blended families, melissa forman

Melissa Forman Gives Tips For Blended Families

Melissa Forman is a well-loved local radio and TV personality in Chicago. I’ve listened to her for decades, and I was even a guest on her TV show a few years ago, but I never knew much about her family until I ran into her at a high school tennis tournament where both of our … Read more

staying happy in your relationship

6 Tips To Staying Happy In Your Relationship

Most of us have heard of the concept of looking at our relationship with our partner as a garden that we plant and tend. The concept being that as with a garden, we plant the seeds of our relationship with another, and watch as it blooms into something that brings beauty and joy into our … Read more

getting together with an ex

Is Getting Together With An Ex A Good Idea or A Recipe For Tears?

In this week’s Love Essentially, I offer the potential advantages and disadvantages of getting together with an ex. Is it a good idea to meet up? Maybe you need closure or just miss him (or her.) Or, will it re-break your heart? Here’s my take on it. Should This Woman Go Out For A Beer … Read more

Megyn Kelly TODAY

Divorced Girl Smiling Featured on Megyn Kelly TODAY!

I recently had an opportunity to tell my story on Megyn Kelly TODAY! What a thrill that was! Although a little scary to put myself out there and be vulnerable in front of America, (there’s a big difference between writing it on a computer and verbalizing it on national TV!) but it felt good because … Read more

Who Are The Best Divorce Lawyers?

“Who are the best divorce lawyers?” is a question I get from a lot of readers, and it’s a question I can’t answer because really, the question should be, “Who is the best divorce lawyer for me?” The best divorce lawyer for one person might not be the best for someone else. There are so … Read more

girlfriend problems

Having Girlfriend Problems?

Girlfriend problems are pretty common, according to life coach, Dr. Lisa Kaplin. So common, that I decided to write my Love Essentially column on reasons why friendships can end, and how handle a girlfriend who decides she just doesn’t want to be your girlfriend anymore. When Your Girlfriend Isn’t Your Girlfriend Anymore by Jackie Pilossoph … Read more

questions to ask on first 3 dates

7 Questions To Ask On The First 3 Dates

Here’s some dating advice that comes in the form of question to ask on the first 3 dates. These questions will help you determine if you’re truly ready to go after your goal of having a long-term, successful relationship. Picture this: You’re on the 3rd date with someone you really like – and who seems … Read more

getting mixed signals from a girl

Getting Mixed Signals From a Girl Means She’s Mixed Up

Here is an email from a reader  seeking advice about getting mixed signals from a girl. He is seeing a woman who is 7 years older than he is. The two have known each other for awhile, and she reached out to him when she heard he was divorced.   After she had reached out … Read more

dating a nice guy but not attracted

Dating a Nice Guy But Not Attracted? Keep Dating Him!

Ladies, fess up. Are you dating a nice guy but not attracted? Maybe he didn’t do anything for you physically? He called when he said he would, confirmed plans, was a gentleman…but nothing in the feelings department. Nada. Zero. Zilch. So you go from dating a nice guy but not attracted to dumping the nice … Read more

5050 custody

5050 Custody Versus Traditional Every Other Weekend Parenting Time

When I was going through my divorce, I had the feeling that most divorced couples were still doing the traditional custody arrangement, where Mom has the kids during the week, and Dad gets them one night a week and every other weekend. Especially in the case where Mom was a stay-at-home mom. But that was … Read more

cell phone rules for married couples

What Are The Cell Phone Rules For Married Couples?

An email I got from a reader got me thinking, what are the cell phone rules for married couples? Let’s start with this: Let’s say your spouse goes into another room and his or her phone is sitting right there on the coffee table. If you start looking at your spouse’s texts and emails, are … Read more