Collection

Handling Toxic Relationships

From the friend who constantly complains, to the gossip-loving coworker, and the unsupportive spouse, this collection of expertly sourced resources will help you improve these relationships while keeping your emotions and triggers in check.

Managing Difficult Friendships

How to Cope With a Toxic Friend

Maintaining healthy social ties is crucial to our well-being, but some relationships may not be giving you the best energy.

By Jessie Sholl

Friends Healthy Communication

My Friend Complains All the Time. What Should I Do?

The key is mindful redirection, says Zen teacher Cheri Huber.

By Jon Spayde

Friends

How to Deal With a High-Maintenance Friend

Have a pal who makes excessive claims on your time and attention? Here’s how to manage the relationship — without making yourself crazy.

By Jon Spayde

Friends

How to Say Goodbye to a Toxic Friend

Saying ”so long” to a played-out friendship is never easy. Here’s how to do it with grace.

By Anjula Razdan

Friends Stress

Handling Difficult Family Dynamics

a brother and sister sit on opposite ends of the couch looking clearly annoyed

How to Resolve Sibling Conflict in Adulthood

Expert tips for navigating a rocky relationship with an adult sibling.

By Jon Spayde

Family/Parenting/Kids

Intergenerational family members catching up

What’s the Best Way to Handle Unsolicited Advice From Family Members?

Holiday gatherings can be an especially fraught time for unwelcome advice. Our expert says to try to remain curious, open, and polite. Here's how.

By Jon Spayde

Family/Parenting/Kids Relationships

a welcoming front door adorned with a festive wreath

How to Stop Dreading Family Gatherings

Social psychologist and author Amy Johnson, PhD, offers advice for dealing with those family members who often threaten to ruin the mood.

By Jon Spayde

Family/Parenting/Kids Holidays

folded elderly hands sit across a table from younger folder hands

How to Establish Healthy Boundaries With Grandparents

Supportive grandparents can be a godsend for you and your kids — but disagreements about parenting may create tension. Setting healthy boundaries can help you find a balance.

By Jon Spayde

Aging Parents Family/Parenting/Kids

Navigating Difficult Work Situations

a game of chess with the king getting knocked down by another king

How to Overcome an Aggressive Workplace Culture

Does your workplace lean towards power over compassion, or disparagement over cooperation? Mindfulness pioneer Sharon Salzburg offers her wisdom for strengthening connections with your coworkers.

By Sharon Salzberg

Healthy Communication Work

a woman looks concerned as two coworkers talk together

How to Navigate Office Gossip

Gossip can lead to a dysfunctional and toxic workplace. The good news? You don't have to stop it. Mindfulness pioneer Sharon Salzburg explains here.

By Sharon Salzberg

Healthy Communication Work

how to deal with a passive aggressive person

How to Cope With a Passive-Aggressive Coworker

Licensed counselor Loriann Oberlin explains how to cut through the veiled anger and toxicity.

By Jon Spayde

Healthy Communication Mental Health

a person shrugs like they don't care about papers a coworker is showing them.

How to Deal With a Defensive Coworker

Interacting with a colleague who constantly has their guard up can be frustrating and lead to unnecessary tension. However, your word choice can do a lot to break down those barriers.

By Sharon Salzberg

Healthy Communication Work

How to Deal With a Bully at Work

A workplace bully can wreak havoc on not just your job but your personal life, too. The good news? You don’t have to suffer in silence.

By Anjula Razdan

Coworkers Mental Health

a woman smiles while she places her hand over her heart.

How to Be Honest at Work — With Yourself and Others

Misunderstandings, confrontations, and dealing with challenging personalities can lead to anger and hurt feelings at the workplace. Learn how to use these moments as opportunities to create more respectful relationships with your coworkers.

By Sharon Salzberg

Healthy Communication Work

Coping With Other Difficult Relationships

How to Cope With Chronic Complainers

Here's how to avoid getting drawn into other people’s negativity spirals.

By Jon Spayde

Healthy Communication

feet lined up on opposite sides of a thick, white line

How to Navigate a Strained Relationship

Our differences don't have to keep us polarized. Try this expert advice for forging unexpected connections.

By Katherine Reynolds Lewis

Community Coworkers

Getting Past Toxic Gossip

Here’s how to discern between friendly chatter and mean-spirited rumor mongering.

By Jon Spayde

Coworkers Relationships

How to Respond to Gaslighting

Gaslighting can undermine your self-confidence and perception of the truth. Here are signs of gaslighting — and how to break free from it.

By Quinton Skinner

Dating/Marriage Healthy Communication

two people sit on a couch holding their hands over their ears looking at the ceiling

Tips for Coping with a Difficult Neighbor

His dog barks. Her compost bin smells. Your neighbors are driving you crazy. These strategies can help increase the peace.

By Jon Spayde

Community Healthy Communication

Managing Your Role and Reactions

Navigating relationships — especially challenging ones — starts with understanding our own role in interactions. The following articles will guide you to better understand your role, create healthy boundaries, develop self-awareness and keep your reactions in check.