Posts by Lori Simms
Are You Dating or Auditioning? Here’s How to Tell and What to Do
Dating often feels like you’re constantly marketing yourself or even being “trialed” (ugh) as a potential partner. You meet someone new, and suddenly, it seems like every word you say and every move you make is under a microscope. The pressure to be “picked” can be so intense that you end up acting rather than…
Read MoreShould I Stay or Should I Go? Navigating Relational Ambivalence
Caught between love and doubt? Many people find themselves in this emotional gray area, questioning whether to stay or go. This state of uncertainty, known as relational ambivalence, is marked by a whirlwind of conflicting emotions—love, frustration, connection, and distance—all swirling together and leaving you confused about the future of your relationship. Why Ambivalence Matters…
Read MoreIs the “Failed” Relationship a Myth?
Are we making a mistake by calling every relationship that ends a “failed relationship” these days? Like many things in the natural world, a relationship can run its course. It’s not like anyone is calling a rose that dies after blooming a “failed” flower. It might be time to simply embrace the fact that some…
Read MoreThis Could Be Why You Feel Lost After a Breakup
Who are you if you’re not in a relationship? This is the core question of the post-breakup identity crisis that can leave us feeling like we’re going off the rails. It can also be what causes us to try to rekindle romances that definitely should have stayed cold. While we may think that our sadness…
Read MoreExploring the “Just Friends” Myth After a Breakup
Does being “just friends” after a breakup ever work? According to a YouGov poll, 37% of Americans say that they’d like to remain friends with an ex if they broke up. Additionally, 31% said they’d want to stay friends even if the ex was the one to end the relationship. In both cases, men were…
Read MoreWhy Establishing New Routines After a Breakup Is Important
Post-breakup you is a completely new person. It’s important to acknowledge that a relationship has left us changed. It’s also important to devote time to ourselves as we come to learn what shedding a relationship means for the future. That’s why establishing new routines after a breakup as part of the emotional recovery process can…
Read MoreFeeling Down and Disconnected? It Might Be December Burnout
Why aren’t I in a good mood even though the holidays are here? It could be end-of-year burnout. End-of-year deadlines, pressures to find the perfect gifts for loved ones, family stress, and endless social gatherings can all crash down on you. Let’s be real. Burnout can happen at any time of the year. However, there’s…
Read MoreHow to Navigate Pacing in a New Dating Relationship
Anyone being in a new dating relationship can relate to the sense of urgency that builds up when you share a strong attraction. However, some dating experts believe that doing anything other than taking it slow is the fast route to heartbreak. How do you navigate pacing in a relationship? Here’s a look at the…
Read MoreThe Pros and Cons of Thinking of Dating as an Evaluation Process
Should you be taking a more scientific approach to dating? While finding love is a matter of the heart, some people are moving toward a strategy of evaluation in order to find a compatible mate. Should you be thinking of dating as an evaluation process instead of relying on emotions to make decisions? Here’s a…
Read MoreDon’t Confuse Red Flags With Quirks
Can you tell the difference between warning signs and harmless quirks? It’s not always easy. When we’re dating with an open mind, we want to leave room for accepting little quirks or habits that make a person who they are. In fact, encountering someone who is “too perfect” can make us question if a potential…
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