Resources - Family & Relationships

The Best-of Dear Dr. Michelle

We started the Dear Dr. Michelle advice column at the height of COVID as an additional way to provide free, accessible help to those who may need it while navigating our new environment. As we transition back to pre-pandemic days, our Dear Dr. Michelle column is coming to a close. As a final hurrah, we wanted to share a list of our top ten most visited advice articles over the past two and half years.

How To Love Through Hard Times

If you or someone you know experiences painful memories this time of year, check out some of our blogs below to read different perspectives on relationships, learn ways to move past those difficult times, and learn how to continue to give and accept love from others. 

What Should I Do After Breaking Up With a Friend?

I have had to break up with my best friend. She was not able to listen to my feelings about things in the friendship. She also stopped spending time with me like we used to and would never tell me why. I feel sad and hurt and am in a deep depression I am struggling to get out of. I blame myself. I will still have to see her on occasion. How can I get out of this deep depression and deal with times I may have to see her?

Making Friends as an Adult Can Be Tough: Here Are Some Tips to Help

Making new friends is hard, especially as an adult with the added layer of living in a new city. But finding those connections are so important for our mental health and well-being, as friendships help us find a sense of belonging, boost our happiness, and can help build our self-esteem. Here are a few tips on how to create new relationships in a new community. 

My Adult Daughter Came Out to Me as a Lesbian. What Do I Do?

My daughter is 22. She has graduated, got a job offer, and moved out of the house. Last week she called me and told me she is lesbian. She told me it is ok if I don’t accept her, and she will go away from the family. I really don’t know how to handle it. Please help me to accept this. Is it my fault?

Pressure During the Holidays

Luke Spiegelhoff, LICSW, Clinical Director at Nexus-FACTS, joined KSTP-TV's Minnesota Live to talk about the pressure of the holidays. Take a look at his advice to relieve the holiday stress here!

Coping With Holiday Stress

For many in today’s fast-paced world, the holidays are not story-book perfect. Long distances, poor health, and finances keep some families and loved ones apart. For others, the holidays are filled with financial pressures and multiple stressors. While many negative emotions can be felt leading up to and during the holiday season, there is equal opportunity and promise for positive emotions, too. Here are a few positive thoughts to help make the holidays better.

Should I Visit My Family for the Holidays Even if I Don't Want To?

I have a pit in my stomach over the holidays coming up. My mom's entire side of the family gets together and it's that typical dysfunctional family gathering with too much drinking and snarky comments. I hate it. I've been able to avoid going the last two years (due to COVID) but this year my mom is laying the guilt on thick for me to come. I don't want to go but I don't want to disappoint her. What should I do?

Gratitude Cards

Let someone know you are thinking of them with these printable cards centered around expressing gratitude. These will print with 2 cards on a sheet of paper that you can cut apart and fold.