I Can Relate

The joys and challenges of relating with others.

by Heidi Reeder, Ph.D.

3 Words to Change The Direction of a Conflict

Language choices matter, and nowhere is that more true than during a conflict. Three words that have the capacity to move conflict in a positive direction: future, together, and interests. Read More

Is "The Bachelor" Hurting Your Relationship?

Half of our “tube time” consists of programming with romantic themes. According to research, those images may be having an effect on our real-world commitment. Read More

Awkward Workplace Friendships

How can we get over the barriers to male-female friendship in the workplace? Read More

Problems occur when we select the wrong medium for a particular message—or we stay with a medium that isn’t working. So, how can we match the medium to the message? Here are some things to consider. Read More

The Elegant No

Do you ever wonder how you can say “no” without feeling like a jerk, or being so unclear that they don’t hear your “no” as a “no”? Starting with something positive, and then repeating your assertive statement, is often the perfect way to get your message through. Read More

The Jealousy Sweet Spot

Jealousy often gets a bad name, and with good reason. But is jealousy always bad? Are there any benefits to it? Read More

Sex With Friends: Are There Benefits?

Friends who are clear about their intentions don’t always act like awkward daters who come to realize it was a mistake to have sex too soon. Read More

Good Enough Beats Perfect

Being a trade-up kind of person or a good-enough kind of person makes a big difference when it comes to satisfaction with your choices. Read More

Saving Your Guy-Gal Friendship

When one friend admits they are "into" the other but the feeling isn't mutual, the relationship may be in jeopardy. Friendships often dissolve under these circumstances, but not always. Here's what makes the difference. Read More

Can You "Love" Your Friend?

If I tell you I am attracted to my male friend, Tim, what do you think I'm saying? It turns out there are four ways attraction is experienced in male-female friendship. Read More