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Being a single parent is one of the hardest things you'll ever do. You must be both a mother and a father, which takes strength, patience, and love. However, some tips can make your life easier as a single parent: 1) Be honest with your feelings: As a single parent, you must be honest with your feelings. You may cry more than usual, and it's okay if you do! It's also okay if you don't feel like crying- you can feel however you want. It's essential for children when their parents show emotions openly and honestly because it teaches them that it's okay for them too. Children who grow up seeing their parents being open about their feelings grow up knowing how powerful those same emotions can be when appropriately expressed; they learn how important it is for people to say themselves honestly even when things get difficult or scary; they see from early on how much strength comes from having someone else by your side during tough times...and so much more! 2) Set boundaries for yourself: As a single parent, setting boundaries for yourself and your children is essential. This means that you need to take care of your own needs first so that you don't overcompensate for the absence of their other parent by taking on too much responsibility or being too involved in their lives. You can set boundaries by: Setting clear time limits on when and where your child will be allowed access to electronic devices (phones/tablets) so they have time away from screens; Making sure they know they can come to talk if they're feeling overwhelmed or confused about something without being judged. We are teaching them how to handle money responsibly so they understand what it takes financially and emotionally when making decisions like buying things online through a debit card versus cash. We are setting aside some "me" time every week where no one else is allowed at home except me! 3) Do not overcompensate: Do not overcompensate. Don't compare your child to other people's children or others' experiences. Be kind and gentle with yourself as a parent, but also know when you need help from others--and don't be afraid to ask for it! Be kind and gentle with your child but expect them to make mistakes. It's part of growing up! 4) Take care of yourself so you can better take care of your kids: No question that being a single parent is tough. You're responsible for everything and have no one to turn to when things get tough. But it would be best if you took care of yourself to take care of your kids better. Take care of yourself physically by getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly--even if it's just walking around the block every afternoon after work or going on weekend hikes with your children. It will help keep both their minds and bodies healthy! And remember to take time for yourself away from all those responsibilities as well! Whether taking an hour out of each day to relax with a cupcake (or two), watching movies in bed while eating popcorn, or reading books at night instead of checking emails...whatever makes YOU happy will help make life easier for everyone involved! 5) Tell the truth to your child. Children are very perceptive and will know if you're lying to them or trying to protect them from the truth. Kids should hear it from you than someone else, like another kid at school who may not have all the facts straight (or might even be spreading rumors). Don't sugarcoat things for your kids. Please don't lie about what happened or makeup stories about why things are happening in your life now; tell it like it is! It's okay if some parts are sad or scary; explain as best as possible so they understand what's going on around them, but don't leave out anything essential either--you don't want any surprises later down the road when they find out something else happened during this period that wasn't mentioned earlier on either side of things." 6) Do not compare your child to other people's children or others' experiences. One of the most important things you can do is stop comparing your child to others. This is especially true if you compare their behavior or personality with another person's child. It can be easy for us as parents to look at other people's children and think they are better behaved, well-adjusted, and overall better off than our kids, but this isn't always the case. Each family has their own unique set of circumstances that shape them into who they are today.Additionally, please don't compare your experience as a single parent with someone else's experiences either--it will only make things more stressful! 7) Single parenting is hard, but it is worth it. Being a single parent is hard, but it's worth it. You will learn to be more self-sufficient and independent. You'll have to learn to do things you never thought possible, like ensuring your kid has clean clothes and food in their belly. But these skills will help you become a better parent for your child because they teach patience, resilience, and independence--all essential qualities for being a good parent at any age! The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone. Millions of single parents are going through the same thing you are, and they can be your support system when things get tough. You will make mistakes along the way but also learn from them so that things will improve for you and your children next time! xoxo Erin Time to Dish: How is single parenting going for you? What is the best thing about being a single parent? What is the worst thing about being a single parent? How do you feel about the experience so far? Listen to DIVORCEE DISH TWO

