This New York Times article discusses the cost differences of same-sex couples in terms of federal benefits and taxes. Federal law does not recognize same-sex marriages or domestic partnerships, even if the state a couple resides in does recognize the relationship, and give the same-sex relationship legal status. Same-sex couples with with one spouse whose employer offers benefits for the other spouse are in terms of the federal tax law required to report the spouse's benefit as taxable income. This is not the case if the couple were heterosexual.

Read more >

Though it has been a major part of our society for approximately 15 years, it seems the Internet is still a bit of a cultural wild west. For some reason standards for etiquette and common decency haven't fully integrated into the way we use this technology. I hear questions and complaints about the problems Internet communication present to the dating experience, so here are a few pointers on how to use the Net for romantic pursuits.

Read more >

Once you’ve been in a relationship for a long time, you can often start to forget to have fun. You may have moved in together, or even gotten married, and between the bills and odd work schedules, suddenly you’re wondering, “Where has all the fun gone?”

But it doesn’t take a miracle to recover your sense of fun. In fact, why not take up that piece of advice well-meaning, nonetheless annoying friends and family always tell you—“You’re not getting any younger… When are you two going to pop out some kids?”

Well, you don’t have to take it literally; how about instead of having kids, just for today, you be kids together? It doesn’t have to take much money—though it can if you want to do extravagant kid things—nor much time. Take tonight, or sometime this weekend, to just connect with your partner and be a kid together. Try…

Read more >

Innocent Flirting?Is flirting with someone not your husband a bad idea? How about fantasizing sexually about people you know? How much flirting is really innocent and how much crosses the line?

Read more >

Cheater!I am not sure if I fully agree with the phrase, “Cheaters will always be cheaters” or “once a cheater, always a cheater”.  I think mostly, yes, that is correct, but I also think that once the cheater finds someone that they cannot live without or once they are ready to settle down, that some (not all) will no longer cheat.  I, on the other hand will not stay with a guy if he cheats on me, but I have seen people who have cheated in the past, find someone that they are passionate about and never cheat again.  I have also seen people who have cheated and promised to no longer cheat, cheat. 

Read more >

Although I’m married, one of my favorite things to do is to “date” my husband. We always have a good time, whether we’ve got money or not. These days, it’s more often “not,” which is just fine. As long as we’ve got our couple time, we’re good to go.

If you’re broke you can still have a pretty fun date, too. Here are a five fun dates that will cost you $5 or less.

Read more >

DivorceWow! I thought the saying was, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned", but after reading Sandra Tsing Loh's article in the Atlantic Monthly, I'm going to have to radically change that perspective. Perhaps, "Hell hath no fury like a woman trapped in an unsatisfying marriage" would be a more accurate description of today's Supermom/wife who has so many responsibilities that saving a marriage seems like the last on a list of long, unsatisfying household chores.

Read more >

Governor SanfordCheating (on your spouses or significant others, not on tests) is responsible for a large number of break-ups in the US and by some reports, is actually the second leading cause for divorces in the United States. The NY Times recently had a short commentary piece examining a video of some of my favorite people: Gov. Sanford, Mitt Romney, and Graham who were all guests on "Meet the Press" talking about extra-marital affairs and Governor Sanford's in particular.

Read more >

Monogamy can be a wonderful thing. Two people can achieve deep levels of intimacy by excluding physical and emotional relationships with other people, developing a partnership that can last a lifetime. But strict monogamy is not the only option, especially for those with the responsibility to be careful and educated about bringing other people into the relationship. Whether short or long term, bringing a third person into a romantic relationship, or being that third person, can be a rewarding experience. Of course, it's a narrow path through a minefield of potential emotional and physical problems. Here are some things you need to do before inviting someone else into your relationship, or joining someone else's established relationship.

Read more >

Finding a date can seem like a quest for the Holy Grail if you’re older, divorced, retired, or a widower. You may not have any single friends—or only a few of them. You may have even already spent a lifetime with someone you truly, deeply loved, and the thought of dating may even make you feel guilty. You might even feel like you’re too old to date, which couldn’t be further from the truth!

Dating can be simple; just don’t make it so hard on yourself. With today’s modern advances and technology, Viagra isn’t the only thing that can improve your romantic life! You can find your perfect match through a number of ways.

Read more >