Relationships

Mindful.org's relationships category offers a treasure trove of mindfulness-based insights and strategies to enrich your connections with others. Whether it's strengthening family bonds, deepening friendships, or enhancing romantic partnerships, our resources guide you through the art of mindful communication, empathy, and compassion. Learn how to navigate the complexities of relationships with grace and intention, fostering healthier, more meaningful interactions in every area of your life.
Barry Boyce on Bridging our Differences—Illustration of five people holding hands with their arms in the air and facing away from the viewer. They are wearing yellow, blue, and pink colors, and in the background is blue and pink abstract art with some plants over a white background.
Audio
Barry Boyce on Bridging our Differences 

Founding editor Barry Boyce talks with managing editor Stephanie Domet about how and why we sort ourselves into groups. How mindful awareness can help us navigate the habits and patterns that arise in our in-groups, the refreshing value of encountering other perspectives, and the beauty of encouragement. Read More 

  • Mindful Staff
  • August 26, 2021
Get Your Energy Back with These Adrenal Health Tips
Compassion
Why Our Brains Love Gossip 

Dacher Keltner, director of the Berkeley Social Interaction Lab, explains how gossip can be a social practice that works for the greater good. Read More 

  • Dacher Keltner
  • May 27, 2021
Colorful, crumbled paper hands forming a heart
Compassion
6 Ways to Build a Culture of Compassion 

Scott Shute, the former head of Mindfulness and Compassion at LinkedIn, shares a few simple gestures that can help foster compassion in our workplaces, families, and communities. Read More 

  • Scott Shute
  • May 12, 2021
senior disabled man in wheelchair and african american man spend
Compassion
Why Part of Caregiving Is Listening 

Caring for someone requires more than good intentions. Founding editor Barry Boyce shares what he learned about being present and truly listening from the time he spent with his aging mother. Read More 

  • Barry Boyce
  • April 23, 2021
Calm
6 Questions to Spark Intimacy in Your Relationships 

Next time you’re tempted to scroll through your phone instead of catching up with your partner after work, try one of these reflective queries—they just might spark a thoughtful conversation and, at the same time, bring you closer together. Read More 

  • Nate Klemp and Kaley Klemp
  • April 19, 2021
Compassion
The Wisdom of Loving Your Enemy 

We tend to hold on to beliefs, stories, and biases against others that end up hurting us, too. Here’s how we can loosen our grip. Read More 

  • Elaine Smookler
  • April 7, 2021
Compassion
How to Practice Listening Without Getting Defensive 

Taking the time to listen to how another person feels—without immediately and sometimes impulsively reacting—creates the space for both parties to feel heard. Try this exercise to strengthen your active listening skills. Read More 

  • Jennifer Wolkin
  • April 6, 2021
Ad for a mindfulness app with meditations, articles, and a section sidebar, shown on a phone held in hand.