Overview

The holiday season often evokes a multitude of strong emotions. Though many of us feel jolly and content during the winter months, being single can put a damper on the joy of the season. Nearly 50% of singles say they dread facing the loneliness they feel at Christmastime. Being single during the holidays, however, doesn't have to be a miserable experience. By avoiding the pitfalls that lead to isolation, you can have a wonderful and fulfilling holiday season.   Maintain an Attitude of Gratitude   One of the biggest factors contributing to our loneliness during the holidays ... more ...

  According to research, almost 80 percent of Americans gain weight during the festive season. This is because during this period, people party a lot and consume more calories than they realize. If you would like to avoid adding extra pounds during the holidays, be sure to use the following 10 smart tips:     1. Never Go to a Party Hungry   One of the worst things you can do is arrive at a holiday party hungry in a misguided effort to save up your calories. The hungrier you are, the more likely you are to eat a lot of food. So as to stay in control, take a nutritious ... more ...

Budgeting for retirement can be a tricky task. Recent statistics show that nearly 30% of Americans over the age of 55 have neither retirement savings nor a pension plan in place. Though it can be difficult to play catch-up later in life, it is possible to create a retirement nest egg at any time. Do you need to begin budgeting for your retirement years? Follow these simple steps to ensure that you'll have plenty of money saved up for your golden years.   Make sure you've got the essentials covered   Monthly essentials are the most basic retirement expenses. These essenti... more ...

It started with a smile and ended with a proposal. It was August 2014 after joining the 50 plus club that I received a smile from a man known only to me as 'Lasttango' in my Inbox.  I returned the smile and viewed his profile. He was handsome, lived within a 3.5 hour commute, and I liked his profile. In the days following, a few smiles appeared in my Inbox but never a message. Finally, I sent a message introducing myself and asking him a few questions. I had a free membership and being so new to the site I had no idea that it was limited to only 5 emails before purchasing one. Kee... more ...

Almost every couple combats jealousy during the course of their relationship. Though an occasional twinge of jealousy is only natural, chronic feelings of anger and distrust can quickly become a toxic problem. Though it takes time and effort, it is almost always possible to reduce the amount of jealousy you are feeling. By reflecting on your emotions and modifying your behaviors, you can escape the clutches of bitterness and insecurity.       Replace Imagination with Reality   In most cases, jealousy is triggered by our imagined perception of a scenario. We may find o... more ...

Friendships form naturally when we are young. Neighborhood pals, classmates, and college buddies quickly become close friends due to proximity and time spent together. As older adults, we can no longer rely on these same sources of friendship. Though some great friendships stand the test of time, many of us lose touch with the friends of our youth. Though it may be more challenging to make new friends at 50 and beyond, it is far from impossible! Try out some of these foolproof techniques for making friends at any age.     Pursue All of Your Passions   Pursuing your passions... more ...

Most baby boomers came of age during the 1960s, 70s, and 80s. The films of these decades reflected the way that young boomers viewed the world and responded to its inequities. Many films of this era had a profound effect on the boomer generation, too. Dealing with issues ranging from drug use to divorce, these classic films best reflect the struggles and joys of the boomer era.   1.) The Graduate (1967) Older baby boomers graduating from college in the late 60s often sympathized with the plight of Benjamin Braddock, a recent college graduate struggling to find his place in the world. ... more ...

Though online dating can be challenging, recent studies have proven that it is one of the best ways to find a long-term, compatible partner. Research has found that couples who marry after meeting online are 25% more likely to stay married than their counterparts who met through traditional sources.   Much of this success is attributed to the shared values and beliefs of those who meet online. Instead of falling prey to a relationship based primarily on physical attraction, online partners generally connect on multiple levels before entering into relationships. Online dating has result... more ...

Codependency is a dysfunctional relationship model that affects many individuals. These relationships generally involve a dependent partner, who may be an addict, mentally unwell, or reckless, and a codependent partner, who enables the dependent partner. The codependent partner often suffers from low self-esteem and an unclear sense of self, leading them to seek value through their interpersonal relationships. Codependent relationships ultimately cause problems for both dependent and codependent partners.     Signs and Symptoms of Codependency   Codependency manifests itsel... more ...

Whether you've been in a relationship for a few weeks or a number of years, infidelity is a devastating blow. The cheating partner often feels deep remorse and shame. The cheated-on individual almost always struggles with feelings of sorrow, anger, and betrayal. Though many leave their cheating partners, others stay and try to rebuild their relationships. Regardless of whether you stay together or separate, understanding and processing the affair will help you move on to a better and more faithful future.   Step Away from the Cheater(s)   If you've just found out about... more ...