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.

A Good Dad’s Guide to Divorce – Book Release

a good dad's guide to divorce, by john mcelhenney

This is my story, from the joy and spiritual awakening of becoming a sad dad at the moment I became a divorced dad. My journey was not easy. I stumbled, I fell, and I wrestled my way back from a dark depressive episode and into a whole parent.

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There is No Right Swipe in the Real World: From Date to Lover

swiping on dating apps might be the problem

Let's both decide where to go in our future. Let's both listen to what the other person wants, rather than assuming we know. And let's get away from the swiping frenzy and into the process of building a lasting relationship. Swiping is not the enemy, but don't forget your long-term goals.

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The War on Divorcing Fathers: Deadbeat Dad Accusations Are Abusive

what dads lose in divorce

My ex-wife knows I am paying and will continue to pay my child support until my daughter turns 18. She wants to keep me under the thumb of the "enforcement" of Title IV-D because hurting me gives her pleasure.

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Humans of Divorce: Fear of Being Alone, Again

never alone after having kids

I loved the family routine. I loved being their dad. I knew I was going to crash when I was no longer welcome in my own home. I knew depression was weeks away. I knew there was very little I could do to stop the sadness freight train that is divorce.

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My Love Message: No Worries, Just Desires

after divorce, get a relationship plan

And as we ask for and receive the love we need we are also going to have disappointments. My response in life, now, is "No worries, just desires." If my desires start getting squelched or compromised due to continual misses, then it is up to me to speak up.

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Letting Go of Dreams Update – Celebrating The Whole Parent Year Six

Read more about the article Letting Go of Dreams Update – Celebrating The Whole Parent Year Six

Divorce is not something you just "get over." And with kids, you never really get over it. I am learning to continuously forgive and forge ahead with my own life as a single dad.

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