Women's Health - Expert Q&As

How long should I wait before dating again after my divorce?

Recovery from a bad relationship requires time plus serious self-examination.

I'm in my thirties and I've been living with my parents ever since I lost my job. How can I convince my parents that I still need a personal life?

Living with your parents after you've been on your own doesn't have to be stressful if you all work out issues such as money, sexual activities, and job-hunting.

How do I deal with complaints from my children that they think I favor my new spouse and his kids over them?

Even though the remarriage-divorce rate is high, patience, good problem-solving skills and, kindness will help you succeed.

I am a single professional, and I feel very discouraged about love. How can I get over my urge to give up on finding love?

If you are serious about finding love, you need to see dating as an adventure, develop maturity, and be persistent.

I spend hours reading online dating profiles without any luck. How can I improve my chances of making a good match?

Online dating can be a good starting point, but speaking and meeting several times are your best ways to assess a person.

Help! How do I avoid having "mental meltdowns" from too much stress?

If you're on stress overload, two of the top things you should do are to take a breath and prioritize.

Even though I'm glad I split from my husband after 35 years of marriage, how do I handle the loneliness?

To handle the loneliness, set goals, increase your social network, and engage in activities such as volunteering, taking courses, or traveling with other singles.

What is the best way to be a new step-parent of a teenager and a school-age child?

Good step-parenting requires patience, maturity, and high levels of teamwork.

I want to date again after getting out of a bad marriage, but how do I express my feelings in my new relationship?

Always speak up with kindness when your partner hurts you emotionally.

How do I handle feeling lonely when my husband spends time with his friends and family without me?

Couples need to work out their unique management of time together and time apart.

My husband is always picking on me in public. How can I get him to stop?

Public shaming went out with the Puritans. There are other ways for couples to give and receive feedback in the presence of others.

I'm dating the person with whom I cheated. How can I learn to trust him?

The quality of your relationship and the maturity in each of you are the best preventions against cheating again.

It's Valentine's Day, and I'm single and miserable. Is there anyway I can turn it around?

Valentine's Day doesn't just have to be for couples. Include all the other people you care about in your life.

Every year I drop my New Year's resolutions by February. What can I do to keep them?

Sustaining success in New Year's resolutions requires you to alter your brain's pleasure map, but if you plan correctly, you can succeed.

I'm about to meet my partner's parents. How can I make a good impression?

Instead of engaging in small talk with the parents of your partner, ask them about their interests and observe the family's interaction.

How do I get through tough times in my relationship?

Don t call it quits with your partner just because you are going through tough times. Here are some tips to strengthen your relationship.

My new partner is acting strangely. How can I be sure his actions aren't hinting at future abuse?

Excitement in relationships can be very appealing, but make sure it does not blind you to the man's questionable behavior.

How soon should I introduce my boyfriend to my children?

It's important that your partner spend time with your children, but don't foster relationships between them too soon.

I am days away from my wedding, and I am seriously thinking of calling it off. How do I know if I am doing the right thing?

If you are having serious last minute doubts about your wedding, seek professional counseling and advice from trusted and wise friends.

I am newly married to a wonderful man with two children, and I'm embarrassed to admit that I am jealous of the time he spends with his ex. What can I do to get over it?

Remarriages are tough enough, so if your new spouse has children, accept that he or she will probably need to see the children's other parent.

I think I started sex too soon with a new guy. Is it possible to slow things down?

Just because you've had sex with someone too early in a relationship, it doesn't mean that you have to continue with it.

My husband just lost his job. How can I help him through it?

Stress is high when your partner is suddenly out of work, so it's especially important that you stay calm and positive and work as a problem-solving team.

How do I know if someone is lying?

Relationship expert LeslieBeth Wish, Ed.D., answers readers' questions about reading people in our exclusive weekly series.

When is it okay to lie?

Psychologist and licensed clinical social worker Dr. LeslieBeth Wish answers a reader's question about the benefits of veering from the truth.

What should I do if my partner and I no longer share the same values?

Changing the rules, limits, and values in your relationship is difficult, but sometimes you have to be true to yourself.

How can I trust my partner not to stray if tempted?

Trust can be broken, and forgiveness can be difficult, but sometimes, to build trust, you first have to give it.

My parents don't approve of my partner. What should I do?

Don't just dismiss your parents' disapproval of your mate sometimes their concerns have merit.

What can I do if my partner cannot get past a serious loss?

We all have unique responses to losing someone or something important to us, but beware of signs that your reactions are too frequent, intense, or long.

Is there a connection between relationship problems and one partner's success?

Despite greater flexibility in gender roles, it s still wise to pay attention to men s reactions to having highly successful female partners and spouses.

Sex with a new partner is always disappointing. What can I do about it?

