lying about age on dating sites

Lying About Your Age on Dating Sites? Why You Should Stop

Dating websites and dating apps are still the number one way people meet, connect and fall in love. That said, there are some downsides. one negative is the ease in which people can lie, specifically about age. So, are you lying about your age on dating sites? I want to tell you why you should stop. … Read more

how I leave my husband

“How Do I Leave My Husband?” Woman Asks

“How do I leave my husband?” is a question that pops up on Divorced Girl Smiling a lot. I think this is a question that is beyond painful, and a very difficult one. It’s really, really, really, really hard to leave someone, no matter what the circumstances are. It’s hard to end something long-term, it’s … Read more

mediation and divorce attorneys

Mediation and Divorce Attorneys: How They Can Support or Undermine the Process

My partner Brian James and I have been mediating as a team for almost 14 years. Most of our clients come to us voluntarily because they believe they are amicable, have agreed to most of the issues regarding children and finances, and they want to be efficient and cost-effective as they get divorced. Some of … Read more

how to get your self-esteem back

How to Get Your Self-Esteem Back After Divorce: 10 Tips

It’s no secret that good self-esteem fosters a happier, healthier life. But what happens when you find your self-esteem temporarily suffering as a result of someone or something negative or difficult going on in your life? That negativity or difficulty could be a divorce. While it’s normal to have lower self-esteem during and sometimes after … Read more

same-sex divorce in Illinois

Same-sex Divorce in Illinois Has Its Challenges

Since 2014, same-sex marriage has been legal in the United States. This means that the legal process for divorce is the same for LGBTQ couples as it is for everybody. Although the legal process is the same, there can often be challenges in a same-sex divorce in Illinois that are not present in divorces in … Read more

linkedin as a dating site

Don’t Rule Out LinkedIn as a Dating Site

Men and women are always asking me, “How do I meet someone?“I think that is a tough question. But, something happened a couple days ago that ignited the spark for this article, and it had to do with the potential of a romantic relationship that can stem from LinkedIn or another business networking site. In … Read more

filing for divorce

Filing for Divorce? What Women Need To Know Beforehand

More than half of the prospective clients who call me are women.  Women tend to initiate divorce proceedings–including filing for divorce, more than men. Some women, however, may not be completely prepared for the divorce process. During the first consultation(s) I have with a woman considering filing for divorce, there are certain things that I … Read more

myths about mediation

12 Truths and Myths about Mediation

Mediation is a word people usually are not familiar with unless they are going through a divorce. Even when you hear the word mediation, it can sound confusing, complicated and even scary—especially if you hear myths about mediation that are simply just false. The truth is, mediation is the exact opposite of confusing, complicated and … Read more

boyfriend has no boundaries with ex wife

My Boyfriend Has No Boundaries With His Ex Wife

I have been dating a great guy who is also divorced for the past several months. He’s good looking, successful, kind, caring, attentive, fun, and just a normal, nice guy. The problem is, my boyfriend has no boundaries with his ex wife. They have keys to each other’s houses, they have dinners together with their … Read more

when divorced couples disagree about covid vaccine

When Divorced Couples Disagree about the COVID Vaccine

Divorced couples might have different opinions and argue on many issues, including finances, lifestyle and the children. But once a marital settlement agreement is in place, (when the couple is officially divorced) they have an obligation to adhere to the terms set forth in the agreement. There is a new potential disagreement that most likely … Read more

dating someone who is hot and cold

Dating Someone Who is Hot and Cold Can Really Burn!

Dating someone who is hot and cold is seriously the worst. I was there. Fifteen years later, I can still remember how I felt when I was dating a guy who was hot and cold. On our first date, he took me to a really nice restaurant where the ambience was romantic, the wine was … Read more

recovering from an emotional affair

Is Recovering from an Emotional Affair Possible?

When someone finds out their spouse is cheating or cheated, it’s awful. I’ve personally been there—not in my marriage but in another relationship. It’s like you just got punched in the stomach, and you keep feeling like you are repeatedly getting punched in the stomach for days, even weeks. But what happens when the physical … Read more