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women over 50

Want To Be Happier? This Is A No-Brainer!

One of the most successful techniques to come out of the Positive Psychology movement (Seligman) is the task of keeping a daily journal where you write down three positive things that have happened during your day. Why is this effective? Because looking out for positive things, either that you observe or that happen to you … Read more

love simon

Have You Seen “Love Simon?”

‘Love, Simon’ represents a turning point in high-school romance genre  by Jackie Pilossoph for Chicago Tribune Media Group I have often thought about how unbelievably difficult it must be for a gay teenager to come out. It’s challenging enough for any high school kid to feel accepted and “normal,” but imagine the pressure of trying … Read more

looking to meet someone

Looking For A Relationship? Look In The Mirror First

It’s not unusual for clients to begin my relationship coaching program in a somewhat fretful state and looking for a relationship. Having spent years devoted to their careers, they eventually came to see the lack of balance in their lives.   Some name what they feel as an inner emptiness. Others describe their lives as … Read more

Ever feel Like the Underdog in Dating?

Are you an underdog when it comes to dating and relationships? In this week’s Love Essentially, I explain what exactly it means to feel like an underdog in love and relationships, and I offer dating advice for underdogs who want to be smart, and find and sustain healthy romantic relationships.   Are you the UMBC … Read more

taking off your wedding ring means

Taking Off Your Wedding Ring Means…What Exactly?

Thinking about taking off your wedding ring? Or, did you recently do it? Did your spouse take off his or her wedding ring? Taking off your wedding ring means…what exactly? People take off their wedding rings for all kinds of different reasons. Growing up, my dad did not wear a wedding ring or any other … Read more

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