benefits of going back to work after divorce

The Benefits of Going Back To Work After Divorce

Thinking of returning to work? I interviewed some working women (most are moms, too) about the benefits of going back to work after divorce and here is what they had to say!     Here are 10 benefits of going back to work after divorce, and why it could turn out to be the best … Read more

exercise during divorce

50 Reasons You Should Exercise During Divorce

Have you been hitting the gym during your divorce? If not, what are you waiting for? Exercise during divorce is crucial in feeling your best in many ways, mostly emotional! During a divorce, there are good coping mechanisms, and not-so-good coping mechanisms. Some people use drugs and alcohol to cope, others use religion or therapy. … Read more

how do you know when you're in love

How Do You Know When You Are In Love?

How do you know when you are in love? It’s a question that at one time or another everyone has asked themselves and friends and family. The response is usually “You just know!” But I decided to dig a little deeper and ask some older guys (all married except for one), “How do you know … Read more

dating ideas

Stay at Home Date Ideas for Couples That Are Inexpensive and Fun!

Planning a date takes effort. First you have to decide what you want to do. Eating dinner at a trendy restaurant, catching the new movie everyone’s talking about, seeing a concert, or going to a Bulls game are all great options, but there is a downside. Dates like these require planning in advance, a babysitter … Read more

no friends after divorce

Feel Like You Have No Friends After Divorce? Read this!

Several years ago when I was getting divorced, I remember thinking that I didn’t know a single divorced person in my community. It was a terribly lonely and isolating feeling, and at times, I felt like I had no friends after divorce. So, when I met “Julia” in my kickboxing class and found out she … Read more

opposing political views

Opposing Political Views In A Relationship: Healthy or Toxic?

Opposing political views in a relationship can be challenging. What if you are hoping for Trump to win the election, but he wants Sanders? How do you talk to each other? Is it better not to talk about it? In this week’s Love Essentially, published today in the Chicago Tribune Pioneer Press, I address this … Read more

Is The Bachelor Sending The Wrong Message For Women Dating?

When The Bachelor premiered in 2002 I was 37 years old, so I wasn’t young, but I was still in touch with the whole dating scene, as I had only been married for a year or so. My ex-husband and I looked forward to every episode, rushed to the TV to catch the beginning (remember, … 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

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

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