You’re not alone—so many people find themselves wrestling with conflicting feelings when life spins in opposite directions for us and those we love. When you’re grieving and your friend is thriving, that contrast can sting like a Florida sunburn, all hot and prickly where you least expect it. Psychological research backs up what you’re feeling: transitions, especially those involving loss, can leave us emotionally tender and thrown off balance.

Dear Transplanted But Not Taking Root, Oh honey, you're describing what psychologists call "relocation depression," and it's as real as the Spanish moss hanging from those Southern trees. After a year, feeling lonely and missing your roots isn't a character flaw—it's your heart doing precisely what hearts do when transplanted to new soil. Here's what the research tells us: relocation depression affects your sleep, appetite, concentration, and ability to connect with others, a

Dear Hidden Chapter, First, let me say how brave and hopeful it is that you and your boyfriend are ready to share your happiness with the world, even as his family is still navigating the waves of grief. Introducing a new relationship into a family mourning a significant loss is like introducing a new species into a delicate ecosystem. Success depends on patience, gentleness, and attentive observation. Remember, patience is not just a virtue; it's a necessity in this delicat

Dear Next Chapter, Is feeling jealous of a late spouse normal? Sometimes, I think I'm competing with a ghost! ~ Haunted by Comparison. Dear Haunted by Comparison: Absolutely normal! You're not alone. People in new relationships with widowers or widows feel like they're auditioning for a role that's already been cast. It's easy to wonder if you're competing with a memory, especially since the late spouse often gets remembered as a saint ...

An online widows' group contacted me to discuss my experiences dating a widower. One member was unsure whether to continue or end her relationship, and listening to the members' challenges was enlightening. I developed these tips to help them better grasp the complexities involved. Experience is the best teacher, and after almost nine years, I've learned some valuable lessons about dating and marrying a widower.