Dear Betty, Why is it important to ask on a first date what someone is looking for in a relationship? The question, “What are you looking for in a relationship?” is key for understanding each other’s intentions and expectations. Below are a few benefits: Understanding Intentions: Reveals desires, from casual dating to long-term commitment. Clarifying [read more]
Ask Betty: Betty, can you give me some tips to communicate better with my girlfriend?
Betty, can you give me some tips to communicate better with my girlfriend? I feel that we are not on the same page or even the same planet when we try to resolve our differences. Thank you, Brad Great question, Brad. Let’s jump right in. Feeling like you and your partner are speaking different languages [read more]
Question: My boyfriend is constantly asking me about my social media posts, comments, likes, etc.
Hey Betty, my boyfriend is constantly asking me about my social media posts, comments, likes, etc. Of course, I answer him honestly and I’m a little confused about what’s up with this. Can you give me some insights? I love your advice posts and would greatly appreciate hearing your take on this situation. Amanda Hey [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]
Part One of a Great Relationship – Emotional Intimacy
The key to any successful relationship is genuine attachment. Obviously you have a different relationship with a housemate or friend than you do with your lover. No matter how close a friend a housemate is, the attachment of a lover is bound to be deeper. It is based on full understanding which leads to a [read more]
How a Painful Breakup Can Lead to Personal Growth
Don’t kid yourself. Breaking up can be brutally difficult. In many cases, it is akin to losing someone to death. The loss is complete. Ties severed. Someone who once filled your life and heart is now gone. Don’t pretend “it’s okay” when it’s not. Let yourself experience it, in whatever way is right for you. [read more]
Newly Single Part 2 – Dating + Children
Being a parent is one of the most meaningful roles a person can fill in life. The relationship between a parent and a child, at any stage of growth from cradle to college and beyond, is unique, beautiful, challenging, rewarding, and of inestimable value. Last tiem I talked about being newly single and back in [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]