When I got married over five years ago, I wondered how things might be different after we tied the knot. Would it feel different? Would making a formal commitment really matter in our relationship?
Is He the One? How to Decide If You Should Make a Commitment (Part 2)
Years ago, when I was dating a divorcing man (who’s now my husband!), and our relationship was getting serious, I struggled with how to answer the questions “Is this relationship right for me? Is this man right for me?” After his divorce was final, we really started talking more seriously about a future together. Plus, […]
Is He the One? How to Decide If You Should Make a Commitment (Part 1)
“I don’t understand how anyone could overlook the hateful and misogynistic things he said — to say nothing of his policy views!” I heard one friend say of the United States’ president-elect. “Well, I don’t understand how anyone could overlook her email scandal and corruption! It’s just more of the same!” another friend countered when […]
When You’re in Love with Him but He Just Wants to Be Friends
Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about what to do if you’re in love with a man but he just wants to be friends. In my response, I provide guidance on how to approach this issue, including specific scenarios in which a friendship with your ex could […]
Why Is He Pushing Me Away If He Loves Me?
Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about understanding why her boyfriend is pushing her away, especially if he’s talking about having a future together. In my response, I provide insight into what’s really going on, the emotional trap that she needs to avoid, and whether she should […]
The Top Five Things That Can Ruin a Relationship — Before It Even Begins
I was excited to share my best advice on Maj Wismann’s blog post featuring “Tips from 62 Famous Relationship Experts” on the “top 3 relationship killers you need to avoid.” Below is an expanded version of the tips that I provided on her blog. Having awareness of these things is so important. These things can […]
Did I Scare Him Away?
Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about the concern that she scared her love interest away. In my response, I provide guidance on how to approach this concern, whether she actually scared him away, and whether she should pursue him to get him back.
Am I Insecure or Is This a Red Flag?
There was a time when I was so insecure in my relationships, I nearly went crazy when a call or text from me would go unanswered. My mind would start thinking the worst “Why isn’t he calling back? What is he doing? Who is he with?” And inevitably I would start blaming myself. “I shouldn’t […]
He’s Not Ready to Commit. Should I Wait?
Today’s article is in response to a question from a reader (via Ask Melissa!) about whether she should wait for her boyfriend to commit if he doesn’t feel ready to commit right now, or if she should leave the relationship. In my response, I provide guidance on what commitment really is, what it means for […]
Burned out in Your Relationship? Warning Signs and How to Avoid It
There was a time when my husband and I were dating where we almost broke it off. He was in the last few months of his divorce being final. It was the home stretch. We’d been through a lot together; what’s a few more months of waiting? But I was tired of waiting. Tired of […]
