Dating

The dating life is rife with questions, doubts, confusion, and questions. These articles provide wisdom and encouragement for every step of the way–from first date to marriage.

This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

A Therapist’s Practical Advice for Blended Families with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 050

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreSince nearly 50% of new marriages are remarriages, it should come as no surprise that many women are blending families. It doesn’t take long after making those marriage vows to discover combining families can be complicated. It can also be beautiful. How? We brought in our most reliable expert, psychotherapist, and relationship counselor, Dr. Zoe, to share a balanced and a realistic view of how to blend these separate families into one unit with equal parts grit and grace. Darlene (married mom of two adult daughters) and Julie (widowed single mom) ask the often searched for questions that are frequently found at The Grit and Grace Project […]

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6 Easy Ways to Spice Up Your Relationship Right Now

I know what you’re thinking, but I’m not talking about the bedroom. I’m talking about the Groundhog Day cycle you find yourself in! I’ve noticed that my marriage feels most dull when I’m short on self-care, and I haven’t had quality time with my husband. Try some of these ideas to get you out of autopilot and into a passionate partnership. Switch Roles Maybe it’s time he cooks dinner, and you walk the dog? Whatever designated jobs you’ve assigned to one another, switch it up! You may surprise yourself with compassion and be able to relate better at the end of the day. Invest in His Passions Sometimes I flip on ESPN or Sportscenter during the day, so I can talk to

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This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

Single? How to Thrive in the Online Dating World with Kristin Fry – 037

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreAre you navigating the single scene? Do your emotions range from fear to embarrassment at the thought of trying online dating? Author of the book “Beyond the Swipe,” Kristin Fry joins Darlene (married for a million years, her words) and Julie (a newly single widow after her 15-year relationship) to discuss navigating the digital dating waters in an honorable way. In a warm, conversational style, Fry’s book tackles a broad range of topics from evaluating profiles to first dates to maintaining healthy peer friendships even while dating. In this episode, the three engage in enlightening, encouraging and entertaining girl talk about the single scene today. Since your

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3 Reasons To Give Your Man For Your Netflix Binge

3 Reasons To Give Your Man For Your Netflix Binge

I’m going to go ahead and assume that since you’re reading this, you too are guilty of a Netflix binge.

 With so many great shows it has to offer, many people find themselves rescheduling plans with friends just to stay home in their PJs with their new BFF, Netflix. But what about your man? 

Sometimes our will for holding out on watching just one more episode simply isn’t strong enough. 
The Netflix bug bites and we find ourselves cuddled up with popcorn, drinks, and Michael Scott. 

I feel your pain. 
Sometimes there are just no words to explain as to why season three of you and your guy’s favorite series mysteriously turned into season four. Thankfully, there is a way out of

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Take It Easy—On Your Man

Take It Easy—On Your Man

Sometimes we can be a bit hard on the men in our lives, mostly because we don’t understand how they do life. The good news is that our genders are different. Understanding and appreciating those differences will help us relax. Whether it’s a boyfriend, boss, co-worker, son, or spouse, when we remember that they just think differently, it can simplify life and reduce conflict. So here are a few things to never forget when you are dealing with the opposite sex: 1. Men hear what we say, not what we mean. It’s movie night and you say you don’t care what you see, he believes you really don’t care—then immediately purchases tickets for the biggest action movie in the theater. 2. They want to

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This Grit and Grace Life Podcast

When to Leave an Unhealthy Relationship with Your Man with Dr. Zoe Shaw – 024

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | Android | TuneIn | RSS | MoreSo, men can be pretty great, until they are not. Has the man in your life crossed a line that you just cannot live with? Are you dating and seeing signs that he’s not the guy you thought he was? Or are you married, and at an impasse, disagreeing at every turn? When you find yourself compromising your principals, your morals, your self-esteem perhaps it’s time to tell him “enough is enough?” To discuss this difficult situation, we brought in trusted friend and Licensed Psychotherapist and Relationship Expert, Dr. Zoe Shaw to help you determine when and how it’s time to step away from an unhealthy relationship.

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Mix It Up and Try These Day Dates With Your Man

Whether we’re in our first month of dating and learning each other or getting a night to ourselves after a long work week, date night is often our best night of the week for much-needed quality time with our man. The usual dinner, movies, and walks downtown can be a part of a fun routine, but I am the number one fan of starting the day together with a morning date. If you’re in need of a change and looking to try something new together, take to these ideas for a morning cup of romance! Here are 10 ideas for morning dates with your man: 1. Be early risers. Set your alarms and head to a wide open spot to watch the

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4 Truths About Being Friends With Benefits

Before I was married I was FWB (friends with benefits) with a few guys and here’s why: I liked them, but they didn’t like me so I thought if I gave them benefits (compromised my physical boundaries) they would commit to me. I define friends with benefits as making physical and emotional compromises without an exclusive commitment. Ladies, you don’t have to be friends with benefits. You are worth the commitment, you are worth exclusivity, and you are worth a man who respects your boundaries. Here are some truths I learned about being FWB before I realized I was worth more: 1. You’re buying your own dinner. Lets be clear on friends with benefits. He’s not your boyfriend. That means you are physically giving yourself

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Commitment— the Road Forward in a Relationship

