fighting about money

Constantly Fighting About Money With Your Spouse?

Fighting about money with your spouse or ex-spouse? Sadly, it’s common, and it’s difficult, frustrating and uncomfortable! Does this conversation sound familiar? Wife: “Honey, I need money.” Husband: “What for?” Wife: “What do you mean, ‘What for?’ To pay bills!” Husband: “I’ve never seen anyone spend more money than you.” Wife: “Stop being so cheap.” … Read more

Relationship Advice: Stepchildren Behaving Badly!

Wait till you read this comment I received from this woman whose boyfriend’s kids (young adults) sound like nightmares! I have some much needed relationship advice for her. My boyfriend’s kids are 18, 20, 22, and 24. The 3 younger ADULTS live with us. The older adult was finally told to leave because he didn’t … Read more

Relationship Advice For The Holidays: Avoiding In-Law Drama

In my “Love Essentially” column, published yesterday in Sun-Times Media local papers,I give relationship advice for the holidays that involves minimizing in-law drama. Not only is this something you need to read if you feel you are constantly on thin ice with your in laws, but it will make your holidays so much smoother and … Read more

my husband has no interest in me sexually

‘My Husband Has No Interest In Me Sexually.’ Should She Get Divorced?

From a reader: I have been married 10 years and I want a divorce. I love my husband so much it hurts to have to tell him I am leaving. We have been fighting for 4 years now, since my dad died, and even more so for the last year, since my mom died. Mainly … Read more

chest pain after breakup

Having Chest Pain After a Breakup? One Woman says “It’s Hard To Breathe”

It’s kind of ironic. You get divorced and you don’t think anything can be worse. Until…the heartbreak of your next relationship. The pain you are feeling can seriously feel physical. I have had chest pain after a breakup. And read this woman’s email to me. She’s saying “It’s hard to breathe!” I’m a 35 year … Read more

Relationship Advice: 15 Ways to Be Sweet that Don’t Cost Anything!

In my “Love Essentially” column, published yesterday in Sun-Times Media local, I offer relationship advice as it pertains the upcoming “Sweetest Day” (which is tomorrow.) Not particularly a fan of Sweetest Day, here are some really “sweet” things you can do for your spouse that don’t involve sugar, and that won’t cost you a dime! … Read more

Relationship Advice: Common Interests Lead to Happy Couples

In this week’s “Love Essentially,” published yesterday in Sun-Times Media local, I give relationship advice that has to do with the importance of a couple’s commonalities.  The column starts with a letter I received: Dear Jackie, I love playing in the Buffalo Grove Symphonic Band. Apparently, so do others, including six married couples! One couple … 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

secrets to a happy marriage

10 Secrets to a Happy Marriage, Coming From a Divorced Woman!

I feel kind of funny offering marital advice since I am divorced. That said, who better to offer marital advice, specifically secrets to a happy marriage, than a divorced person? We know! We’ve made our mistakes. We can tell you what NOT to do to be happy in your marriage. So, here goes. So, here … 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