Are you in love today — and every day? It can happen. That’s why this year, I’ve set aside my usually hating against hearts, roses and candlelight dinners. Every Feb. 14, I used to rant, even when I was in a decent relationship. But this year, I’m celebrating a new, different kind of romance. Finally, this girl is single and …
Fear of traveling solo: 9 things I learned in Bangkok
On Jan. 1, my daughter Gabi and I flew to Bangkok. This was after 18 days of traveling together in Asia. She was heading home. Meanwhile, I planned to stay in Thailand’s capitol city and deal with my fear of traveling solo. As we waited for her flight, Gabi watched me fidget on my iPhone. “Why are your hands shaking?” …
Is celibacy the answer?
Note to readers: Last week I wrote a letter to my inner child. This week, she writes back and recommends celibacy. Hmmm. Dear Betty, Thank you for the letter you wrote to me, your inner child. Of course, I want to take your hand and bust out of your Inner Darkness. But for us to truly journey together as …
The challenges of empty nesting & more
Here we go again. Another cycle of reinvention. All my loved ones have flown the nest. Boo-hoo. Poor me. Even though I learned to be alone after my 2001 divorce, this time it’s different. This time, I’m not bleeding emotional wounds from ripping apart a marriage. Instead, I’m facing typical first-world lifestyle transitions: The young adult daughter, living away from …
Writing about dogs: RIP to the king of canines
One glance at his Match.com photo and I knew. He was big and strong, with a magnificent head of hair. Roscoe also proved to be a total gentleman: attentive, kind and fun. Within weeks, he pretty much moved in with me as part of a package deal. It was love at first sight with Roscoe, a black-and-tan Belgian Shepherd — and, …
36 questions to find love (even for singles)
I’m usually a grouch about V-Day because the commercialism gets on my nerves. But a kinder, gentler me found a free and lovely way to share a wonderful hug with myself, my significant other and my students. The “36 Questions” are the answer. They come out of a research study on intimacy. The study poses 36 questions designed for couples …