You’ve been divorced a while–maybe six months, maybe more than two years–and nobody better has shown up to tempt you. What’s more, parenting as a solo act has proven to be a heavy burden. And on top of that, the kids haven’t given up pestering you about getting their dad to move “back home.” You’d think by now they’d be used to the new order of things, but no, they’re relentless about wanting Daddy to return. And you’re tired of hearing them “singing the same old song.”
“Some men are actually very afraid of roller coasters.”
We women think we have men all figured out. Many of us believe they only care about three things: sex, food and sports. But the reality is, they are human beings who experience human emotions, and the sooner we accept that fact, the sooner we will begin to experience true joy in our relationships.
Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston. Photo: Famepictures, Inc.
By Joanne Pittman of Pittman Consulting & Image for Hope After Divorce
The teenage son of a dear friend of mine said something one day that really stuck with me. He was speaking about a relationship his mother was building with a new boyfriend, and he flatly stated, “He is not the star of my show!”
As an image consultant who has worked with celebrities, models and public figures as well as professionals and individuals, I see all of my clients as “stars of their shows.” Life is filled with transitions, and divorce is one of them. While in a transitional state, it’s common and needful to make adjustments to our images that allow us to circumvent needless and costly detours on our road ahead.
The term, “narcissist” seems to be spreading through the world like an out-of-control wildfire. The term itself doesn’t always have a negative connotation since, ironically, we are all narcissistic by nature and there actually is a certain degree of self-love that is healthy. However, there is a line that separates healthy confidence from the übertoxic Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). That’s what we need to be mindful of when we date someone.
The celebrity world seems to be brimming over with unhealthy narcissism. The spotlight that shines in Hollywood is highly attractive to a person with NPD. Celebrities are equipped with fame and power, which feed a narcissist’s ego. While many celebrities forge a balance through grace and humility, there is a significant number who bathe in the spotlight in complete self-indulgence.
Denise Richards and Charlie Sheen. Photo: Lee Roth / RothStock / PR Photos
By Nancy Lang for Hope After Divorce
The Universe can have a very ironic sense of humor. I recently had an altercation via e-mail with my ex-husband (about money, of course), and all of my old buttons were not only pushed, but they got stuck in “I’m hurt, I’m not respected, I’m not appreciated, I’m pissed, and I hate you!” mode. For two days, I stewed and chewed on the not-so-pretty file in my memory drive, as I was reminded of the many reasons why we got divorced. Several days later, funny enough, I find myself with the opportunity to write about maintaining a friendship with one’s ex-husband.
Sad couple after fight in bed. Photo: fabianaponzi / Bigstock.com
By Monique Honaman for Hope After Divorce
I recall speaking to a divorce support group a few years ago. Whenever someone referenced their EX-husband or EX-wife, each person was careful to use the phrase “my former husband” or “my former wife.” This wasn’t just something that one person used but rather everyone in the group. I thought it was interesting. After all, using the term “EX-husband” seems pretty common. When I asked what this was all about, I was informed that they believed that EX- implied a negative connotation, and they preferred to approach the word a bit more positively. OK! To each his and her own!
