According to The Grief Recovery Handbook, grief is defined as: 1. a normal, natural reaction to any loss. 2. conflicting feelings when something familiar changes or ends. While studying this evidence-based method, proven to lessen the pain of any loss, we learn that grief is much broader than previously supposed. Even positive life changes -- […]

I recently met a single dad who, when asked his parenting philosophy said, “expectations.” I think many, if not most parents would say the same. We have expectations of all kinds in life. I work at my job, and I expect to be paid and paid on time. I sacrifice food I might like to […]

Cathy and I recently had the chance to see the film American Underdog, which is the story of Hall of Fame quarterback Kurt Warner. Based on my years as a divorcee and the consequent difficult life circumstances, I enjoyed and related to this film very much. I was a fan of Kurt Warner when he was […]

The National Institute of Mental Health cited statistics showing the suicide rate among males was 3.7 times higher than among females. For centuries we have been socialized to believe that men are the stronger sex and exist to protect and provide for women. As Lea Winerman wrote: “Try to imagine the Marlboro man in therapy. […]

I have sometimes wondered if Valentine's Day is worth it. For married people, it seems to be a time for crushed expectations and disappointment. Many complain that it adds pressure. For many singles, it is a poignant reminder of what they wish for and don't have. St. Valentine was a third century Roman Catholic. Since […]

I address this question to Latter-day Saint men in Chapter 6 of Intentional Courtship. The reasons are actually quite profound. Many Latter-day Saint mid-singles have lost temple marriages. Many are cynical and jaded and believe that temple marriage is for the optimistic young couple with their whole lives ahead of them. I have heard many […]

As you may know by now, we are releasing our long-awaited book, "Intentional Courtship: a Mid-Singles Guide to Peace, Progress, and Pairing up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints," on November 5th. Intentional Courtship contains a lot of counsel and information about coping with loss and recovery from pain and trauma through […]

When I first met my step-kids' dad, I asked him his parenting philosophy and he said, "expectations." I think many if not most parents would say the same. That was also the answer my dad gave to the same question. (By the way, I consider both of these men pretty good fathers in many ways.) […]