getting together with an ex

Is Getting Together With An Ex A Good Idea or A Recipe For Tears?

In this week’s Love Essentially, I offer the potential advantages and disadvantages of getting together with an ex. Is it a good idea to meet up? Maybe you need closure or just miss him (or her.) Or, will it re-break your heart? Here’s my take on it. Should This Woman Go Out For A Beer … Read more

New Show ‘Single Parents’ Is Hilarious!

Single parents lean on each other and drink wine in new ABC comedy by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press Maybe it’s because I’ve been a single parent for 11 years, or maybe it’s simply because I am a parent (regardless of marital status), but when I saw the preview for the new ABC sitcom, “Single … Read more

girlfriend problems

Having Girlfriend Problems?

Girlfriend problems are pretty common, according to life coach, Dr. Lisa Kaplin. So common, that I decided to write my Love Essentially column on reasons why friendships can end, and how handle a girlfriend who decides she just doesn’t want to be your girlfriend anymore. When Your Girlfriend Isn’t Your Girlfriend Anymore by Jackie Pilossoph … Read more

Robert Redford retiring

Robert Redford Retiring?!

When I read in the news about Robert Redford retiring, I decided to celebrate him and his movies–mainly his romances, in this week’s Love Essentially. There’s Nothing Like Those Robert Redford Romances by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group As a young girl watching “The Way We Were,” I could never understand why Katie … Read more

sexual abuse

ESPY Awards Bring Light To A Dark Issue: Sexual Abuse

In this week’s Love Essentially, I interview therapist, Dr. John Gobby on the topic of sexual abuse, specifically the therapy process, how it can help, and why there is hope for survivors. Sexual Abuse Survivors at ESPY awards Offer Hope by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group Watching the 141 women gather on stage … Read more

dating tips

Dating Tips For Divorced Parents

Dating is hard enough, but dating as a divorced parent brings on a whole other set of challenges, from finding time to spend together to introducing the kids or not–it’s a fine line. In this week’s Love Essentially, I shared the story of a frustrated reader who is dating a divorced mom. I also offered … Read more

single parents

Single Parents: Family Dinners Are More Important Than Ever!

In this week’s Love Essentially, I offer advice not just to single parents, but to all parents, including working parents and working single parents! Having dinner together as a family is so important for so many reasons. I remember when I was first separated, this went by the wayside, because I didn’t really feel like … Read more

kate spade suicide

The Kate Spade Suicide And Understanding Depression

This week’s Love Essentially is my interview with therapist, Marjorie Newman in regards to the Kate Spade suicide. I asked Newman to talk about depression, signs, and what we can do to help others or ourselves if we think we might be having thoughts of suicide.  How you can help those experiencing depression, suicidal thoughts  … Read more

who pays for college in a divorce

Who Pays For College In A Divorce?

In this week’s Love Essentially, I offer a look at Illinois law when it comes to who pays for college in a divorce. Unfortunately, divorced people are required by law to contribute to their kids’ college education, while married couples are not. Doesn’t seem fair to me, but a new court decision might pave the … Read more

marital advice

Marital Advice From a Guy Who Has Been With His Wife For Half A Century

Peter Davidson’s resume is looking really good when it comes to someone qualified to offer marital advice. After all, Davidson has been married to his wife, Beverly for 48 years! For this week’s Love Essentially, I interviewed Davidson about his new book, “Marital Advice To My Grandson, Joel”, and got some great tips for couples … Read more

mom

Mom With A Drill: Scary Or Sexy?

Mom, (single or married) if you’re like me, you are constantly calling people to do home repairs or home maintenance projects. And, all the people you call are probably men. Well, here’s a way for you to become more independent in this way, and love yourself while you are doing it! Single women can become … Read more

Barbara Bush Was A Lady Who Put Love And Family First

Barbara Bush, who found joy as a wife and a mother, can inspire us all  by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group Some married women are opinionated and independent, while others are more traditional — old school, if you will. As a wife, Barbara Bush is the perfect example of a woman who was both. The former … Read more