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New Book Helps Women Cope With Cheating Spouse

If Amy Koko’s new book, “There’s Been a Change of Plans” is even remotely like the blog post she wrote below, I cannot wait to dive into it! Amy’s pain and anguish in coping with her cheating spouse is so blatant, the story immensely captivating as her emotions truly pour onto the paper. In the … Read more

Guys Offer Turn-Ons and Turn-Offs in Dating

Dating, especially dating after divorce can feel like you’re in unfamiliar territory. It’s hard to recall what’s going on in the minds of the men you are now going on dates with. But honestly, dating and men probably haven’t changed much since the last time you were in the dating scene. To help offer you … Read more

Bringing Your New Love Home for Thanksgiving

In my Love Essentially column, published yesterday in Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press, I offer dating advice for those bringing home a new love to meet the family at Thanksgiving. My best wishes to all of my readers for a safe, happy holiday!!   Guess Who’s Coming To Thanksgiving Dinner?  by Jackie Pilossoph A table full … Read more

Relationship Advice for Military Couples

In honor of Veterans Day, this weeks Love Essentially is dedicated to offering relationship advice for military couples. Debbie Maraia, a military spouse offers tips on how to cope with deployment. How To Love A Soldier  by Jackie Pilossoph Recently, my kids and I were at O’Hare, headed to our gate to board a flight. … Read more

The Affair Paints Realistic Picture of Divorce

I have to admit I wasn’t a huge fan of season one of Showtime’s The Affair. While I loved the concept—a happy family man and father of four falls for a younger, sexy and married woman, has an affair with her and blows up his marriage, I found the two main characters to be unlikeable … Read more

What Are Divorced Men Thinking? Playwright Tells You Through His Show

I have dated and become friends with many divorced men over the years, and I think I have a pretty good idea of some characteristics that a lot of them have.  Now, a new play is taking viewers inside the minds of divorced men. “Boys in the Basement” is an Evanston play that was written … Read more

pros and cons of divorce

Pros and Cons of Divorce: It’s Not What You’ve Lost, It’s What You’ll Gain

It’s easy to look at divorce as a really, really sad, horrible loss, and I agree that it is. But believe it or not, there are some good things that come with getting divorced. There are pros and cons of divorce. What many men and women (especially those who are newly separated) can’t see is … Read more

relationship dealbreakers

Relationship Deal Breakers: What are YOURS?

What is a relationship deal breaker? Relationship deal breakers are things that someone isn’t willing to tolerate in the relationship; something that they can’t live with, something that they don’t want to live with, and/or something that makes it feel like it’s better to be without the person than to stay. Relationship dealbreakers cause breakups … Read more

A Huge Factor in Moving On After Divorce

When two people get divorced, both hopefully spend some time reflecting on the mistakes they made, which I believe is really healthy in the healing process, and crucial in moving on after divorce.  I’ll even go so far as to say that people who don’t acknowledge and don’t accept responsibility for their mistakes can’t heal. … Read more

faith and romance

Faith and Romance: How Your Relationship Can Benefit From Including God

While recently taking a walk on a beautiful, tree-lined path in my neighborhood, I ran into a dear friend – a 79-year-old Italian native, Catholic woman, who for years and years has heard the trials and tribulations of my love life. We got to talking about faith and romance. So when she asked about my … Read more

dating after you've been married

Dating After You’ve Been Married: You’re Only Allowed One Carry-On Bag On Board

I can honestly say that for every single flight I go on, the items in my ONE permitted carry-on bag consist of the following: computer, phone charger, wallet, phone, Xanex, jewelry case, lipstick, keys, playing cards (if I’m traveling with the kids), sunglasses, ticket stubs. It’s not complicated. What does this information have to do … Read more

I slept with my ex

“I Slept With My Ex” 5 Reasons That’s A Really Bad Idea

Here is an email I received from a woman who wrote “I slept with my ex:” Had sex with my soon to be ex husband Saturday night. Our divorce is final Thursday. The divorce was his idea. Not mine. WTF??   Why do I hear about so many people going through a divorce sleeping with … Read more