Love | The Whole Parent

Love is the core skill and core need we all have. Many of us grew up in homes where love was conditional. If you behave this way I will love you. If you go against my wishes, I will exclude you from my love. This is not how love works. Love is universal energy, either you’re tapped into it and give it freely, or you are lacking in love.

Sitting In Silence with the Grief

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 6, 2023
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Love Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad

The silence and loneliness and grief brought me back to a deeper connection to my own soul. A deeper connection with myself. And that ever-elusive self-love.

Nostalgia Can Be a Toxic Impulse

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 5, 2023
Post category:Co-Parenting Depression Divorce humans of divorce Love Parenting self-awareness Single-Dad Spirituality

Don't get caught up in nostalgia that doesn't inform or help you. When you find you're moping in the sadness of nostalgic regret, change the channel.

Experience, Strength, and Hope After a Divorce with Kids

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:October 2, 2023
Post category:Anger burn Co-Parenting Dating Depression Divorce Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love Married Life Money Parenting relationship building Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad Spirituality

It's going to get easier. You are going to be okay. Your kids are going to be okay. And, at some point in the future, you're going to look back on this event (the divorce) as one of the defining moments in your life. Act well. Learn to lean into the process of becoming a single parent.

There She Is, The Woman of My Dreams: Online Dating in the Matrix

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 29, 2023
Post category:Dating Drinking Health and Fitness humans of divorce Joy Love Relationships Sex sexual chemistry Single-Dad

If you don't know what you're looking for it's going to be harder to find. AND, if you don't know what magic you bring to the experience, it's also going to be harder to dial in a real fit. Finally, pictures. You don't need glamour shots.

The Movement & Joy of the Red Comfy Chair: Single Parenting Life

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 26, 2023
Post category:Dating Joy Love relationship building Relationships self-awareness Self-care Single-Dad

As I was heading to visit a friend's house, who had offered to let me crash for a while, I found the red comfy chair set out by the road for bulk pickup.

5 Essential Truths About Sex and the State of Your Relationship

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 24, 2023
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness Joy Love Married Life relationship building Relationships Self-care Sex sexual chemistry Single-Dad

Are you sexually fulfilled in your relationship? Can you make a request of your partner, to help get you closer, more excited about sex compromises are you willing to accept about sex as you move forward in the relationship?

How a Secure Attachment Looks and Feels in a Love Relationship

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 11, 2023
Post category:Dating Health and Fitness Joy Love Married Life Relationships Self-care Sex Single-Dad

I am happier when I am in a relationship. My body is happier. My soul is glowing with the connection I feel to another human being. And my needs are being met on all levels, as we align ourselves and tune into each other's lives.

Dating A Single Parent: Two Simple Checklists

Post author:John McElhenney
Post published:September 9, 2023
Post category:Dating Divorce Health and Fitness Joy Love Parenting Relationships Sex Single-Dad

Be good to yourself. Expect the best. Settle for nothing less than 100%. Sure, there is some flexibility with the nice-to-haves, but zero flex with the must-haves and red flags.