Divorce is a stressful and complicated process for everyone involved. It can be incredibly challenging for women or men who have long been socialized to put others' needs before their own. You may feel that you're not sexy anymore and don't have much of a sense of self-worth. This can be especially true if you're going through a divorce after many years of marriage or if you now find yourself single at an older age. However, it's important to remember that being sexy doesn't mean looking like the latest celebrity in People magazine—it means feeling good about yourself! What does it mean to be sexy? Sexy is a feeling. Sexy isn't about your body or what you wear; it's how you carry yourself and interact with others. If you feel sexy, others will see that in you--and want to be around it. So if you're worried about how others perceive your sexiness (or lack thereof), stop worrying so much! Sexy also means being comfortable in your skin. It doesn't matter how old or young or fat or thin or tall or short we all are--the key is feeling good about who we are as individuals before we worry about anything else. And once again: this comes from within each of us--not from some external source telling us what our limitations should be based on age/weight/height, etcetera... What are some tips to make yourself feel more comfortable? · Think about what makes you feel sexy. · What are some things that make me feel sexy? · What are some things about my personality that make me feel sexy? · What are some things about my body that make me feel sexy? What phrases can you say to yourself to feel sexy? · I am sexy. · I am beautiful. · I am handsome. · I am funny. · I am confident. · I can do this! We know that this can be a difficult time for you, but we also know that it doesn't have to be. We hope this blog will help you feel more confident and sexier in your skin again. Remember, don't give up! You are beautiful, handsome, cute, fun, and valuable no matter what anyone else thinks of you. Be YOU, and YOU ARE SEXY! Listen to DIVORCEE DISH TWO

You don't need to have anything to do with a mean person, so don't waste your time, period. When someone is being mean or unresponsive, remove yourself from their presence and go somewhere else, finding people that love and support you. Dealing with non-communicators is like pulling teeth (which is no fun at all), and people these days (mostly) have lost the art of kindness when interested in someone. If you are stuck at work and a disrespectful friend, date, whatever, won't leave you alone, or if they live next door and constantly invite themselves over for dinner (or worse), it's time for severe boundary-setting. Set boundaries about when and where it's OK for them to communicate with you and stick to these rules: You need to protect yourself and practice boundaries. Protect your time. Practice boundaries. Have a plan for dealing with mean people. Only waste your time on someone else's drama if you have the energy and patience. We suggest avoiding other people's drama at all costs. Mean people are rude, disrespectful, and completely ignorant in the communication area. They don't care about you or your feelings and will do everything they can to make you feel bad about yourself. They have little regard for others and their needs; they only care about themselves! You are better than that! And it's not just their behavior that makes them mean, but also how they communicate with others. They don't listen - When someone is being mean towards us, it's easy for us to get defensive because we feel like we're being attacked or insulted by what they say or do. However, this isn't always true (or fair). Sometimes when someone says something hurtful or critical towards us, it may be because they don't know any better. That doesn't make them less wrong, in any case. Building a relationship means two-way communication via phone or in person. There's no better way to communicate than in person or on the phone because you can hear the other person's tone and body language. Texting is impersonal and not ideal for relationships. You need to be able to listen to the other person's voice. If someone can not commit to that, run! Do not walk; I’m telling you to RUN., they are a poor friend, and you must protect yourself. If your kids are disrespectfully texting you and don't respond when you ask them not to text at all or very sparingly, they are also disrespectful. It takes two-way communication for a relationship, and texting is only proper communication if it is with your kids, who are still learning about their phones! Building relationships means talking on the phone or in person; there is no other way around it! We are all entitled to our own opinion, but when someone is mean or disrespectful, it's time to walk away. They are not worth your time if they cannot commit to two-way communication. You deserve better than that. Hold your heart to the highest level! Erin Time to Dish: How often have you dealt with people who can not communicate? Is it because they feel as if they will say something wrong? How have you handled that situation? What were the results? What would you do differently?

