We’re Into Each Other! So Why is His Profile Still on Dating Websites?

In my “Love Essentially” column published today in the Sun-Times Media local publications, I respond to a reader’s e-mail regarding a guy she met on one of the dating websites, who she really likes. There’s one red flag: his profile is still active on the site! Here’s my advice to her.   Jackie, “I dated … Read more

how to end a relationship on good terms

How to End a Relationship on Good Terms with the Prince Turned Frog

When I got an email from a reader asking how to end a relationship on good terms, I immediately thought of the famous post it note that Berger gave Carrie on Sex and The City. that read “I’m sorry, I cant. Don’t hate me.”     Here is the email I received: I recently met … Read more

Let’s Talk About Sex After Divorce–Safe Sex, That Is

Divorced Girl Smiling received this e-mail from a reader seeking advice about sex after divorce and how to be safe. I went out with a guy a couple of times and we really hit it off. Our relationship quickly became physical and in the heat of the moment, I did not address the issue of … Read more

divorce movie

Divorce Movie Sends Powerful Message

 I finally had a chance to see the divorce movie, Enough Said, a romantic comedy about dating after divorce with James Gandolfini (the last movie he made before he died) and Julia Louis-Dreyfus.  Aside from the fact that it was a delightful, entertaining story, done with great taste, amazing writing and two top-notch actors, there was … Read more

argument with your spouse

Saying These 10 Things Will Surely Start An Argument With Your Spouse

  Everyone argues. Let’s be honest. Even the happiest couples fight. But there are certain things you can say that are sure to start an argument with your spouse. Saying the wrong thing could make the difference between a minor disagreement and a major battle! Here are 10 things to say to your spouse that … Read more

It’s Complicated! Relationship Advice for A Divorced Woman

The Sun-Times received this letter from a divorced woman asking for relationship advice. Jackie, I am at a point in my life where I am questioning my relationship. I feel like it could be several things, such as not feeling like I have forgiven myself for my decisions and therefore don’t love myself fully; not … Read more

Relationship advice: Why You Might be Running from Relationships

There is no law that says you have to be in a relationship, but in my opinion, it’s human nature to want to find love and monogamy. Here’s some relationship advice you can take or leave, but if you haven’t been in a relationship for awhile, you might want to consider this. The reason you … Read more

how do you know when to say I love you

How Do You Know When to Say I Love You?

Those three little words that we all long to hear from the man or woman we adore can mean the world, but if said at an inopportune time or under the wrong circumstances, “I love you” can be a dreaded statement that might cause confusion, embarrassment or even regret. So, how do you know when … Read more

the L word

Have You Said The L Word Lately?

Almost every person I’ve ever talked to who is newly divorced says one or more of these things in reference to dating after divorce: “I will never get married again,” or “I’m done saying the L word, it’s just not in the cards for me,” or “I am never going to meet someone, ever again” … Read more

why do I attract losers

Why Do I Attract Losers? 3 Reasons And How To Stop

“Why do I attract losers?” I woman I know recently asked me through tears. Here’s her story. She has been divorced for almost 10 years. She was dating a man for 3 years, and thought everything was perfect until she found out he cheated with multiple women. She’s heartbroken. Was she just unlucky? Did this … Read more