He told me once that I deserved better than what the world dealt me. It was a statement offered unprompted and without pretext. Not even a “hello” or “good morning” accompanied it; we hadn’t spoken in weeks. …

Just another Wednesday It might be the most ADHD thing I experienced all week when I checked in for my appointment one morning, believing I was due for a gynecological exam (and related procedures) only to discover I was in for a psychiatric evaluation. I had requested one at a checkup with my…

At the end of the day, there are only two types of people who cheat. The first is the abusive, openly selfish, narcissistic types. Those who know exactly what they’re doing and on the surface do not care about the consequences or about who they are hurting. …

Is it such an awful situation that we don’t even have a word for someone like me? — Imagine your partner confesses to having an affair. It’s understandable that you would have questions, strong emotions, indecision, anxiety… it goes on. You would call up close friends and family, bewildered by the news. They would comfort and advise you. Perhaps you’d send an email to your therapist and book…

Affairs are dysfunctional and unsustainable by design even when the feelings are real. What happens when one plants a tree in a window box? — The day after my 35th birthday, I found out I had been the other woman in an affair. Despite the betrayal and terrible surprise of having such a part of my world upended without warning, I chose forgiveness right away. I wanted to spare additional undue pain. …

Exploring unintentional misogyny, anger, and grief after infidelity. — The tears sprung hot and angry as I read the article. My stomach burned and my neck and face flushed. I had felt unsettled and antsy for days. It seemed ridiculous that a shoddy story from the New York Post had pulled the ripcord in my sternum and let all…

Some things take time, patience, and the courage to make a mess — I’ve always been a writer and communicator by nature. Putting thoughts and feelings to words, bringing life to the mundane on paper has always been rather easy for me. The challenge, though, has always been: what exactly is my niche? Though creative nonfiction is my specialty, it’s tough to nail…