I'm a firm believer in honesty and transparency in relationships. If you're going to be with someone, it's important that they respect your feelings, tell the truth, and be upfront with you about everything in their life. I've found that liars are unreliable people who will do anything to save face or avoid the consequences o f their actions, which bluntly means they might not be worth your time or effort. Here are some signs that can help you spot liars and cheaters: The core of their issue is insecurity. If someone is a liar or cheater, the core of their issue is insecurity. They are obsessed with keeping up appearances and maintaining control over their (and your) life, which can be healthy in small doses but becomes unhealthy when taken to extremes. You are afraid of being found out for who you are--and then losing what matters most: your partner and friends. You may also fear being alone or judged by others for making mistakes (because all humans make mistakes). If a person lies, they are not confident in their relationship with you or themselves. Here it is folks, in black and white: · Lying is trying to make yourself or the other person feel better. It's also a way to improve your position in the relationship. · Lying is an act of self-preservation and self-protection, but it can easily backfire if you're not careful. If someone lies to you, they might be doing so because they think it will help them avoid getting into trouble or hurt feelings--but all they do is hurt themselves by making their partner distrustful and suspicious of them. · People lie to others to make themselves seem more important or influential than they are. · Lying is one of the most common ways people try to make themselves seem more important or influential than they are. · Lying can also be a way for people who feel insecure about themselves (for example, someone with low self-esteem) to boost their ego by making others believe things about them that aren't true. Lies lies lies lies lies. Another way liars try to appear more important or powerful than they are is by telling lies that make other people look bad, like spreading gossip or starting rumors-so they look better in comparison. The liar might think: "If people think I'm so smart and clever, maybe they'll like me better. When someone is dishonest about a big deal like cheating, they're insecure about something else in the relationship. If someone is lying (there’s that word again) about a big deal like cheating, they're insecure about something else in the relationship. That insecurity can be caused by low self-esteem, lack of social skills and emotional immaturity. Insecurities can also be tied back to trauma and abuse from childhood or adolescence that hasn't been dealt with yet (something I've written about before). In my experience with clients who have been cheated on, it almost always comes down to one thing: They were afraid their partners would leave them if they knew how unhappy they were in the relationship. Now for the cheaters. Cheaters give themselves an excuse to be dishonest and get out of a bad situation without considering their partner's feelings. They don't think about how their actions will affect you, they don't think about the consequences of their actions, and they don't even consider how it would make YOU feel if you found out that they were cheating on you. Cheaters only think about themselves! Like a liar, cheaters blame the other person for something that only THEY could control, like their actions. They're insecure and need to make themselves look better by making you feel bad about yourself or your relationship. They want to escape a bad situation without considering your feelings, so they blame YOU for their actions (e.g., "You got dumped because you weren't good enough!"). So, while there are plenty of good people are out there, liars and cheaters are most definitely in the mix. It's important to recognize them for the creeps they are and dump them before the above signs become too serious. xoxo Erin Time to Dish: Have you cheated? Have you been cheated on? How did that may you feel? Did you stay with the person that cheated on you? If you are the one that cheated, why? How did or do you recover from being cheated on or cheating?

Have you ever felt like you're not enough? So, the person you are showing love doesn't share your feelings, or that he/she isn’t as invested in the relationship as you are? Well, I have good news for you: you are enough. Your love is true and pure. Let’s explore and settle this matter once and for all: Do you feel like you aren't good enough? Of course, you are enough. You are more than enough. You are perfect, and nothing can change that. You were born to do amazing things and make an impact on this world, no matter how small or large your goal may be and there is no time limit on your dreams! You are loved by so many people in ways you cannot even begin to understand or comprehend because they don't want anything from you other than your happiness and well-being (and maybe some cookies). You deserve all the good things life has to offer because being alive itself is a gift from God/the Universe/whatever higher power exists out there beyond our understanding at any given moment in time. We have been given free will so we can choose how we wish our lives to turn out…so why not choose wisely? Do you feel like the person you love doesn't share your feelings? If you've found yourself in the position of loving someone who doesn't return that love, it can be hard to accept. You may feel like your feelings are not enough and wonder why they would reject such pure adoration. But here’s the thing: they need to remember that your love is true and pure, and it just wasn't meant for them. Maybe they're not ready for a relationship at this point in their life or maybe there are other reasons why they don't see what an amazing person you are! But no matter what happens, know that there will always be someone out there who appreciates your affectionate nature as much as we do here. Honestly! Did he/she leave you? This is simple and I Implore you to take this in: They leave you because they are not ready to be with you. They leave you because they are not ready to be loved. They leave you because they are not ready to love you, or anyone else for that matter. You are enough. Your love is true and pure. You are enough. Takeaways: Your love is true and pure, and you do not need to change for anyone else. You can find someone who loves you for who you are. We all want to be loved and feel that our love is true and pure. It's important to remember that you are enough, even if it doesn't seem like it. Your feelings are valid and deserve respect from others. You deserve happiness in your life, please always keep that top of mind. Love you, Erin

