Archive - Mending Fractured Relationships

Is it safe to have this conversation?

I was reminded of the topic of safety in a recent conversation.

Mar 22 •

Avoid saying things that backfire

I was going to write a newsletter about words that are triggers, but I forgot that I had one like it already.

Mar 15 •

Before you say anything, THINK

As I review the newsletters I have already published, I am finding things that I think are worth saying again, so I am republishing it.

Mar 9 •

Are you an expert?

Note: This is an update of an earlier post from a few years ago.

Mar 1 •

February 2025

My personal story of a fractured relationship

What politics is doing to our relationships and what we can do about it

Feb 22 •

Changing my process

As I have been working on this newsletter, I have been learning and changing my ideas.

Feb 15 •

Shaming doesn’t convince anyone.

I see headlines all the time describing encounters that so and so “owns” so and so.

Feb 8 •

What is the outcome you want from a conversation?

As you are engaging with in the relationship you wish to mend, think about the outcome you want.

Feb 1 •

January 2025

Imagine the person as your favorite animal or a baby

I heard this tip from Stephen Dubner, who said when he gets annoyed with people on a crowded street in New York City, he imagines the face of a dog on…

Jan 25 •

Assume good intentions

I’ve recently been revisiting a conflict I was a participant in a few years ago.

Jan 18 •

I just attended a program by Braver Angels. Their mission is to help build a united America. I have several newsletters that I will be writing about…

Jan 11 •

Why People Pleasing Is Dishonest and Manipulative and Two Tips For How To Change

Another guest post by Barb Nangle, whose podcast I recommend.

Jan 4 •

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