Family & Relationships

My older brother, who is 54, has a long history of mental health problems. This has led to a lot of family conflict over the years. He will come in and out of our lives and will accuse family members of things that make no sense. Issues don’t really get resolved because whenever we try to discuss the problems, everybody gets emotional and it seems like it makes things worse. My brother recently reached out to me after not speaking to me for two years and I don’t know if I should respond to him like nothing ever happened, ignore him, or confront him about his past behavior. We are beyond working out old history.

My grandmother died two months ago from COVID. She was 78 years old and diabetic. Whenever people learn that she died from COVID, they ask me if she had other medical problems. The fact is, had she not caught COVID, she would still be alive today. I was very close to my grandmother and am having a very difficult time coming to terms with her death. I feel so much anger when people ask me if she had other health problems, I just want to scream at them. It feels like they are not taking her death seriously, like it was her fault that she died of COVID because she had diabetes. How can I respond to people so that they understand, because not only am I getting angry, I am finding myself becoming more and more isolated?

How do I get through to my husband without everything ending up in a fight, or ugly words being exchanged? Is this issue indicative of a bigger problem in our relationship?

The Holiday Season is upon us again, and for many, will likely be a season unlike any experienced before. COVID-19 has impacted 2020 in ways unthinkable. As you prepare for the holiday season, allow yourself time to acknowledge your feelings of grief and loss, and explore ways you can establish new traditions for you and your family.

I want to spend the holidays with my family, and I want my children to participate in my family traditions, but I am very nervous about COVID. Any advice about how to think through this situation?

It’s that time of year where there is a great push for charitable donations but in reality charitable giving has decreased. Even the smallest gifts like waving to your neighbor, or paying for the person's food behind you can make a tremendous impact. It is true that in the act of being charitable, one always receives far more than one gives. Pass it on!

Today's world comes with its fair share of challenges which can make it difficult to connect with one another. Active listening, processing out loud, and accepting things we cannot change are techniques we can use to help us communicate in respectful and productive ways.

My son is in the 5th grade and I am really starting to worry about his school performance. Since online learning started, I’ve noticed he repeatedly misinterprets directions and isn’t passing his tests or completing assignments correctly.

My family is split when it comes to political views. With the holidays coming up, how do we have these discussions without ending up in a fight?

I loaned my daughter a significant amount of money because she lost her job but now she is back on feet and she has not made any attempt to pay me back.