Two beautiful people robbed of love They kissed in the moonlight but sadly squashed by light of day Photo by Good Faces Agency on Unsplash Look for the three clues that prompted Pete to call me.  Part 1 It was a sunny St. Patrick’s Day in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1991. I arrived early, parked my car, and waited. Shortly […]

Tears for love lost, tears for future love A true friend responds to frantic calls even at midnight Photo by Caesar Aldhela on Unsplash A good friend to walk you through depressing times is “priceless.”   Good friends are vitally important to your mental health and to the quality of your life. To live and to love are […]

Even though we all need love and crave love from others, ultimately, we’re all responsible for our own happiness. Love is first of all, an inside job. Love of self gives us the confidence we need to give and to receive the highest level of love in return.   Lack of self-love causes low self-esteem […]

WATCH FOR THE SIGNS When it’s time to tango vs when it’s time to chill Photo by Joey Nicotra on Unsplash This is the continuation of “Can You Tame a Womanizer.” Part II Later, tossing in bed, my emotional turmoil continued. “I must confront him, to see where this relationship is going. What if he gets angry? What if […]

TRY AT YOUR OWN RISK Ready to gamble? Are you holding a full house? Better call Saul… Photo by Jens Lindner on Unsplash He’s drop-dead gorgeous, exuding magnetic charisma. His reputation precedes him. No problem. Because I’m a badass myself and can match whatever he throws down… sufficiently capable of taming this womanizer. Wanna bet? Photo by Ilya Pavlov on Unsplash […]

I’M NOT READY TO GET UP Opposites Attract — But Tugs of War Wear Down Hugs — Marry at Risk! How opposing temperamental Syncs can Stymie Serious Love I love everything about my husband, Jim… Except rising at dawn — that’s not my cup of tea. Photo by Isabella and Zsa Fischer on Unsplash Jim and I worked […]

What’s your love worth? Does he love you ENOUGH and how to find out… Photo by Ryan Moreno on Unsplash So he hasn’t proposed yet. What’s the problem? Imagine you’re deeply involved in a sexual relationship with a man you really love. It’s been a couple of years, but he continues to hedge on marriage. He does […]

DO YOU REMEMBER?   Find answers in each named segment   Dr. Tracy Braun What is the Tri-fold bond that defines romantic love?       How does each segment affect a relationship?       What does acceptance of individuality mean?       Love is First an Inside Job Why is self-love the […]

Julie’s Diary Ÿ  The most important thing I’ve learned is that love is a reciprocal process. You give your best; you deserve the same in return. I’m never settling for less than what I deserve in a relationship again. Ÿ  Mutual appreciation is the key to attaining a balanced relationship. Mutual appreciation gives me the […]

Love is a Reciprocal Process The telephone rang. “Julie! Good to hear from you,” said Megan. “Lately, we’ve been strangers.” “Don’t worry, we’ll make up for lost time, my dear friend,” Julie replied. Dinner at seven?” The sweet scent of incense mingled with an aroma of fresh-brewed coffee and tantalizing food met Megan as she […]

It was the third Saturday of the month, Julie’s day to spend with Taylor. In a short time, they had become special friends. Julie planned to take Taylor on an excursion to the Art Museum and Inventor’s Place. Last month they toured Stan Hywet, an old mansion owned by former rubber tycoons. Taylor’s big brown eyes […]

Julie’s Diary Review             Even though we all need love and crave love from others, ultimately, we’re all responsible for our own happiness. Love is, first, an inside job. Love of self gives us the confidence we need to give and receive the highest level of love in return.             Lack of self-love causes low […]

Love Is a Mirror Image “Chanelle,” Julie called her Admin, “bring a pad and pencil. I want to review safety schedules.” After the meeting, Chanelle remarked, “I take it the sessions with Dr. Braun are going well. You show more pep in your step.” “They’re going just fine. In fact, I’m dashing off now to […]

Love is, first, an Inside Job Two weeks pass and Julie feels confident she has absorbed the definition of romantic love and its implications. “What appealed to me,” she said, again in Dr. Braun’s office, “were the words ‘mutual appreciation and acceptance.’ Applying it to Joe and me would mean that Joe would recognize my […]

Romance—Its Tri-fold Bond “Good morning, Julie Shannon? I’m Dr. Tracy Braun,” the doctor said, extending her hand. “Please sit.” Julie sat on an off-white couch covered in rich floral prints. An abundance of plants and flowers enhanced the rich decor. “Your office is lovely.”  “Thank you,” Dr. Braun smiled. “Coffee?”  After introductory chitchat, Julie felt […]