Commitment. What a wonderful yet often terrifying word. It’s so very easy to stay on the sidelines, or put one foot in while the other just can’t make it to the other side. Human nature has a way of avoiding the “all in”. Whether it’s relationships we find ourselves swimming in, the jobs we have been hired to do, the care of our families, or simply the tasks necessary to pull off the thing we call everyday – we have decisions to make. The day I arrived at my wedding location, I looked around and said to myself what I am sure every blissful bride says, “Oh crud, what am I doing? Am I really going through with this thing?” My discussion

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5 Ways to Improve Your Relationship With Your Man

I’ve been with Eddy for nearly two years, and he very recently got down on one knee and made me his fiancée. I still can’t stop looking down at my ring (going on three months now), and my Pinterest boards are full of mason jars, lace, and lavender bouquets. I love knowing that I get to spend the rest of my life with my fiancé and can’t wait to trade in our new titles for the sacred husband and wife roles. Part of the reason why I’m so ready to commit to Eddy is because during the course of our relationship we’ve had a lot of opportunities to grow together (myself especially) and to figure one another out. While we have so many

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7 Things to Look for in a Man

7 Things to Look for in a Man

I recently read an article listing the top seven characteristics you should look for when hiring an employee. As I read through them, it occurred to me that these are exactly the things every girl seeking a life-long relationship should want. They are the qualities that make a marriage work, will build a healthy partnership, and can weather the storms of life. It made me wonder why we don’t take the same well thought out, purposeful approach in finding marriage material as we do when hiring our next assistant. So let me just share with you these seven qualities that make a great employee and are equally important in the arena of dating relationships. Not cuteness, a great car, or fun on

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The Bachelorette: A Romantic Culture in a Feminist World

This is my first season watching The Bachelorette. Yes, I know, I’m behind the curve. I haven’t watched any season of The Bachelor or The Bachelorette, determining it had nothing to do with lasting relationships, choosing to use the space on my DVR for something else. The goal of finding a man who desires a lifelong marriage commitment and is willing to propose at exactly the right moment on camera, well you understand my skepticism. But recently my daughter was visiting when the new season began. She, along with my other daughter and the girls who work with me, are ardent viewers of this series. Convincing me to grab my bottle of water and sit down with her on the sectional, I decided to

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Discussing All Things on Relationships and Faith (Video)

We believe relationships and our faith are some of the riches parts of our lives. We wanted to make it easy for you to get to some of our favorite articles on relationships and faith. 7 Things to Look for in a Man 5 Important Things to Discuss as a New Couple How My Husband and I Survived My Affair How to Know if Your Boyfriend is a Charity Case 5 Things I’ve Learned in a Decade of Wifing From Pregnant Widow to Single Mom, Building Faith: Growing in Your Relationship with God, Battling the Mind Monster: A Letter to My Mom This is Your Brain on FOMO Family Devotions Can Hurt For The Fatherless On Sex and Faith and Marriage, Comforting Thoughts

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What to Wear When You Meet His Parents

What to Wear When You Meet His Parents

I remember meeting my now husband’s entire family for the first time at The Cheesecake Factory. My nervousness eased up a little because The Cheesecake Factory is one of my favorite restaurants, plus, I quickly found out that my now mother-in-law’s favorite dish was mine, too. But what to wear? While singing was optional for Mariah Carey on New Year’s Eve, dressing to impress is not. Not to add more pressure, but meeting your guy’s parents is like an interview! No matter your age, first impressions are very important when it comes to potential in-laws, but another crucial thing to remember is to be yourself! Another tip? Keep your look conservative. Here are three cute outfit ideas for when you’re meeting the

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What to Wear on a First Date

What to Wear on a First Date

Let’s admit it: most women want advice on what to wear for a first date, and even on second and third dates! First dates are exciting! The feeling of butterflies and anticipation is often remembered for the rest of our lives. Even dates with the guys who didn’t woo us so much can be memorable. First dates give us funny stories to share—I always love hearing about the awkward ones! Whether you’re going to a coffee shop, eating at a classy restaurant, or having fun at a carnival, you’ll have three haute looks to choose from in hopes of a first date on which some warm and fuzzy memories are made! 1. Casual & Relaxed First Date If your first date consists of sharing stories

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My Story, Daring to Date After Divorce

I was talking with one of my besties from high school while the kiddos played with their toys on the floor. We were just about to hang up the phone when she quickly interjected that she thinks that she found a guy that she wants me to meet. Ummmm…does she remember that months ago I went through a terrible, heart wrenching, devastating divorce? Does she even understand that I have NO intention of dating anyone…maybe ever again! I tell her I think she’s crazy and that there is no way I’m interested. She persists that he’s this great guy, and I’m like why don’t you date him if he’s so great? She begins to get the drift that I’m not interested, but

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How the 5 Love Languages Can Change Your Relationship

After 30+ years of marriage, you think I would have figured out a long time ago what is the best way to interact with my husband. But apparently I’m stubborn and sometimes selfish and would much prefer to keep doing things the way I’ve always done them, yet expect different results (wait … isn’t that the definition of insanity?). I tried every method I could think of to attempt to get Mike to act how I wanted him to, only to wind up frustrated and confused. How many times have you done the same thing? Your way makes sense to you, so why shouldn’t it to your guy? If communicating with him through text seems convenient, shouldn’t he realize you’re pushed for time

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