Divorce can be a painful and extremely stressful experience. Fortunately, you don't have to go through it alone and we’re here to share some tips and trends that can help make the process easier. Trends in ‘23. · Divorce is on the rise. In the U.S., divorce rates have risen over the past decade and show no signs of slowing down. · Divorce rates vary by state and demographics. Some states have higher than average divorce rates, while others have lower ones. Likewise, some demographics are more likely to end their marriages than others (for example, men typically get divorced more often than women). · Religious affiliation can affect your likelihood of getting a divorce. Different religions have different perceptions of divorce: Some religions accept divorce as a fact of life, while others only believe it is right under certain circumstances like adultery. Also, some religions allow remarriage after divorce, and others believe it is inherently wrong. It’s complicated and something to think about. Tip #1 - Make sure you have the right legal team. The first step in your divorce process is choosing the right legal team. You want a lawyer with experience with divorce cases and who knows the laws in your state, but most importantly, you want them to be interested in helping you. A good lawyer will listen to what you say and offer advice based on her/his knowledge of the law and past experiences with similar cases. Tip #2 - Your needs are essential, as well as your spouse's needs. One of the most important things to remember is that your needs and your spouses are essential. This may seem obvious, but it can be easy to forget in a divorce situation when there is so much emotional turmoil surrounding you and your spouse. It's essential to ensure both parties understand each other's needs and goals for the divorce process so that they can feel safe about moving forward with their lives after the divorce is finalized. Tip #3 - There are many different things you need to know before getting divorced. Divorce is a legal process that can be complex and time-consuming. It is essential to know what you're entitled to and whether it's worth fighting for. You need to know the rules and regulations for your state, which vary nationwide. For example, some states have "no-fault divorces," meaning no one needs to prove why they want out of their marriage; others require one spouse (usually the husband) to prove that another party (usually his wife) has done something wrong such as adultery or abuse before granting him/her permission. Net net, divorce is a complex process and certainly not a cake walk, but it can be easier to know what to expect and have the right support once you educate yourself. If you're going through a divorce, ensure you have all the resources available to help you and if you’re not sure you do, ask people who’ve been through it and people who you trust. Of course, you can also read our new, updated DD book/audiobook, Divorcee Dish TWO for important tips, support, true stories and a lot that’s guaranteed to tickle your funny bone when you need it most! Take care, Erin

If you're single, your dating options may be limited. You might live in a small town or work too much to meet people outside the office…or whatever. A million reasons. Perhaps you've tried online dating – for god’s sake, who hasn’t?! - but felt you need more. I get it, as does everyone else struggling with their “love life”(note the sarcastic clause quotes). So here are a few of my ideas for ways to tap into your local community if it seems like there aren't many single people around (and there are): 1) You're looking for someone to date but only have a few options? The problem is that your dating pool blows. Why? Because there aren't many people in it who are interested in you. The reasons: · They might be looking for something different than what you're offering (e.g., they are not interested in having kids) · They've already found someone who meets their needs better than you and would focus on that relationship instead of seeing another person to date when they're happy with the one they've got now (or vice versa). 2) The second reason your dating app options suck is that everyone else has already found someone, and those people might not even live nearby! You may also find yourself stuck between two groups: Those willing to meet up face-to-face right away vs. those who insist on keeping things strictly digital until later when things feel comfier and cozy between them both emotionally. 3) How to get over your dating app frustrations: When your dating pool options suck (I hate that word, but it works here, it's easy to get frustrated and want to throw in the towel. But if you take a break from the app and go out with friends or family, you'll find plenty of people who would love to meet someone like you. Yes, YOU. Plus, it'll help give you some perspective on what makes for a suitable date versus just having fun with someone who doesn't necessarily want something serious. If all else fails, try making some new friends instead of dating them right away--there's nothing wrong with being single! You might even discover that hanging out with others can be more fulfilling than trying to find a romantic partner at this point (or maybe it won't). Either way: don't give up hope just yet! Your assignment today: · Find a friend to go out with you · Go somewhere where you can meet people · Go somewhere you enjoy and feel comfortable, like an art museum or a bookstore. · Don't be afraid of rejection! If someone doesn't like you back, it's not the end of the world--they're not your type! Try again tomorrow with someone else who might appreciate what makes YOU so unique (and vice versa) Net net, getting out of your comfort zone can be challenging, especially when your dating life is going nowhere. But trust me, if you put yourself out there and go out more often, you will meet people looking for a relationship like yours! I have heard from friends that their experiences changed once they stopped focusing on online dating and started going out more often with friends or family members instead (or both). Until next time Dishers, Erin

