Category - Self-Love

Anne laughs—genuinely–at Richard’s joke. “You have a great sense of humor,” she says, noticing his left hand has no tan line from a wedding band. “Life’s too short not to find the funny parts,” Richard replies, his smile reaching his eyes. He leans forward. “My daughter graduates next month. First in the family to get …

You’ve been told a lie: “You can’t love someone else until you love yourself.” On the surface, it sounds empowering—a call to self-acceptance and inner strength. It’s often repeated with the best of intentions. But it’s wrong— and it’s quietly keeping countless women from experiencing genuine connection and lasting love. Believing this myth can lock …

Margot had been seeing Peter casually for a few weeks. On Thursday afternoon, he texted: “Hey, just got two tickets to that jazz trio you mentioned — it’s tonight at 8. Want to come?” On the surface, it seemed thoughtful. But was it really about her — or just convenient for him? The text lingered …

Jessica had always struggled with her weight, and her father’s hurtful comments about her body stung. He would call her “chubby” and make jokes that made her feel bad about herself. She began to criticize herself like he did, and she started to believe that she wasn’t good enough because of her size. As a …

Maria had been looking forward to tonight. After a promising first date last week, David had suggested dinner for Valentine’s Day. She felt a flicker of excitement—maybe this time would be different.  Then, this afternoon, his text arrived: “Something came up. Need to cancel. Can we reschedule?”  Her stomach dropped. She stared at the screen, …

Three years after her divorce, Diana was tired. She’d tried everything—at least that’s what she told her friends. She kept her dating profile active. She went to her community’s singles events. She said yes when friends offered to set her up. But somehow, each year felt like a replay of the last. She’d start January …

The wedding album fell open to them dancing and looking so happy. Lisa hadn’t meant to find it. She’d been organizing the linen closet when it slipped off the shelf. Now she sat on the floor, feeling the familiar sadness wash over her. “You’ll feel better once you start dating again,” her sister had said …

Margaret smoothed her dress before walking into her friend’s dinner party. At fifty-four, she felt self-conscious at these gatherings. “Maggie! Come in!” Susan embraced her. “You look wonderful. Are you seeing anyone special these days?” Her stomach tightened. “No, not right now,” she answered, hearing a slight apologetic tone in her voice that surprised her. …

The morning Sarah turned fifty-nine, she woke up alone in the house she’d shared with Mark for twenty-eight years. Three months after their marriage ended with a quiet Sunday evening conversation, she still struggled with the silence. Empty rooms that once held the comfortable rhythm of their shared life now echoed with questions she never …

She wrapped up her call, a major deal successfully negotiated. In the corporate world, she was known for being sharp, strategic, and unwavering. But as she glanced at her phone and saw his message changing their plans again, that familiar knot formed in her stomach. “Meeting ran late. Rain check for tonight? Drinks tomorrow instead?” …