Dating Archives

Dating is like a gateway drug. You’ve got to “date” in order to find a partner. If you are not clear on what you want in a relationship, dating is going to bring you a lot of people who are not ready, not available, and not very evolved. The goal of dating is to find someone to love.

For some, online dating is the gateway to finding someone who is outside of our normal spheres of influence. The first step is introductions. Then a few dates to see if you’re still compatible. And at some point, you’re going to declare each other as boyfriend and girlfriend. At that point, you are officially dating. Everything up to that is courtship and “hello dates.”

I’ve had success with online dating. I also see much of the online activity as a waste of time. If you’re not going out on “hello dates” you’re really just playing at the idea of dating. Find me somebody to love. Let’s get to a first date and see where things go. We can’t get to relationships unless we are testing and trying things while dating.

We want to keep improving with each dating experience. It takes time. There will be hits and misses along the dating journey. If you have a strategy you can work the dating system quicker to find better matches.

Positive Parenting Outline: Birth to Teens to Launch

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:May 12, 2023
Post category:Dating

I'm happy. I'm proud. And I'm grateful for the divorce, 13 years ago, that allowed me to grow into the dad I am now.

Removing Connections: Giving Up On Closure

too busy barbie

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:May 11, 2023
Post category:Dating Love Relationships self-awareness Self-care

Maybe we would feel something. Perhaps we would experience regret, joy, sadness, and other deep feelings. It's okay not to want to dip back into it.

What Makes a Great Dad? 5 Things I Learned From My Divorce

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:May 10, 2023
Post category:Anger Co-Parenting Dating Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Money Parenting Self-care Single-Dad

There are plenty of times when it's difficult not being with my kids. But what I can give them is 110% dad when they are with me. I have the rest of the time, when they are not with me, to heal and focus on myself and my goals.

What You Need to Learn About Relationships, How Online Dating Helps

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 30, 2023
Post category:Dating Drinking relationship building Relationships self-awareness Self-care Single-Dad

Only through learning from past mistakes will you be able to evolve into the dating partner you want to become.

Savor This Very Second – Breathe – Pause – Savor!

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 30, 2023
Post category:Anger Dating Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love Married Life mindfulness relationship building Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

Today is the day. This is the moment. This post signals the last moment of denial. I am in charge of my own thinking, my own mood management, and my own path forward.

Dear Lover, Now That You’ve Arrived We Can Begin

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 26, 2023
Post category:Dating humans of divorce Joy Love Married Life Parenting relationship building Relationships self-awareness Single-Dad

Not everything needs to be worked out all the time. And, for the most part, I can trigger unhappy feelings for you, but the deep sadness or anger you feel, is probably not because of me.

One Man’s Courage to Stand Alone: Brené Brown’s BRAVING

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:April 25, 2023
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness Joy Love Married Life Parenting relationship building Relationships Self-care Single-Dad

By allowing you to experience and process your own distress, without my interference, I am giving you the utmost respect. I am viewing you as whole, strong, and capable. And in my affirmation of you and your inherent ability to be strong and sufficient, I am reaffirming my belief in you.