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dating a man with kids

Dating A Man With Kids And Feeling Left Out? It’s Not Personal!

It might be one of the biggest gripes divorced women have: when you’re dating a man with kids and feeling left out. Several years ago, I was in a relationship with a divorced guy who had a 13 year-old daughter who refused not only to meet me, but she wouldn’t even acknowledge that I was … Read more

the bachelor season finale

Thoughts on The Bachelor Season Finale And My Issues With Arie

‘The Bachelor’ Breaks The Mold in All the Wrong Ways by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group Typically, I might use the words “predictable,” “scripted” and “formulaic” to describe the final rose ceremony of “The Bachelor.”     You get virtually the same ending — down to the exact dialogue — every season. But last … Read more

couples therapy

Relationship Problems? You’re Not Crazy And You’re Not Alone

In this week’s Love Essentially column, I write about what I learned interviewing therapist, David Klow on relationship problems, and how the problems you think are unique to you aren’t. If you’re having a relationship problem, it’s probably more common than you think by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group For 13 years, David Klow … Read more

my divorce advice site

My Divorce Advice Site Turns Five!

When I realized that the 5th year anniversary of Divorced Girl Smiling, (my divorce advice site) was approaching, I decided I wanted to do something really special, meaningful and important. So, I decided to throw a huge party, and make it a fundraiser for WINGS, an organization that offers shelter, support and education to victims … Read more

taking ownership of your emotions

Online Dating Tips From an Engaged Couple And A Relationship Coach

This is an inspirational story about a couple whose online dating experience turned into an engagement. The article includes online dating tips from the couple, as well as from a dating and relationship coach. Tips for navigating the crazy world of online dating from a success story by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group   … Read more

why can't I find a man

Why Can’t I Find A Man And Why Do I Always Feel Alone?

 When a woman emailed me these two questions: 1) Why can’t I find a man? and 2) Why do I always feel alone? I felt I had to dig deeper. So, I asked her some questions. I asked about her past, her relationship history, how she met the guys, what the circumstances were, etc.   After … Read more

coping with the loss of a loved one

One Way Of Coping With The Loss Of A Loved One

People have different ways of coping with the loss of a loved one. Here is a story about one way I found comfort when my dad died. I wrote it with the hope that it might help others. When you’re mourning a lost loved one, how do you keep the conversation going? by Jackie Pilossoph for … Read more

benefits of meditation

The Benefits Of Meditation: For Both You And Your Relationship

There are so many benefits to meditation. They are countless! But meditation can do more than just help people as individuals. Did you know it can help your relationship? In this week’s Love Essentially, I interviewed an expert, Jaci McCarty, on what exactly meditation can do when it comes to love and relationships. Meditation for … Read more

getting divorced

Should You Loan Money To A Friend Or Relative Getting Divorced?

Awhile back, I wrote an article, published in the Huffington Post called “10 Ways To Help Someone Going through a divorce.” While I think I gave some good advice, I did not address giving help financially to a friend or relative who is getting divorced.   A few days ago, I received an email from … Read more

HBO show divorce

A Look At The HBO Show Divorce

For this week’s Love Essentially, I got to interview Jenny Bicks, who is the Executive Producer and showrunner for the HBO show divorce. It was so much fun to talk to Jenny, as she was a writer and EP, and actually won an Emmy for my all-time favorite, “Sex and The City!” “Divorce ” Returns, … Read more

divorce advice

Divorce Advice: Here’s What Happens When You Move On Too Fast

  This reader is seeking divorce advice: I have been divorced for two years (no kids), and I have since gotten remarried to an amazing lady and we have a child together.  You would think all of the emotion would be gone regarding my first marriage, right?  WRONG.   He goes on to say that … Read more

I slept with my ex and regret it

I Slept With My Ex And Regret It. Of Course You Do.

This reader writes: “I slept with my ex and regret it.” She goes on… My Ex husband left me for a horrible woman. I did everything, I respected him, I was loyal and truly loved him. After several months of being with this horrible woman, he admitted he made a mistake. I slept with my … Read more