It's all about attention, right? We crave it, we need it, and we want to feel understood by others, especially during a traumatic time such as a divorce. But what if no one is paying attention? This is a very frustrating problem, especially when the person who doesn't seem to care about you is the only person that matters (in your mind). You could write off this situation as trivial or meaningless, but there are profound psychological implications of being ignored. It's hard to be ignored & it's nearly impossible not to want to be validated by others. You're probably thinking, "This guy/girl is an idiot. I don't need validation." You don't need it? Really? Can you honestly say that you have never wanted to be validated, heard or understood? If so, then let me ask again: do you really not need validation? Because we all crave attention. Period. And when we don't get it from friends and family members who love us unconditionally (because they should), we look for other sources of attention like social media platforms where we can post pictures of ourselves looking good and getting lots of likes. Or maybe even Instagram, where our carefully crafted photos can get thousands of views in just one day. But be careful because that is NOT REAL LIFE. We want people to notice how great our lives are because they are extraordinary (or a mess, depending on the day), and if they don't, cut them out (it is too toxic). Some people think that they are so good at ignoring you, but they're being rude (i.e., assholes, bitches, or other words you may call people) If you feel someone ignores you and makes you uncomfortable, that's not their fault. They are just being inconsiderate. That's right! The person who doesn't show attention to others has no idea what they are doing and how it affects people around them. They consciously or unconsciously don't care about other people's feelings or needs because they're too busy thinking about themselves and what they want in life…which is fine. But not necessarily for you. When it comes down to basic human interaction with other humans (especially ones who have been around for longer than five minutes), there should be some common courtesy acknowledged by all parties involved so everyone feels respected and valued by each other. Ignoring another person isn't OK because “it happens all the time.” If someone ignores another person intentionally, then there should be consequences for such actions beyond just being called rude names online or having angry tweets directed towards them for days on end after an event where something happened between two people who barely knew each other existed, but still managed somehow over time through sheer coincidence alone - despite both parties never interacting again after this incident occurred - which would mean technically speaking if one were genuinely concerned with how others felt then wouldn't one seek out opportunities. Wordy, yes. Make sense? Yes. You deserve to feel understood. You have the right to be heard. You have the right to be understood, and you deserve to feel validated. You can ask questions and expect them to be answered honestly, or at least not with an excuse or a lie. You can say what you think and feel without being dismissed or judged as crazy or irrational (unless it's crazy or unreasonable). You can expect someone who cares for you to accept your quirks and embrace them as part of you (and they) are. When you're craving attention, it can feel like no one understands. But the truth is that we all have these moments. The key is learning how to cope with them healthily so they don't become a problem. You go, attention-getters! Erin Let's Dish: Don't worry about your craving for attention - write your fears down: Who and why have the people you are craving attention to ignore you? If they ignore you, in turn, ignore them back - think about what you can do instead of worrying about them not getting back to you.

Sex talk is never easy. But when you're ready to have sex, and you know it, you can't wait any longer. So here are some ways to help get it on: · Ensuring your partner is on board with the whole thing is essential if you're in a relationship. If they aren't, that's fine…you can still do it yourself (swear). But if they are, then get ready for some serious fun! · Ensure you have discussed what sex toys or accessories you want to use together so neither party feels their desires are being ignored or dismissed. · Discuss how often and how long each session should last; this will help keep things from getting boring or repetitive as time goes by (it's also helpful when deciding whether something needs replacing). · Agree upon rules regarding safe words/gestures/signals: some people prefer using signal lights instead of words because they feel less threatening; others may want something more explicit such as "red light" vs. "yellow light" vs. "green light." Whatever works best for both partners should be used here. Don’t forget about eye contact! When you're looking for sex, it can be hard to know where to start. Do you reach out to friends? Friends of friends? Strangers? Online dating apps? Hookup apps? Adult dating sites? Or maybe someone in your life has been flirting with you and making subtle advances in your relationship. Perhaps a coworker who wants more than just friendship but hasn't yet made their intentions known? Nevertheless, it doesn't