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Holding on to Hope

I’m pressing pause on the Dating Dilemmas series this week because I want to talk about something that I need to hear this week. When I write articles or give speeches, I either pull ideas from my coaching files or write from the heart about something I may be struggling with. This week, I needed a reminder not to lose hope. This message was written for singles longingly waiting for their bashert and parents dreaming of the day they’ll walk

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Liar, Liar Relationship on Fire

You know what’s funny about dating advice? Everyone’s got some to give, but when it comes to themselves, nobody’s got it figured out! Last week’s story about a mother, a daughter, and a not-quite-perfect-on-paper match got me thinking about all the times I’ve seen a ‘perfect shidduch’ turn out to be perfectly wrong, and ‘not quite right’ end up being exactly right. And judging by your responses to Mrs. Greenbaum’s dilemma, I’m not the only one who’s noticed this. So

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A Mother’s Conundrum

Is it really Tuesday already? Boy time flies when you’re busy analyzing other people’s dating dilemmas. Whether you’re here because you enjoy dissecting other people’s relationship puzzles, or you’re just avoiding your to-do list, I’m glad I could be part of your entertainment (or education) for the day. Looks like Arye’s story struck a chord with you all—judging by the amount of votes and comments in my inbox! Maybe you’ve been there yourself, trying to date someone who keeps their

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The Challenge to Connect

Welcome back to Dating Dilemmas. Thank you to all those who voted and shared your thoughts on last weeks scenario. It makes this series so much more fun and relatable. Your ideas keep things interesting, so keep them coming! (You can vote on this page or by joining my email list.) The results from last weeks dating dilemma are in, and here’s how the votes broke down: The clear front-runners were A and B, and for good reason. Here are some of

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The Shidduch Power Struggle

Welcome back to our weekly Dating Dilemmas series! First off, a round of applause to all you brilliant “dating coaches” out there 👏. You did a fantastic job analyzing last week’s scenario and sharing your insights. It’s always amazing to see such a variety of thoughtful responses! Here’s how the results broke down: Option B seemed to be the fan favorite—direct and honest communication for the win! But you all brought some great ideas to the table. I loved hearing your perspectives—especially the creative

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The Battle of the First-Date Nerves

Welcome to Dating Dilemmas! The weekly series where you get to be a dating coach for a day! This is your chance to weigh in on real-life dating scenarios from my coaching practice (details changed for privacy, of course). Here’s how it works: Whether you’re actively dating, married, or guiding your children through the shidduch process, your perspective is valuable. Let’s pool our collective wisdom and tackle these dilemmas together! Ready for our first dilemma? Let’s Dive In The Situation:

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Is Empowerment Helping or Hurting Our Singles?

Some of you may not like what I am about to say, but it needs to be said. It’s often more challenging to offer honest guidance that someone truly needs than to simply say the things that will make you popular. But my ultimate goal always was and always will be – to help singles get to the chuppah. And sometimes, that means having the courage to speak uncomfortable truths. There’s been an interesting trend in how the community approaches

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The Question You Should Never Ask Singles

I was recently trying to set up a guy in his upper 20s. He was what many would call the whole package: successful, tall, very good-looking, from a great family. On paper, he had it all. But every time I suggested a girl, he turned her down. Each rejection came with a new reason or excuse. After a while, I found myself wondering: “Does he really want to get married?” It was a passing thought—one I didn’t dare voice aloud.

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The Anti-Perfect Dating Profile

Imagine a dating world where singles embrace their flaws instead of hiding behind polished profiles. What if, instead of boasting about being “easygoing” or “adventurous,” you led with your quirks? “I’m a master procrastinator” or “I forget my passport half the time” could spark genuine connections. In a society obsessed with perfection, we risk losing authenticity. What if dating felt less like an audition and more like an honest conversation? Discover the revolutionary idea behind the Anti-Perfect dating profile and explore how embracing imperfections could transform your dating experience.

