Maybe it’s because I’m a romance novelist and relationship writer, but I am a sucker for love letters. So, when one of my readers sent me a love letter he was planning to give his wife of 25 years, I decided I needed to write about it. Choosing a birthday gift for a spouse isn’t … Read more
I’ve lived in the suburbs for 15 years. During that time, I’ve heard people talk on numerous occasions about supposed swinger parties that go on. I’m talking about men and women who are either married or in committed relationships getting together with other couples to have consensual sex with multiple partners. I’ve also been in … Read more
Maybe its because I’m a reporter, but hearing about the Ashley Madison hack made me want to learn more about the cheating website. So, I set up a profile to get the experience. In this week’s Love Essentially, published in Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press, I write about joining Ashley Madison, as well as alternatives to … Read more
Is wanting a divorce selfish and cruel? Here is an email from a reader who is being accused of being these things because she wants a divorce: I have been married to my husband for 5 years. 3 of those years I spent deployed away from him. We met online while I was deployed. I … Read more
There is no bigger fan of Sex and The City than Jackie P. I have seen every episode at least five times, I organized girl’s nights when both movies premiered, my comforter is still Calvin Klein Bamboo Shoots (same one as Carrie in her old apartment,) and at one point, the show’s opening song was … Read more
Most couples have some kind of conflict. What I mean is, even if you have a wonderfully happy and healthy relationship, you aren’t going to agree on everything. But here’s the difference between being happy with your partner and not: the WAY you handle your disagreements. Do you fight? Argue? Give each other the silent … Read more
With the recent Supreme Court ruling legalizing gay marriage, I have to believe: More same sex marriage will lead to more same sex divorce. In this week’s Love Essentially, published yesterday in Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press, I explore what the ruling means for divorce, and possible ways to cope. Gay Marriage Ruling Brings Gay … Read more
“How do I meet someone after divorce?” is a question I get asked almost on a daily basis. It inspires me that even after a bad marriage, men and women still crave happiness in this regard. However, what men and women don’t realize is, meeting someone isn’t dependent on how many dating sites you belong … Read more
This is a TRUE story that I think will help countless single or divorced women dating over 40. It has to do with getting older, body image, self-love, self-esteem, and my girlfriend who needs a good kick in the ass! Last week, she and I got invited to go on our friend’s boat. So she … Read more
Going from casual dating to a serious relationship is a huge transition. It might seem scary or uncomfortable, which is understandable. But I will say, it can also have so many wonderful benefits! I received this email from a reader: Jackie, I recently went from casually seeing someone to officially being her boyfriend. I’m wondering … Read more
As I was walking out the door yesterday morning, heading to the gym, I got a text from a girlfriend that read, “Whatcha doing? Meet for coffee?” I loved it. No planning, scheduling, cancelling and rescheduling, all I had to do was shift a few things around and an hour later (straight from the gym) … Read more
Divorce and exercise should always be used in the same sentence, as I believe that some form of working out–whether it’s weights, intense cardio, balance and core work, or even just brisk walking-helps men and women in coping with divorce and other stressful life situations. In this week’s Love Essentially, published yesterday in Chicago … Read more
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