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Hey Joy,
I just got out of a pretty serious relationship. My boyfriend and I had been dating for a while, even both saying, “I love you”—until one day he came to me and said, “I don’t love you anymore.” I haven’t heard from him since. Read more
Hey Joy,
I’m 22 and have my first girlfriend. She’s pretty amazing—except once a month, she has severe PMS that causes her to go a little cuckoo. I didn’t grow up with sisters or any close girlfriends, so I don’t have any experience handling these swings—it’s the core of our conflicts, and I don’t know what to do anymore. My girlfriend recognizes this issue, and doesn’t want to be this way, but she just has these severe symptoms.
This is going to keep happening every single month. What can I do? Is there hope?
My best friend currently lives in another state. We’re both married, and though we’ve visited and have done stuff as couples, my best friend wants me to come visit for some “girl time.” When I asked my husband if I could go, he flipped out and shut down, saying, “You want to go without me? Fine. Go right now.”
Hey friendlings!
Today I’m comin’ at you from the sunny suburbs because finally, finally, I got visitation rights to see Walter, my long-lost dog love. Unfortunately, he won’t stop hiding under the table.
I think that means he missed me. Read more
Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone!
In case you missed it yesterday, my friend, Justin, and I shared a (slightly cloudy) memory of my first date. Let’s just say it didn’t exactly go as planned.
So today on the “holiday of love,” may all your dates be filled with free ice cream, gold charms, and Oscar-worthy films that don’t result in door slamming! (And a whole lot more Love and Respect than 16 year-olds know how to give.)
My sister-in-law recently told me that there are three sides to every story:
1. Theirs.
2. Ours.
3. What actually happened.
Hey Joy,
Two questions:
1. When you want to laugh and have fun, who comes to mind first?
2. What are your thoughts on interracial relationships? Read more
One of the side effects to the delay or absence of marriage in our culture is that many of us have had strong connections with people who we didn’t end up with forever. (This is by no means a bad thing if we choose to treat the people we date well.) Read more
One of the side effects to the delay or absence of marriage in our culture is that many of us have had strong connections with people who we didn’t end up with forever. (This is by no means a bad thing if we choose to treat the people we date well.)
Esther is a humanitarian photographer. What does that mean? Well in my words, it means she puts people above getting the best shot. With every client, Esther will build a relationship, validate a person’s significance, and hear their story before she works on the best lighting or angle.
Hi Joy,
I have a question about the delineation between dependence and assistance. For me, I have always done better when I have a romantic relationship to motivate (inspire?) me to do better.
Hey Friends,
On Sunday morning I got a less than ideal comment on one of my blog posts. In response, I’ve decided to scrap today’s post and instead share something that I’ve actually been thinking about for the past 5 years.
This one goes out to all my ladies!
(Guys, it’s okay. You can stay or skip down to the bottom for the chance to win a rad read.)
I want to talk to you about my friend, Jennie Allen. She’s a writer, speaker, teacher, and most importantly, a dreamer. And lately, her dreams have been coming true. Read more
Things that matter and make a difference rarely happen overnight.
Whether it’s our dream to start a movement or our desire to fix a character flaw, it takes plotting, planning, prayer, sweat, sometimes tears…and then you actually have to DO.
How many of you made a New Year’s resolution?
How many of you have already broken those resolutions?
If you’ve been perusing the site at all lately, you’ll know that I’ve got some fun things going on. Between the launch of The Illumination Project, my upcoming book (aptly named Permanent Vertigo), a few upcoming events, and the general Love and Respect Now & Love and Respect ministries, I’m having a blast. (Heart palpitations.)
But I think I could clear a few things up…
Joy,
I’ve got a bit of a situation—I’ve gone out on several dates with someone, but I’m essentially just not attracted to them for a few reasons. How do I tell them nicely? Especially when they are so into me? Do people want to hear the truth? I am not sure I know how to let this person down gracefully AND to the point that they understand it is a no-go.
—Beth
Welcome to 2014!
14 is my favorite number so I’m thinking there’s gonna be a lot of…I don’t know what, but I’m just happy about 14 representing.
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