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The Power of Eye Contact

We all want it. If you are dating, this is what you dream about. If you are already married, this is what keeps you going. We will do anything (ok, almost anything) to get it. What am I referring to? The deep, powerful soul connection that some couples seem to have – the kind that keeps them laughing together, supporting one another, and growing closer every day. Have you ever sat in a café or restaurant, noticed a couple deep

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The Power of a Good Word

“דְּאָגָה בְלֶב־אִישׁ יַשְׁחֶנָּה וְדָבָר טוֹב יְשַׂמְּחֶנָּה” “Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word turns it to joy” – Proverbs 12:25 The power of a good word can change someone’s entire world – and nowhere is this more true than in the dating journey. Let’s paint a familiar scene. A parent sits at the kitchen table, watching their daughter push away another untouched cup of coffee after yet another disappointing date. A shadchan reads the gentle

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Thanksgiving: Grateful for What, Exactly?

It’s that time of year again—the season of gratitude. Everywhere you look, people are sharing their endless lists of blessings: their perfect families, their dream jobs, their cozy homes. Some people seem to have gratitude down to an art form: “So thankful for my incredible husband and the magical life we’ve built together!” And there you are, wondering if you’re supposed to be grateful for just surviving another day without completely falling apart. Gratitude? Seriously? Let’s get real. What if

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Writing Your Script: Authenticity in Dating

Imagine a gifted woman in Elizabethan England, pouring her heart into plays but forced to hide behind the name of William Shakespeare. Today, we have the freedom to embrace our true selves, yet many still wear masks in dating, fearing rejection. But real connections are built on authenticity. When we show up as our genuine selves—flaws and all—we attract those who appreciate us for who we truly are. Discover how to shed the masks and cultivate lasting love that celebrates your individuality. Are you ready to let your true self shine?

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Dating with Differences: Two Views, One Connection

Election day is here, and let’s be honest – things are intense. Dating with differences of opinion is part of the reality we’re living in, especially now that politics is everywhere – on our feeds, in our conversations, and even in those little comments people drop here and there. Right now, it feels like everyone’s got a stance, a viewpoint, or a “take” they’re eager to share, and the air is thick with opinions. And politics can really bring out

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The Little Red Hen’s Shidduch Journey

The Beginning of the Journey Once upon a time, in a quiet town buried under snow ❄️, lived a little red hen. As winter settled in, she knew it was time to keep dating—even though the journey felt as cold and long as the season itself 🥶. Somewhere out there, her perfect rooster was waiting 🐓. She just had to keep going.  One frosty morning 🌨️, her phone buzzed 📲 with a message from the shadchan: “I have a promising

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Dating, Sukkos, and All the Decisions In Between

Dating… You’d think it’s the only thing happening in your life, right? It’s all anyone seems to ask you about—”How’s dating going? Any new updates? Met anyone recently?” Meanwhile, you’re juggling a hundred other things because, let’s be honest, life is so much more than just dating, especially around Succos. This time of year, it feels like all the decisions are piling up at once, and not one of them involves “Have you met someone yet?” With Succos fast approaching,

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When the Answer is Different Than What We Expected

As the plane was about to take off, I sent my husband a quick text. He was on his way to Uman, his yearly visit with Rebbe Nachman for Rosh Hashana. It wasn’t just a casual message; it came from a place deep inside, a place filled with longing and pain that’s been building for years. I didn’t overthink it, didn’t try to mask how I really felt. I simply said what my heart had been repeating over and over

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Decoding Mixed Messages in Dating

So, you’re flying high one minute—everything’s clicking, the conversations are flowing, and you’re pretty sure you’ve finally found someone who gets you. One day, they’re all into you—sending sweet texts, making plans, making you feel like you’re the absolute center of their universe. But then, out of nowhere, they pull back, go quiet, and leave you sitting there, questioning everything. It’s confusing, frustrating, and can drive anyone up the wall. But before you start spiraling into overanalysis or throwing in

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How Preemptive Statements Can Save Your Relationship

We’ve all had them—the dreaded “we need to talk” moments. The kind that makes your brain instantly start reviewing all the ways you might’ve messed up. But with a well-timed preemptive statement, you can actually have those tough conversations without sending your spouse into a panic spiral. The power of the preemptive statement Picture this: You had a crazy day of chasing the kids, battling traffic, and spilling coffee on yourself, yet despite that, all you want is to sit

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Ani L’Dodi – Be the change in your marriage

As the month of Elul kicks off, it’s time to dive into some serious reflection—right between the last beach day and the apple and honey. I know what you’re thinking: “Does this mean I have to start with myself? Can’t I just focus on how my spouse needs to improve?” But here’s the thing: as much as we’d love to fix our spouse’s flaws, the real magic happens when we start with ourselves. The verse from Shir Hashirim (Song of

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