Some ask why they should consider a long distance relationship, when they are typically more difficult and more complicated than a relationship with someone who lives in the same town. There are several reasons: 1. You may be in a remote location church-wise. If you really believe in the blessings of eternal marriage and take […]
1-23-23 was the fifth anniversary of my third first kiss with the woman who, four months later, became my wife. You might be asking how a kiss could be a “first kiss” if it was “third.” If you’ve read my book, Intentional Courtship, you know that my relationship with Cathy had its ups and downs over […]
Welcome to 2023! What are your hopes and aspirations? Many people create New Year's resolutions this time of year, perhaps adopting a word to guide them in the coming twelve months and striving to turn over a new leaf in some area of their life. It tends to be a fresh start, full of endless […]
After dating on and off for several months, I (Jeff) wanted a more committed relationship than Cathy felt ready for so she decided to discontinue dating me. Not surprisingly, I was hurt and disappointed and did not handle the situation as well as I could have. However, after a few months without contact, I began […]
On Independence Day, Cathy and I went to Freedom Park in Orem, which is part of the Freedom Festival in Utah County. As usual, they had a lot of people dressed in colonial era costumes explaining Revolutionary War events, reenacting the Battle of Concord and Lexington, and demonstrating such colonial era trades as blacksmithing, barrel […]
We were often dismayed during our mid-single years when we heard criticism of people as a "player” or “serial dater." These terms were often applied to dating partners who were not ready to be exclusive after only a few dates or even a single encounter. We heard many singles say "I only date one person […]
Many women told me during my mid-single years that confidence in a man was sexy. I believe there is a survival function in female attraction to a confident man. A bold and confident man is a good protector and is more likely to discourage potential attackers and predators. The problem with this wisdom is that, […]
For me, the loneliness began before the formal separation as I watched my former wife disconnect and disengage. We lived in the same house, on different floors, for about 18 months. It created a toxic atmosphere that I found depleting both emotionally and physically. After I moved out of our home, it occurred to me […]
A reader of my weekly column in Meridian Magazine recently wrote in asking for "an article regarding the men/women that are left behind after many years of marriage. A stage that many of us have never gone [through] before of being alone." It's a good question. For me, the loneliness actually began before the formal […]
