At one time, in our culture, “going steady” was the term for a commitment to an exclusive relationship without the finality of a marriage contract. Whether you “wore his pin” or “gave her your ring” – usually high school – going steady was a statement. We may not call it that any more, but deciding [read more]
Live together or Marry? 21st Century Options
A mere 50 years ago (which isn’t that long, really) everything was very different. There was still a huge stigma on couples who chose to live together “out of wedlock” as it was called, and parents whose children did so white-knuckled the social embarrassment until they could finally send out those wedding announcements. Aside from [read more]
Five Steps to Destroy Dating Fear
Fear is a terrible enemy. Fear preys on your mind like a prayer in reverse – the more you dwell on it, the more you create a negative reality. People react to fear by being fearful, and fearful people miss out on… a lot. If your fears – of putting yourself out there, of being [read more]
Forgiveness—Divine Release
“To err is human; to forgive, divine.” A quotation probably more famous than the man who first said it, English poet Alexander Pope. You may well have not heard of him, but you have probably heard his words. Screwing up (to err, in other words) is human indeed. We are all flawed human beings. In [read more]
Honestly? Telling Lies Hurts (Everybody)
People lie constantly. Especially if you include in your tally the most common lie of all: “I’m fine.” As much of a social lubricant as this lie is, it represents an essential fact. People don’t want to reveal… too much. We learn to lie in childhood. Saying “sorry” when we are not, saying what others [read more]
Are You Dating a Selfish Person?
Feeling a little invisible in your relationship? Wondering why your date’s version of give and take has a lot more take than give (which leaves you making up the difference)? Maybe you need to assess how you show up in your relationship, and whether you are looking out for yourself enough. On the other hand, [read more]
Life Beyond the Borders: Date Outside Your Comfort Zone
Are you in a dating rut? That could mean you are attracting the same ol’ boring type or you have given up and are not meeting anyone at all. If you are getting the same story on a different face, over and over again, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and try [read more]
Lovers to Friends? Should You Stay Friends after a Break-up?
“Let’s just be friends.” Four words dreaded by anyone who’s been in a fading or unequal relationship with what turns out to be a short shelf life. The comedic English singing duo, Rocky and Balls, sing about it quite hilariously in this video: Though the whole topic is superb fodder for a strange variety [read more]