matter what kind of relationship they have with you. If they're interested in having sex (or something else) with you, it will happen! Do you have a partner? · If you have a partner, have sex with them, end of story, period! · If not, it might be time for some introspection. You might be single because of your choice (you're busy with work or school) or because no one wants to spend time with you (maybe they think your personality is too much). But if neither of these things feels true for you, then it's time to start thinking about what else could be holding back your love life from being better than it is now. Try getting out more. Or even going on dates? When you want sex, there are many ways to get it. Be bold and ask a friend if they are up for it. Go to a bar and see if anyone strikes your fancy. Or maybe you've got an app on your phone where people post pictures of themselves in various stages of undress and invite strangers over for sex ((Tinder, Grindr, you name it…booty call central!). You could go to a sex club where tons of people are also looking for some action or even just one person. The possibilities are endless, but of course, this goes without saying, but I will anyway: stay safe and sound. Now that you know all the different ways to reach out for sex, it's time to go out there and make it happen! You don't need a partner or phone number; you only need yourself and an internet connection. So do what feels suitable for your body today and remember: Nobody else's opinion matters regarding what makes us feel good in bed. Get them! Erin

The first time I wrote a love letter, I was 14 years old. It was to my boyfriend at the time, it was giddy and fun, and we talked further. The words that came out of my mouth were trustworthy and honest, and he responded with a mixed tape! It was a great experience, and we remain friends to this day. So here I am 30 years later, writing this article about why you should write and share your love letters with people around you... even if they may never talk to you again or do not feel the same. And here’s the biggest question: How do you say I love you to someone in a letter? To write a love letter, you need to be honest. Be brave and put your heart on the page. Be yourself, even if it feels awkward or scary. The best way to tell someone how much you care about them is by being vulnerable and opening up about how they make you think whether joyous, sad, or somewhere in between. Love letters are a great way to express your feelings but can be scary and nerve-wracking. You may be worried about being vulnerable and being rejected. You might also be afraid that the other person will judge you or think less of you for saying what's in your heart. Another reason people are scared to share their feelings is that they don't know how to say what they want to say without coming across as cheesy or awkward…and this fear may lead him/her away from expressing themselves entirely and honestly. So…Have you written a love letter before? Do you remember how it felt to write that first draft and then give it to the person for whom it was intended? The excitement of sending your thoughts into the world is exhilarating. You feel vulnerable but also courageous in your vulnerability. But what if there's more than one person involved? How do you decide which person gets his/her letter and which one gets part of another (or even all)? And what happens when they both want their separate letters from you? Is this even possible? OMG, here we go: · What happened after you shared your feelings in the letter? · The person responded by saying they loved you too. · The person said they were happy to hear from you. · The person was surprised to hear from you.? · The person was angry that you wrote the letter, cut off contact with you, or didn't respond. (In my case, it caused the sounds of silence. Which is rude, out of character, and makes me think this person must be high or just downright disrespectful). · It's important to say what you mean, even if it feels scary. You don't have to worry about what will happen next or whether the other person will reject you. Love is worth the risk. · You may not know how they feel about you yet, but it doesn't matter: Your words mean so much regardless of what happens next. I hope this blog inspires you to write a love letter, no matter your fear or excitement. Your words mean so much to you AND the recipient, regardless of what happens next. From my experience long ago, II know it was one of the best decisions I ever made. It changed my life forever, not necessarily for the best, but by the reaction. For better or worse, go there; you'll know where you stand, whether you find happiness or disappointment. Xo, Erin

Sparks are the first signs of attraction and can be easily confused with love. Sparks fly when you meet someone truly compatible with you. Sparks fly when you feel like you've known them forever or when they remind you of someone else. Most people have experienced sparks at one point or another, but there's no way to predict whether those sparks will lead to a long-lasting relationship or fade away after a few weeks or months. When you meet someone, and it's like you've known them forever, your souls recognize each other. The feeling of recognition is so strong that it feels like you've learned this person your whole life. You feel like they understand everything about who you are and what makes sense to do in the world, no matter how crazy or out of the ordinary it might seem to others. When sparks fly between two people who aren't romantically involved (like friends or coworkers), there can be an intense desire for closeness between them--to be together all the time, maybe even move into a house together! This kind of closeness comes from having similar values or beliefs about life; sharing similar interests; liking each other's company so much that being apart feels wrong; being able to talk openly about anything without judgment from either side... You feel like you've known this person forever. It's a feeling that can't be explained, but it's there. You feel like you've known