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holiday gifts

Three Amazing Holiday Gifts You Can Give That Don’t Come In A Box

With the holidays right around the corner, holiday gifts are on everyone’s minds. What’s ironic is that people buy holiday gifts to show their love. But there are other ways to show someone you care. So, in this week’s Love Essentially, I address three holiday gifts that don’t come in a box, and the happiness … Read more

getting divorced

Getting Divorced? Advice for “I Can’t”

When getting divorced, men and women often think ‘I can’t,’ meaning, ‘I can’t take this anymore, I can’t deal with him (or her), I can’t handle this pressure, I can’t coparent with him (or her), I can’t get over my anger and I can’t date ever again.  So, when I read this blog post by … Read more

head over heels in love

Is it Better to be Head Over Heels in Love or Comfortable in a Relationship?

Jackie, I need some relationship advice. What is a better relationship? Comfortable and good enough, where your life is generally better but you’re not exactly in a rush to see the girlfriend or “Head over Heels in love:” where there is a ton of passion but that’s the only thing notable.   My gut reaction … Read more

middle school girl drama

A Refreshing Act Of Kindness Amongst Middle School Girl Drama

Any mom who has a daughter in middle school is no stranger to the bullying, the pettiness, the mean behavior and the tears that go on. Middle school girl drama breaks your heart for your daughter.  But last week, an exceptional act of kindness that took place at my daughter’s school gave me hope and … Read more

SMILF

Have You Seen SMILF Yet?

In this week’s Love Essentially, I wrote a review of the Showtime comedy, SMILF. I think the show is something that single moms will truly appreciate and find really funny!   ‘SMILF’ Funny, If Dark Tale Of Single Parenting by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group Maybe it’s because I’m a divorced mom, but there’s … Read more

heroin in the suburbs

Beware: There Is Heroin In The Suburbs

Parents, beware. There is heroin in the suburbs. After conducting this interview I am scared as hell. The good news is, if we talk to our kids, we have a chance to prevent them from even trying it once. A Heartbroken Mom Says ‘Heroin is in your suburb’ by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group … Read more

when dad doesn't show up for visitation

What Happens When Dad Doesn’t Show Up For Visitation?

What Happens When Dad Doesn’t Show Up?  by Jackie Pilossoph for ESME It starts the day a child is born: a mom’s desire to make things all better. Remember how hard it was when your baby was wailing and you couldn’t figure out how to get him to stop? Well, that desire doesn’t change as your … Read more

collaborative divorce

Collaborative Divorce: Why You Might Want One

I had never heard of collaborative divorce until a few years ago. In fact, if I wasn’t the writer of this blog, I probably still wouldn’t know what it was. But collaborative divorce is becoming more and more well-known and well received, because it’s a way to get divorced that offers a better outcome for … Read more

thinking about divorce

Thinking About Divorce? Here Is Your Legal Consultation

Several years ago, when I began thinking about divorce, not only was I scared, angry, confused and heartbroken, but I also felt intensely overwhelmed  when it came to understanding the divorce process, how things work, legal documents, and the court system. What I wanted to know was, how I could part ways with my husband … Read more

should I get divorced

Should I Get Divorced? My Answer to Her Is Hell No.

I get many, many emails from readers who tell me their stories and then asking, “Should I get divorced?” I usually have a pretty good gut feeling on whether or not I think the situation still has hope, and sadly, most of the time, I don’t think so. But, this woman emailed me asking, “Should … Read more

Are You Dating A Playboy?

If you are dating a playboy or you aren’t sure, this is a great article for you. Published today in the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press, this week’s Love Essentially is about playboys and why women either love them or why they run from them. Enjoy! How Do Women Really Feel About Playboys? by Jackie Pilossoph for … Read more