For many of us who are 40 and over, our take on Valentine’s Day has changed considerably since we were kids. When we were in elementary school, the class celebrated Valentine’s Day together. Mini Valentine’s Day cards were addressed to every classmate, and we would drop the cards off at each other’s desks along with Sweetheart Heart Candies that were etched with sentiments like “Be Mine” and “XOXO.” In the years that have followed, we’ve been convinced by societal and commercial influence — we get it Hallmark, Kay Jewelers and FTD! — to see Valentine’s Day as a romantic occasion involving lov ..read more

Twinkling lights, party invites, and candy cane stripes; known as the cuffing season, the coming holidays bring about nostalgic thoughts of snuggles next to a warm fire and the excitement of gathering in-person again. Not only does the holiday season come with a plethora of opportunities to find that cuddle buddy, but single men are pursuing more women this time of year. A Pew Research Center study found that men are now more likely than women to be unpartnered, which means that there are more single men to meet during the holidays than in previous times. This means that they are more likely t ..read more

We’ve all been on bad first dates. When you think about them, are there any common themes? Below are seven things not to do on a first date. Whether you have chemistry or not, avoiding these things will make the date a better experience for everyone. 1. Talking about your ex/past relationships If you’re talking about your ex in a positive light, it looks like you’re not over that person. And if you’re talking about your ex in a negative light, it looks like you’re not over that person… and likely somewhat bitter about it. A few years ago, I went on a date with someone I had matched with on Ti ..read more

As the holiday of love approaches, there are so many emotions that can arise for you. Naturally, if you’re single and in search of love, Valentine’s Day can feel like an impending difficult day, filled with bouts of sadness, loneliness or exclusion. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Sure, February may be chock full of red and pink hearts as far as the eye can see and scream, “be mine,” at every turn, but holidays are a time to be celebrated and find joy. Don’t let the season of love pass you without embracing all that it can be in your life. Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate love, no m ..read more

Have you ever gone to a steak house on a first date? When Jaycie agreed to go out to dinner with a former Coast Guardsman, she certainly didn’t expect that the date would include being on the receiving end of a Heimlich maneuver! “It was horribly embarrassing,” Jaycie remembered, “though now I can laugh about it. And though we only dated a couple of months, I’ll certainly never forget him.” Click “Play” to watch her First Date Short! Share your memorable date as a First Date Short. Complete our Share Your Story form to submit your tale! Photo by Terje Sollie from Pexels The pos ..read more

The holiday season has arrived! This wonderful time of year can also bring some stresses with it (even when there isn’t a pandemic.) Since we’re all about celebrating and supporting GenXers and Baby Boomers, our team has curated this list of ten holiday gifts for the midlife women in your life. May it make your shopping search easier as you look for presents for female friends and family, and possibly something special for yourself too. Back and Neck Massager Pillow Have you ever felt some nagging aches and pains in your neck or back? Of course, you have. We all do at some point.  This ..read more

“Wow,” I exclaimed, “these paintings are amazing—where did you get them?” “From a local artist,” he replied, with a hint of a smile. I had just arrived at my date Roberto’s house after our first few dates at a wine bar and a restaurant. As I walked by the different styles of paintings that adorn the walls, it didn’t occur to me they could have been painted by the same artist, and I definitely didn’t think that he could have painted them. Roberto hadn’t mentioned anything to me about being an artist. But then it dawned on me. It was him! I had just discovered more about this intriguing man. It ..read more

If you’re looking to marry, how do you know if he’s the one? Is he ready for marriage? Besides giving due weight to chemistry and other concerns, you can do some “litmus testing” to find out which qualities he has that you can accept and which ones spell trouble. Marriage-readiness is necessary. It can’t be forced. When he’s ready, he’s ready and not a moment before. If you’re able to manipulate a not ready man into marrying you, he may resent you for a long time. You don’t want that, do you? So do test for readiness. The “Sex and the City” television characters once compared a marriage-ready ..read more

As a dating coach and someone who has found her husband online (after several very interesting years of serial dating!), I sincerely see dating apps as a gift. Their technology enables us to connect with geographically diverse folks, with whom we would not cross paths otherwise in our regular routines or social circles. They also provide us with an unparalleled window into our vast, fascinating, multicultural world. On the flipside, however, online dating has the uncanny ability to throw us into swirls of negativity. Using those apps—most of which gamify dating to make it resemble “hot or not ..read more

You like someone. They like you….maybe. You continue liking this person. This person stops liking you (or never did) and pulls back. You like this person more. This person, feeling smothered, continues to pull back. You continue to obsess more. Why should a person’s feelings actually grow the less someone is reciprocating those loving feelings? There are a few theories on this: 1. Overinvestment Elite Daily describes this theory in detail. It says that a principle on which our minds work is reciprocity. If we do something for someone, even if we haven’t asked for something in return, we subco ..read more