dating ideas

Stay at Home Date Ideas for Couples That Are Inexpensive and Fun!

Planning a date takes effort. First you have to decide what you want to do. Eating dinner at a trendy restaurant, catching the new movie everyone’s talking about, seeing a concert, or going to a Bulls game are all great options, but there is a downside. Dates like these require planning in advance, a babysitter … Read more

no friends after divorce

Feel Like You Have No Friends After Divorce? Read this!

Several years ago when I was getting divorced, I remember thinking that I didn’t know a single divorced person in my community. It was a terribly lonely and isolating feeling, and at times, I felt like I had no friends after divorce. So, when I met “Julia” in my kickboxing class and found out she … Read more

opposing political views

Opposing Political Views In A Relationship: Healthy or Toxic?

Opposing political views in a relationship can be challenging. What if you are hoping for Trump to win the election, but he wants Sanders? How do you talk to each other? Is it better not to talk about it? In this week’s Love Essentially, published today in the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press, I address this … Read more

Is The Bachelor Sending The Wrong Message For Women Dating?

When The Bachelor premiered in 2002 I was 37 years old, so I wasn’t young, but I was still in touch with the whole dating scene, as I had only been married for a year or so. My ex-husband and I looked forward to every episode, rushed to the TV to catch the beginning (remember, … Read more

Guys Offer Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs in Dating

Dating, especially dating after divorce can feel like you’re in unfamiliar territory. It’s hard to recall what’s going on in the minds of the men you are now going on dates with. But honestly, dating and men probably haven’t changed much since the last time you were in the dating scene. To help offer you … Read more

pros and cons of divorce

Pros and Cons of Divorce: It’s Not What You’ve Lost, It’s What You’ll Gain

It’s easy to look at divorce as a really, really sad, horrible loss, and I agree that it is. But believe it or not, there are some good things that come with getting divorced. There are pros and cons of divorce. What many men and women (especially those who are newly separated) can’t see is … Read more

relationship dealbreakers

Relationship Deal Breakers: What are YOURS?

What is a relationship deal breaker? Relationship deal breakers are things that someone isn’t willing to tolerate in the relationship; something that they can’t live with, something that they don’t want to live with, and/or something that makes it feel like it’s better to be without the person than to stay. Relationship dealbreakers cause breakups … Read more

dating after you've been married

Dating After You’ve Been Married: You’re Only Allowed One Carry-On Bag On Board

I can honestly say that for every single flight I go on, the items in my ONE permitted carry-on bag consist of the following: computer, phone charger, wallet, phone, Xanex, jewelry case, lipstick, keys, playing cards (if I’m traveling with the kids), sunglasses, ticket stubs. It’s not complicated. What does this information have to do … Read more

I slept with my ex

“I Slept With My Ex” 5 Reasons That’s A Really Bad Idea

Here is an email I received from a woman who wrote “I slept with my ex:” Had sex with my soon to be ex husband Saturday night. Our divorce is final Thursday. The divorce was his idea. Not mine. WTF??   Why do I hear about so many people going through a divorce sleeping with … Read more

women over 50

Women Over 50: You Mean I’m One of Them?! Here’s What I’m Thinking…

This is an article I wrote when I turned 50. I wanted to share my thoughts to other women over 50. It was originally published in the Chicago Tribune and it was in my top ten articles of most views.  Here are 50 things I’m thinking as I turn 50. Enjoy!   1. Why couldn’t … Read more

stock market plunge

Worried About The Recent Stock Market Plunge?

Going through a divorce or being divorced can leave you feeling financially insecure for several reasons which include divorce attorney fees, two residences, and ending up with half the assets you shared with your now ex. Additionally, if you aren’t working presently and you’re trying to figure out how to fit a work schedule into … Read more

Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux

Marital Advice For Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux

Who better than to give marital advice to newlyweds, Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux than a bunch of divorced people? Read my Love Essentially column below, (published last Wednesday in Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press.)   Marital Advice for Jennifer Aniston and Justin Theroux  by Jackie Pilossoph My fascination with Jennifer Aniston began in 1995 when … Read more