Author: admin

Being in a new relationship during the holidays can feel exciting, meaningful, and — let’s be honest — a little nerve-wracking. While meeting someone’s parents is a big step, meeting your partner’s adult children can feel even bigger. They may have never seen their mom or dad with someone new; therefore, they may be watching closely to see what role you might eventually play in their parent’s life.Inspired by my own story — and I absolutely remember how nervous I was — it’s important to recognize that if your partner is divorced, widowed, or a single parent, the holidays may…

Divorce is a major legal and financial decision. For many people, the process raises more questions than it answers, particularly in the early stages when priorities are still being worked out. Asking the right questions before instructing anyone can help clarify what lies ahead and what kind of support is needed. This article sets out ten questions worth considering before divorce proceedings begin, covering finances, children, timelines, and legal options. 1. Have I Considered Non-Court Resolution Options? Litigation is not the only path available. Mediation, collaborative law, and arbitration are all recognised alternatives to court proceedings. Courts in England and…

The first day of fall isn’t just about pumpkin spice lattes and cozy sweaters. It marks what I call the Trifecta of Love: three milestones that all arrive together and make this the most romantic time of year.The start of fall — cooler evenings, cozy vibes, and the beauty of changeCuffing Season — when singles look for someone to share the holidays withNational Singles Week (Sept 21–28), with Singles Day on Sept 27Together, these milestones create the perfect recipe for romance — a season filled with fresh starts, meaningful connections, and the promise of love.Why Fall Is the Season of…

Water is an incredible resource given by God. Not only does it keep us alive and healthy – we’re made of around 60% water – but it’s also vital for the planet. Over 70% of the world’s surface is covered by water! Which means water date ideas could be the perfect way to make a splash together, whether you’re just getting to know each other or ready to dive in deeper. Take a boat trip If you’re not ready to actually immerse yourselves in water, floating along the surface can be the perfect way to spend some time. You may…

You may know Marcus Aurelius from history books. Or from the first part of the classic movie Gladiator. He lived and ruled the Roman Empire almost 2000 years ago so it’s kind of unlikely that we would know so much about him and his innermost thoughts today. But he wrote in a private journal called Meditations. Just to help himself with his own life, like many of us have done. After his death this journal was published and read and so his honest, unedited and practical view on life has lived on for thousands of years. And in today’s post…

Connell, men say I’m “intimidating” on dates, and then they ghost me. It’s happened three straight times. What’s wrong with me? Why are men intimidated by me? THE ACCIDENTAL ICE QUEEN   Nothing. You’re golden—but guarded. When confident men call you “intimidating,” what they really mean is, “I couldn’t tell if you liked me.” Chances are, you don’t want to seem too eager on dates, so you hold back. You hesitate to flirt, either because you don’t know how, or you’re afraid of being vulnerable. To you that feels safe. To him it feels like the Berlin Wall. The typical…

‘The masters of relationships are masters of repair’These words of Dr. John Gottman, spoken in his memorable voice and cadence, go with me into every couples therapy session.  I repeat these 8 words to my couples as I teach them the Gottman intervention called The Aftermath of a Fight or Regrettable Incident and as I guide them through the intricacies of the Gottman Repair Checklist. As a Certified Gottman Therapist I believe in the power of repair.Yet, recently, I have become increasingly aware that, when it comes to my relationships, I have not achieved repair master status. I like repair…

National Singles Day 2025 is here — a moment to celebrate confidence, independence, and love in all its forms. Nearly half of U.S. adults are single, and their voices, values, and lifestyles are shaping the future of dating and relationships.Editor’s Note — Updated for 2025When I first shared these 15 facts about singles over a decade ago, the numbers were eye-opening: more than half of American adults were identifying as single for the first time. That moment felt groundbreaking.Fast forward to 2025, and singles continue to redefine what love and connection look like. Did you know that 46.4% of U.S.…

When someone you love dies, the world does not pause to let you grieve. Within hours, there are calls to make and decisions to face, often while you are in shock and running on no sleep. It can feel like being handed a to-do list in a language you do not speak. So what actually needs to happen, and in what order? Having a clear, calm sequence to follow can lift some of the weight at the hardest possible time. This guide walks through the practical steps, gently, so you can take them one at a time rather than all…

When it comes to online dating, first impressions matter more than ever. After weeks of swiping, liking, and messaging, the real test begins on that first date.Here’s the catch — your #1 match is probably someone else’s top choice too. That means there’s competition, and how you show up on date one can determine if there’s ever a date two.As America’s Top Online Dating Expert and The Digital Matchmaker®, I’ve coached thousands of singles on how to transform first meetings into lasting relationships. And I’ve seen it all: the awkward moments, the avoidable mistakes, and the stories that make singles…