I’ll never forget the first time I ever met my ex-husband’s new girlfriend. She was beautiful, blonde, much younger than me, and the worst one: NICE! I felt sick. I felt old. I felt ugly. I felt depressed. I really wanted to hate her guts. The problem was, I just couldn’t. She was (is) so … Read more
From a reader who says, “Everything my partner does irritates me:” Jackie, Why, when people are in a serious relationship, do they sometimes irritate one another to the point where they don’t even want to talk? Is getting annoyed with your significant other common? Is it normal? I really love him, but everything my partner … Read more
In my Love Essentially column that came out today in Sun-Times Media Local, I talk about reasons why men and women rush into relationships, and why rushing into relationships isn’t always wise. What baffles my mind, even more than single people rushing into a relationship is when divorced people do it. I really just don’t … Read more
Divorce and binge eating is something I am personally familiar with. Years ago, when I was getting divorced, I can remember being so stressed (a combination of anxiety, anger, fear, sadness, hopelessness) that at times I used food to cope. More than just a few times I would stand in front of my freezer shoveling … Read more
Here is an email from a man thinking about separation from his wife. I truly feel for him because it really is a tormenting decision to have to make. Jackie, I’m thinking about separation. A few months ago I found out my wife was cheating on me and now I’ve been left with the decision … Read more
In my “Love Essentially” column published today in the Sun-Times Media local publications, I respond to a reader’s e-mail regarding a guy she met on one of the dating websites, who she really likes. There’s one red flag: his profile is still active on the site! Here’s my advice to her. Jackie, “I dated … Read more
A reader sent me the following e-mail that I can’t resist sharing because it sparks a discussion about dealing with the pain of divorce, and how that pain, which can be gut-wrenching at times, can cause us to act crazy. The reader refers to the Miranda Lambert Song, “Mama’s Broken Heart,” where Lambert is going … Read more
When I got an email from a reader asking how to end a relationship on good terms, I immediately thought of the famous post it note that Berger gave Carrie on Sex and The City. that read “I’m sorry, I cant. Don’t hate me.” Here is the email I received: I recently met … Read more
Divorced Girl Smiling received this e-mail from a reader seeking advice about sex after divorce and how to be safe. I went out with a guy a couple of times and we really hit it off. Our relationship quickly became physical and in the heat of the moment, I did not address the issue of … Read more
There’s nothing more romantic than sneaking into a supply closet at work with your new boyfriend or girlfriend — who is also your coworker — to start kissing. Your secret relationship from the rest of the office is sexy, exciting and fun. But, dating a coworker has its challenges, including the risk of damaging your … Read more
I finally had a chance to see the divorce movie, Enough Said, a romantic comedy about dating after divorce with James Gandolfini (the last movie he made before he died) and Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Aside from the fact that it was a delightful, entertaining story, done with great taste, amazing writing and two top-notch actors, there was … Read more
Everyone argues. Let’s be honest. Even the happiest couples fight. But there are certain things you can say that are sure to start an argument with your spouse. Saying the wrong thing could make the difference between a minor disagreement and a major battle! Here are 10 things to say to your spouse that … Read more
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