by John Ballew | Sep 13, 2012 | Overcoming anxiety, single life, successful dating
Few things are as disliked as small talk — especially by people who are socially anxious or shy. The feeling of being out there on your own without a clue to get the conversational ball rolling can feel a bit overwhelming. But the ability to make small talk is... 
by John Ballew | Aug 2, 2012 | Dating and single life, midlife
I was surprised when AARP began last year to address the interests and needs of LGBT people over 50. They’ve gone beyond using inclusive language to really thinking about what it is like for those of us in the gay community who have gotten to midlife or older. Good... by John Ballew | Jul 8, 2012 | Dating and single life, starting a relationship
Relationships are like a dance, moving and flowing, each with a different rhythm. As in other dances, one person often leads for a while and the other follows. The music changes, the arrangement is renegotiated, and the roles change. This is true in all sorts of... 
by John Ballew | May 29, 2012 | Dating and single life, ending a relationship, Relationships
The time after a relationship ends is often an emotional roller coaster ride. One moment we find ourselves remembering the good times and longing for familiar and comfortable contact. Then we think about how the relationship ended – him calling it off or whatever... by John Ballew | May 11, 2012 | Good life, single life
Maybe you saw the headline in the AJC: Atlanta tops for people living alone. The May 1 article noted that Atlanta is tied for Washington with 38.5% of households consisting of one person. More and more of us are living alone, it seems. So why does being alone seem... by John Ballew | Apr 20, 2012 | Dating and single life, ending a relationship
Ending a relationship is almost always painful, even if you’re the one who initiated it. The relationship started with hopes and dreams; now it is drawing to a close. Even a relationship that has grown lifeless has a familiarity and comfort about it: the little...