Also known by the oxymoron “festive stress,” the increased stress levels people feel during the last month of the year seem to increase with each passing year. This phenomenon has piqued the interest of mental health professionals, who have studied the stages, causes, and coping mechanisms for holiday stress.

Traumatic events like the death of a close family member, mental illness in the family, or the pain of your parents’ divorce can significantly impact your mental health going forward — so can the types of relationships you formed with your parents and friends.

Close relationships require intimacy and trust. Whether you’re facing a minor disagreement or a larger problem, remember that you and your partner are ultimately working together to achieve the same goals. We’ve got some strategies for you to improve communication between you and your partner.

When first learning of your partner’s or friend’s HIV positive status, it may be difficult to know what to say. Here are some ideas of where to start the conversation.