this person forever. You feel like they are easy to talk to, and they know exactly what to say when you need it most. It might be because they have a similar background or sense of humor as you do, but whatever the reason is, sparks will fly, and your relationship will take off like wildfire! It's a rush of adrenaline that comes from attraction. The feeling of attraction is a rush of adrenaline from your body's natural fight-or-flight response. It's the same reason you feel excited when you see a wild animal on the safari, but in this case, it's caused by another human being. When sparks fly: Your heart beats faster, and your stomach gets butterflies (or whatever animal metaphor you prefer). You start to feel happy and excited around them, even if they're not doing anything special! You get an urge to talk to them more often than usual because you want more time with them--and maybe even some alone time with them too! You know your other half is compatible with you when: You have a similar goal and vision for your future. If both partners work toward the same goals, that's a great start. Your values and beliefs align with each other's. It's essential to be on the same page about what you want out of life so that there aren't any surprises in store down the road! Both partners want the same things in life. If you have a deep connection with someone, you likely feel you can tell them anything. You might also feel like you have known them forever or that they are your best friend. You may even trust them completely--even though this is a new person in your life! This is because of how strong the connection between you is; it's almost like magic! If this sounds familiar, then congratulations: sparks are flying! When sparks fly between two people, they often say, "We just have so much in common!" or "I could talk to this person for hours!" This is because when we connect with someone on a deep level, we become closer as friends and partners; our lives become intertwined in ways that weren't possible before meeting each other. We hope you've found some insight into what it feels like to connect with someone. It's a fantastic feeling that can't be described with words alone, but we tried our best! If you want to know more about what sparks fly between two people, check out our blog post on telling if someone is attracted to you. May your connections spark a fire! Erin Time to Dish: Have you recently connected with someone? Is it like you have known them forever? How did you meet? Isn't it the best feeling in the world?

Dating is a strange experience. It can be exciting, nerve-wracking, and even disappointing. But the most important thing to remember when dating someone new is knowing what you want from your relationship. If you are still determining what you want, how will anyone else? Here are some things to consider before settling into another partnership: If you're trying to find out what kind of person you want, here are some things to think about: Loyalty and honesty. Your next partner should be someone who has your back and won't betray your trust. Shared values. You need a partner who shares some of the same values as you do--it's crucial to maintain a healthy relationship! Faithfulness (or lack thereof). Do they have an active sex life? Are they monogamous? Do they have a history of cheating on partners or being cheated on themselves? These questions can help determine whether someone suits you...or not! What qualities do you look for in a man or woman? Honest Fun Considerate Kind Intelligent and exciting to talk with, but not necessarily book smart (this is important). Loyal to family and friends, but not necessarily loyal only to one person consistently. You may be surprised to learn that most people are not emotionally available. They're often busy, stressed out, or just plain tired of being a grown-up. So, do you want someone to make time for you and listen without judging or criticizing? That's more challenging to find. And then there's communication: good communicators tend to be good listeners, too--but again, this is only sometimes true! Some people love talking about themselves but aren't interested in hearing what anyone else has to say; they might even get defensive when someone tries telling them something important about themselves (as if they don't already know). And while some people are great at communicating their feelings openly and honestly...others might have trouble saying precisely what they're thinking or feeling because it makes them feel vulnerable (which is normal). Do they need to have been married before? or not? If you have been married before, then your expectations are probably higher than if you haven't. You know what it feels like to be in a relationship with someone who doesn't do everything you want them to do. You know how important honesty and trustworthiness are for a long-term partnership and are looking for someone who shares those values with you. If this is your first time around the block regarding relationships, your expectations aren't so high—or they are! Either way, it's safe to say that most people want kindhearted partners who will treat them well. Do they need to have kids or not? It's not a deal breaker, but it's a plus. Many people think having kids is one of the most essential things in a relationship. But if you don't have them yourself and your partner doesn't, it shouldn't be a problem! It may be an issue for some people. If you want children and your partner doesn't, this could be an issue for both of you--and vice versa! It depends on how strongly each person feels about the topic (and whether they're open to discussing it). It's important to know what you want in your next relationship. You don't want to waste time with someone who isn't going to fulfill your needs or make you happy. Take time and think about what qualities are most essential for you to be a partner. Then, find someone who matches those criteria! Happy searching, Erin Time to Dish: What are your standards? Do you make sure to stick to them? or do you settle? No one is perfect, are you able to look beyond the small things?