is Jackie Pilossoph's dating and relationships column, published weekly in Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press

Column: Your body is amazing. Start treating it that way!

By Jackie Pilossoph, April 24, 2019

Take three words out of your vocabulary when you look at your body in the mirror: I. Look. Fat. Whether size 2 or 22, and whether they’re 25 or 55, many women (and men!) have a tendency to focus on what they don’t like about themselves physically and what they wish they could change — whether it’s their weight, saggy skin, a muffin top or wrinkles, to name just a few. Read the entire Love Essentially article

Column: Be kind to the perimenopausal women in your life

By Jackie Pilossoph, March 6, 2019

“Can someone take out the garbage?” “Would you mind emptying the dishwasher?” “The dog needs to go out.” If you’re a mom, I bet, like me, you can’t even count the number of times you’ve asked your family for help around the house, only to give up, do it yourself, and then resent the people who although you love and adore, you wish so badly could comprehend something really significant: You’re tired! Read the entire Love Essentially article

Column: How to have the 'What are we?' conversation

By Jackie Pilossoph, Feb. 20, 2019

“Honey, we need to talk…” That phrase is usually the start of a relationship conversation both partners know is going to be brutal. I’m talking about one of those awkward, dreadful, uncomfortable chats that boil down to statements like, “I need space” or “I met someone else,” or perhaps the one that feels most like a punch in the stomach, “I’m not in love with you anymore.” Read the entire Love Essentially article

Column: Will you be my valentine?

By Jackie Pilossoph, Feb. 6, 2019

Every year on Feb. 14, millions of men and women look at their spouse in a loving, fun, or cute way and ask, “Will you be my valentine?” The question can have lots of different interpretations, which include “Will you take me out for dinner?” “Will you buy me flowers?” “Will you have sex with me?” or “Will you continue to love and be faithful to me?” Read the entire Love Essentially article