it is adversely affecting us. Direct communication, with appropriate boundaries, can not only improve relationships, it can sometimes save them.
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People with a condition called alexithymia have trouble identifying, processing, and expressing their emotions. If it is a learned response rather than a genetic disorder, information and support can help them expand their emotional awareness.
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The longer we live, the more likely we are to go through some kind of heartbreak. Self-reflection can give us perspective, and provide us with information about what we need going forward.
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