![]() ![]() Many of us have been very isolated or in Zoom meetings all day. Murray says, “Be willing to admit you’re a little rusty after almost three years of living in the pandemic. Be open to learning more, because most of us didn’t have a chance to learn these fundamental relationship skills through our formal educational training.” Back to face-to-faceĪs more interactions now take place through screens, texts, and microphones, some people find it difficult to be face-to-face again. “How to work through conflict, problem solve? Even practical things like how to manage money, co-parent, or navigate difficult decisions. “How many of us have really gotten instruction on healthy communication?” says Murray. They need to change.’ But it’s helpful to ask yourself: What am I saying or doing that’s contributing to the challenges?”Īnd as with all forms of physical and emotional health, relationships require routine exercise and maintenance. It’s tempting to look at the other person, to say, ‘They’re the problem. “Know yourself and look at your own role in the relationship. We say this a lot through HRI: If there’s a problem in a relationship, it’s not usually going to go away on its own.” She says, “Share your feelings and address problems when they come up. ![]() That means it is wise to keep the lines of communication open. ![]() “Basic communication skills are not nearly as complicated as rocket science or advanced calculus, but they can be hard to apply to the real world,” says Murray. The website provides resources on friendships, partnerships, and family, as well as articles such as the “ Valentine’s Day Survival Guide.” Components of healthy relationships The resources she provides through HRI are not just for couples. How do you prevent an unhealthy relationship if people don’t know what healthy relationships are, and how to build them?” “That’s what’s been rewarding about the Healthy Relationship Initiative. “Much of my research centered around unhealthy, and even unsafe, relationships,” she says. Through the Healthy Relationships Initiative (HRI), Murray helps people form healthy relationships and then build upon that to reach that “happy” ideal whenever possible. She’s worked extensively on curbing domestic violence. Murray is a licensed Marriage and Family therapist and formerly a professor with the Department of Counseling and Educational Development. “But you don’t have to be at the optimal level to have a healthy relationship.” “Through our Healthy Relationships Initiative, we define happy as being the peak, the optimal level of relationship functioning,” she says. Christine Murray, director of UNC Greensboro’s Center for Youth Family and Community Partnerships (CYFCP), notes a difference between “healthy relationships” and “happy relationships.” Love is in the air around Valentine’s Day, and whether it’s a significant other or a circle of friends, it is a good time to reflect on how to keep your bond strong.ĭr. ![]()
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