It's not unusual to have first-time sex let down in a relationship. With certain techniques, however, you can increase your satisfaction.

My partner and I just relocated. How can we make the most of the move?

Relocating is one of life's top stressors, but you can reduce your anxiety by doing things such as learning about the new place now.

My partner can't control her mood swings. What should I do?

When your partner's reactions turn into over-the-top anger, it's often best to stay calm but warm.

How can I figure out where my relationship is headed?

Even though most of us want to know our partner's feelings and intentions, it's usually better to let the relationship play out on its own.

We never had a honeymoon. How can we plan the perfect one?

Great honeymoons can occur any time in a marriage--and can even be more fun if you don't go away immediately after the wedding!

How do my partner and I stop fighting so often?

Smart and happy couples manage and expect disagreements, but they usually know how to "dial down" the intensity.

How can propose to my girlfriend in a memorable way?

Great marriage proposals don't have to set the world on fire. It's more important that it honors your partner s interests and fantasies.

I really don't like my friend's partner. What do I do?

You don't have to love the partners of your friends and family, but you do need to find some common ground and a way to get along.

How can I become better at detecting liars?

Reading people is not an exact science, but you should know about key signs such as shaking legs and looking away.

I've been divorced, but I'm still making poor choices when selecting a partner. What should I do?

Having a broken heart in love doesn't always make you wiser. Some of the top things to look for are similar sense of humor and ability to apologize.

My partner's become withdrawn since being diagnosed with a serious illness. What should I do?

Dealing with a loved one's illness is a balancing act between respecting their privacy and pushing them to relate and talk.

I think my partner is addicted to porn. What should I do?

Looking at pornography doesn't have to be a problem, but you do need to worry if it becomes uncontrollable, abusive, or detrimental to your intimate relationship.

My partner and I recently separated. What's the best way to use this time?

Separations are more than just time to date other people. They are opportunities to learn about you.

Why do I fall in love with the same kind of people even though they make me unhappy?

If you want to change your love life, focus on changing how you interact with your partner.

How can I turn around my sexless marriage?

There are many reasons for sexless marriages, but you can become intimate again by taking steps such as talking about it or initiating affection.

How do I manage conflicting work schedules in my relationship?

Conflicting schedules certainly strain a relationship, but you can lessen the stress by doing things such as leaving loving notes and getting organized.

My wife and I only have sex once or twice a month. Is this normal?

Victoria Zdrok, Ph.D., answers a reader's question about whether his sex life with his wife is normal.

Q: How do I stop feeling jealous of others?

Jealousy is an uncomfortable emotion, but if used wisely, it can motivate you to improve yourself.

Why should I forgive someone?

Most of us have been hurt emotionally by someone. Wisdom is deciding why, when, and how to forgive.

Do I empathize too much?

You may value empathy, but sometimes too much empathy can lead to dating and mating mistakes.

How can I stop putting things off?

It s too easy to put off unpleasant tasks, but there are ways to get going.

Should women propose marriage?

Even though women are physicians, attorneys, financial executives, athletes, and breadwinners, it may not be in their best interest to propose marriage.

Is remarrying my ex a bad idea?

Remarrying your ex takes a great deal of mutual maturity and wisdom.

How do I get the most out of living together?

Living together is on the rise. To make it work, follow some new guidelines.

What's the true path to happiness?

Many of us have heard how to find happiness, but don t believe all you hear.

How do I fall in love using my head and not my heart?

Falling in love involves both your head and heart. Success lies in knowing how to use both wisely.

Why is it so difficult to find the right partner?

You still might be able to beat the odds of finding a healthy love-match. You need luck, timing, and a mindset that isn t set on perfection.

I am a breast cancer survivor and have found life after treatment to be extremely challenging. Are there any resources available specifically for breast cancer survivors, like myself?

Dr. Buzaglo answers a reader's question about finding resources and emotional support specifically for breast cancer survivors.

Why do I end up with "basket cases for partners?

Relationship expert LeslieBeth Wish, Ed.D., answers a reader's question about common relationship problems in our exclusive weekly series.

Are contraceptives dangerous or beneficial to a woman's health?

Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Robert S. Goldfarb answers a reader's question about the pros and cons of long term contraceptive use.

Is it safe to continue taking antidepressants during pregnancy? If not, is there an alternative?

Obstetrician and Gynecologist Dr. Robert S. Goldfarb answers a reader's question about continuing use of her antidepressants during pregnancy.

Are birth control pills a safe and effective method of improving difficult periods?

Ralph Mayer, Obstetrician/Gynecologist, answers a reader's questions about using birth control to control her irregular periods.

What are my available options for undergoing a hysterectomy procedure?

Obstetrician/gynecologist Sherri Levin, M.D. answers a reader's questions about her options for undergoing a hysterectomy.