taking ownership of your emotions

The Benefits of Taking Ownership Of Your Emotions

A common refrain of toddlers and adults alike is, “You made me so angry.” Or “You made me so sad.” Or “Because you acted that way, you made me act this way back to you.” It’s a version of, “The devil made me do it.” It’s a complete lack of personal responsibility and doomed to … Read more

texting love

Texting Love Leads To Self-Love And Possibly Love

All day long, we are bombarded with emails and texts, and it can get overwhelming. But how many of those messages are sent with the intent of love? A fraction. In this week’s Love Essentially, I address the importance of texting love, meaning sending nice messages to those you love and care for, just to … Read more

relationship after divorce

Learning How To Swim In A Relationship After Divorce

Finding a new relationship after divorce or a break-up is often a wonderful addition to our lives. But, in starting any new relationship, there are inevitable deep waters that we encounter and there are common mistakes that we make in learning how to swim in the new, unfamiliar waters of a relationship after divorce. Learning … Read more

asking for what you want in a relationship

The Importance Of Asking For What You Want In A Relationship

A huge issue in a faltering romantic relationship is when one or both people stop communicating effectively. One aspect of this is when instead of coming out and asking for things they want, hold everything inside and then become angry and resentful toward the other person because they aren’t getting what they want/need. Asking for … Read more

in an abusive relationship

Are You In An Abusive Relationship?

Last night was the Super Bowl, so today seemed like an opportune time to publish this post, written by an anonymous author who was in an abusive relationship. I know, I know… it’s a myth that Super Bowl Sunday spikes the highest incidence of domestic violence. But still, I have to believe that drinking and … Read more

bad date

A Divorced Woman’s Really Bad Date

One of my friends recently began online dating after divorce. She met a guy on Bumble a couple weeks ago and they went out last weekend. Turns out, it was a pretty bad date. I tell her story and offer my advice in this week’s Love Essentially. When Did Men Stop Being Gentlemen?  by Jackie … Read more

the bachelor, Colton and his virginity

Why Is America Obsessed With The Bachelor, Colton And His Virginity?

Yes, once again I have gotten myself into a love hate relationship with the Bachelor. There I sit, every Monday night watching the show with my teenage daughter–that’s part of the love (to spend time with her) rolling my eyes half the time, and tearing up the other! While I think Bachelor producers have gotten … Read more

how many people have you slept with

How Many People Have You Slept With? Do Numbers Really Matter?

I have a friend who is in his fifties who travels a lot for work. So, he’s on planes every week. He told me that he was bored on a flight one time, so he decided to get a pen and a piece of paper and write down every woman he’s ever had sex with. … Read more

transitional man

Is He Your Transitional Man Or Is He The One?

What is a transitional man and how can he help you find love? A transitional man (or woman) is the first significant relationship that usually comes after a long term relationship or marriage. They are someone who helps you find your footing, after a difficult breakup. I began thinking about my transitional man when I … Read more

the guy you're dating

The Difference Between Being Needy In A Relationship and Having Needs Is Huge

Ever know someone who was needy in a relationship? Perhaps an ex? Or maybe you? Let’s talk about it. I was talking with a client who has been in the dating scene since he got divorced several years ago, and has been really working on understanding what he needs in a relationship. He is finding … Read more