Ah, how long in life I have spent looking for validation outside of me. Perhaps not in an obvious way to those around me. And yet, nonetheless, I peered over the horizon of my soul in hopes another would reflect back how worthy and worthwhile I am. I have doubted and therefore discounted my worth […]
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This original question has been edited to protect the identity of the submitter. Q: “Hi Danielle, my name is Emily and I’m an incredibly shy and awkward 22 year old that recently graduated college. I’ve never had a boyfriend, never been kissed or gone on a date and never even been flirted with. I know […]
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Long-term, committed relationships can be tough. You’re co-existing with another complicated human. Maybe they lose some of the luster they had during the early days, or maybe work, kids, and just life itself get in the way, making communication in marriage and partnerships hard. This undeniable challenge is not a knock on commitment and monogamy; […]
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If you’re still single—and you don’t want to be—you’ve been choosing the wrong men. Yes, I know that much is obvious—but I want to help you understand why you’re choosing the wrong men and give you the tools to choose the right ones. How does that sound? I thought so 🙂
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Today’s blog post is my response to a reader’s question regarding how to break up with someone you live with and what to do about moving on after a breakup. It all comes back to setting up respectful, clear boundaries after a relationship has ended. Read on for the full scoop. Dear D, I moved […]
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Most women know better than to try and connect with an emotionally unavailable man—the problem is that we’re not always as adept at reading the signs when we see them (or rather, admitting that the signs are there). That’s what I want to help you work on today. Because if you’re reading here, I’m sure […]
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It’s mind-boggling that 33 percent of engagements (1 in 3!) happen in this five-week period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Day. (Mine did! Jose proposed on New Year’s Eve in 2014.) This period has come to be known as “engagement season.” While it is SUPER exciting for people who get to celebrate the joy of […]
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My husband and cherished soulmate, Jose, and I are celebrating our three year wedding anniversary! THREE YEARS! (Take a peek at the card he gave to me…my heart just melted!) I can hardly believe how quickly these three years have passed, or comprehend how grateful I am to have spent them with such an incredible […]
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Today’s post is my response, as a life & love coach, to a reader’s question regarding shame and insecurity during and after a relationship. Though it speaks directly to a romantic relationship, the same principles apply to any relationship and any situation where you’re holding on to feelings of worthlessness. The tools below will teach […]
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The day I found out I was pregnant I had a panic attack. I was not ready for motherhood. Now, don’t get me wrong—I thought I was. My husband and I had been trying for months. But when it actually happened, I froze. It wasn’t like you see in the movies or in adorable Instagram […]
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Maybe you’ve heard of these mythical creatures. Or seen them in movies. Perhaps your best friend/sister/neighbor is even dating one. The Perfect Partner. They always clean up after themselves. They plan surprise weekend getaways. They buy sweet, thoughtful gifts and spontaneous bouquets. They say things like “I’m so lucky to be with you” and “You’re […]
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Valentine’s Day is just around the corner. This can be such a challenging day — for both singles and couples alike — And even the most bodacious babe can find herself feeling a little down on February 14th. It doesn’t matter whether you’re single or hitched for life; if your one and only doesn’t show […]
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Love. It’s the one thing we’re all seeking. From the youngest to the oldest among us, we’re all looking to love and be loved—and often making the process a lot harder than it needs to be. Unlike what you might read on the cover of the latest women’s magazine, finding love doesn’t necessarily require joining […]
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Everybody’s looking for love. It’s one of the top reasons people seek my help. They want to find love, attract love, keep love. And more specifically, they’re seeking that love outside of themselves; in romance and partnership. They want a relationship. With their perfect partner. Their other half. Their soulmate. But really, they’re coming to […]
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Hi bright soul! Of course you want to be loved and in love! It’s only natural of you. Human beings are built to be in relationships with one another and we are happier when we are in quality partnerships built on mutual respect, trust and affection. This is why it can be so hurtful and […]
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Great relationships don’t happen by accident. Just like that sweet little vegetable patch in your backyard, the more you nurture and nourish your relationship the happier you’ll both be. And what does that look like? Quality nourishment requires pausing, listening, and paying attention to your partner. It requires that you learn to love people in […]
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You’ve been plugging away on That Huge Goal for years now. You’ve taken all the classes. You’ve worked your way through checklists. You’ve had friends take a fresh look at it and you’ve brought in experts. And it’s still not happening. Is it time to give up? Or is it time to let it go? […]
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Love is primal. Love connects us to our mission, to other people and — most importantly — to our own unfolding selves. Love in its darkest, most foreboding of forms, can be unnerving. It can sting, decimate, and dismantle. But there is a particularly riveting flavor of love: passionate love. The “Oh man, I’m standing […]
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“Why doesn’t he ever follow through with his plans? He’s SO FLAKY. He has so much potential that he’s not using. I could help him if he’d let me.” “I wish she was ready to settle down. She knows I want a family but she’s so sure about backpacking through Europe. Maybe if I helped […]
Read MoreIt’s here! Finally! My book Soul Sessions: A 5 Week Guide To Crafting Greater Joy And Making Big Things Happen In Life launched today. BUY NOW $39 I made this book just for you. You, with the impressive job you don’t love anymore. You, who thought you’d feel complete once you got married. (And you […]
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Being one half of a couple can be wonderful, inspiring, heart-poundingly lovely. Romance! Compliments! Someone to share inside jokes with while giggling into your cocktail! Being single can be thrilling, invigorating, heart-poundingly lovely. Flirting with charming strangers! First kisses! Going wherever you want, whenever you want! While single-ing and partnering both have their merits, like […]
Read MoreOne of my favorite past times is asking couples what makes their relationship work. Recently, I was fortunate to sit down and hear the story of Cindy and Ken Schmale who have been together for 25 years! What’s the secret to making marriage/relationship last? This question can be a difficult one to answer. In my […]
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Sally McGraw is a Minneapolis-based freelance writer, blogger, and communications professional. Her blog Already Pretty helps women recognize their beauty, one post at a time. You can befriend her on Facebook and Twitter. Have negative body image issues ever affected your relationship with your romantic partner? I have grappled with bedroom-specific body hang-ups for ages. They’ve […]
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This post originally appeared on the uber talented Michelle Vargas’s website Fart With Headphones On. I was thrilled to write it for her + delighted to share it now with you! *************************************** Long distance relationships are not for the fearful; they’re for the audacious. The brassy, bold + brave. You exchange massive time alone for fleeting […]
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We’ve all been there. You and your honey have been together forever and a day. You’ve even mentally designed the ideal wedding, kitchen island counter-top and the kids’ grammar school graduation. But lately, the relationship is hitting the skids and getting through an average day feels like wading through knee-deep Mississippi mud. You thought you’d […]
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