Here are six helpful things to consider when you start to consider integrating your lives. Work out where you fit You won’t always agree and it’s likely there will always be differences, but as you get to know each other, you start to work out your niche and your place in the family and vice versa. It’s a process that takes time and patience and, most importantly, God’s grace in order to shift family dynamics to accommodate new relationships. You don’t have to conform to the negative view of ‘in laws’ – I’ve been blessed with lovely ones – or blended families, but there is an element of work ..read more

Some questions to ask yourself when thinking of dating after loss – whether because of bereavement, divorce or separation: Do you feel you are still on the rebound? In the early days after a divorce or entering widow/widowerhood we can feel so devastated that romantic involvement can act as a form of escape or consolation. Though I agonised over it at the time, I’m now glad no serious relationships came my way for several years after I went through divorce. I don’t think I was necessarily in the right place to make good decisions. Spending time as an independent woman helped me regain emotion ..read more

It’s possible that all around you are the beginnings of what you might term an intentional supportive community: empathetic people who have experienced similar situations and emotions and to whom you can reach out for emotional support in your intention to find your life-partner. Many will be willing to listen and help with advice and wisdom. So here are some pointers from my experience about identifying the right people for your own intentional supportive community: Someone who has been through a similar experience When I went through a miserable divorce, my soul was crying out, “This should ..read more

#5 – Six helpful tips for dating after divorce “‘There is no such thing as the 100% divorce-proof marriage, just as no matter how healthy your life habits are, there is no guarantee you will never get cancer.’ This is incredibly important to realise if your self-esteem is left crippled by a loved and trusted partner abandoning you. This isn’t God’s judgement on you or the marriage.” Read the full article here → • • • #4 – How to avoid one-sided relationships “A one-sided relationship isn’t what anyone is seeking, but it can be possible to fall into one waiting for the other person to step up ..read more

1. Remember divorce can happen to anyone ‘There is no such thing as the 100% divorce-proof marriage, just as no matter how healthy your life habits are, there is no guarantee you will never get cancer.’ This is incredibly important to realise if your self-esteem is left crippled by a loved and trusted partner abandoning you. This isn’t God’s judgement on you or the marriage. For a start, “Any human bond is ultimately surpassed by our individual identity as a much-loved child of God,” as one divorced woman of faith expressed it. It’s also worth bearing in mind the conclusion of a renowned inves ..read more