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Life after divorce can feel like a whirlwind. Papers are signed, routines shift, identities blur, and suddenly the world feels both overwhelming and oddly quiet. Many of us instinctively fill the space with noise—keeping busy, piling on commitments, saying “yes” when our hearts whisper “no”—just to avoid sitting with ourselves. But here’s the truth: learning to be still is part of the healing. Redefining “Sit Still and Look Pretty” For years, “sit still and look pretty”  was a phrase meant to shrink women—telling us to stay quiet, to take up less space, to be pleasing without purpose. But as divorcees, we get to rewrite that narrative. Today, sitting still is not about shrinking. It’s about reclaiming peace. It’s about grounding yourself in your own worth without needing constant validation from a partner, a job, or anyone else. And “looking pretty” isn’t about surface beauty; it’s about glowing from the inside out—because nothing looks better than a woman who knows her worth. Stillness Is a Superpower Post-divorce life often brings a compulsion to prove ourselves: “I can handle it all on my own.” “I’ll show them I’m happier now.” “I’ll fill my calendar so I don’t feel the loneliness.” But stillness teaches us that our value doesn’t lie in how much we accomplish or how well we perform. When we pause, we create space for clarity, healing, and self-discovery. Stillness allows us to ask: What do I truly want next? What feels good for me? That pause is where transformation begins. Looking Pretty on Your Terms After divorce, many of us feel like we need a reinvention—new wardrobe, new hair, new gym routine, new everything. And while those things can feel empowering, they aren’t the source of worth. “Looking pretty” after divorce means walking into a room with your head high, even when your heart still aches. It means knowing that your beauty is not defined by whether you wear a ring, but by the strength in your eyes and the softness you still allow yourself to carry. Your glow comes from your courage, not your contour. You Are Worth It—Every Single Day The hardest lesson after divorce? Remembering that you are worthy simply because you exist. Not because you’re paired up, not because you’re achieving, not because you’re checking boxes. You are worth the quiet nights alone. You are worth the deep breaths that center - you All of us are worth joy, love, laughter, and peace—again and again. On Divorcee Dish, we talk a lot about finding new flavors in life. Think of stillness as one of them—a dish you may not have tasted in a while. It might feel unfamiliar at first, even uncomfortable. But with each slow bite, you’ll discover richness you didn’t know you were missing. So sit still. Look pretty on your terms. And never forget: you are worth it. Because if they treat you like you are not pretty inside and out - please run! https://youtu.be/uPHKkewD1G0?si=tp6I6-gOH30-fMeY

Lately, I keep seeing it pop up in my feed: in-person meet-ups are back. From speed dating nights to “singles who hike” groups, it feels like everyone is suddenly ready to swap their pajama pants for actual pants and meet other humans—face to face. Imagine that. But here’s the thing: a lot of these meet-ups seem to be happening in big cities near us. New pop-up mixers in trendy bars, dinner clubs that promise "meaningful connections," even retro throwback activities like bowling nights and trivia. It’s almost like the universe is nudging us: Hey, remember when we actually left the house to meet people? Let’s try that again. Now, I’ll admit I am intrigued. Swiping left and right has its place (and its exhaustion factor), but there’s something refreshing about the idea of walking into a room and meeting people the old-fashioned way. No curated selfies, no weird lag on Zoom, no guessing their height based on vague “I’m tall” bios. Just… real humans. That said, as someone in the “40 and fabulous” category, I keep wondering: where are the meet-ups for us?  Because so far, most of what I’ve spotted feels like it’s geared toward the twenty-something, craft-beer crowd. And while I love a good IPA, I’d also like a meet-up that doesn’t make me feel like the chaperone. So, tell me—have you attended one of these new in-person gatherings? Did it feel fun and energizing, or did it remind you why we once thought Netflix and a glass of wine were safer? I’m genuinely curious because if there are  events popping up for the over-40 crowd or event 50 (wink wink), I haven’t found them yet. And if they don’t exist… maybe we need to start one ourselves. Until then, I’ll keep scrolling the invites and wondering: is this the new wave of dating, or just another trend that will fade faster than a TikTok dance? What do you think? Would you show up to one of these meet-ups—or are you happy sticking to your apps and your couch? Comment below:

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs, doesn’t it? One minute you feel like you’re juggling everything just fine, and the next, bam: you’re stuck in traffic, the laundry pile is taller than you, and your phone battery dies right as you’re about to send that “urgent” email. In those chaotic moments, it can feel like everything is spiraling out of control. Then out of nowhere, something small and sweet sneaks in and shifts your entire day.   The Unexpected Giggle It might be your kid telling a story that makes absolutely no sense, but their laughter is contagious. Or maybe it’s your best friend sending a meme at just the right time. Those tiny bursts of joy remind you that even when things feel messy, there’s still so much to smile about.   The Simple Comforts Think about that first sip of coffee in the morning, the smell of fresh laundry, or hearing your favorite song when you least expect it. They’re not life-changing events, but they are mood-changing moments.   The Connection Points Sometimes it’s as small as someone holding the door for you, a stranger complimenting your outfit, or running into someone who makes you feel seen. Those micro-connections ground you and remind you you’re not alone in the chaos.   The Pause That Resets Everything Then there’s the moment you step outside, take a deep breath, and notice the way the sun is hitting the trees just right. Life doesn’t magically fix itself in that second, but your perspective shifts just enough to make the craziness more bearable.   Here’s the thing: life will get messy. Schedules will blow up, feelings will overwhelm you, and some days will just feel… hard. But those little moments? They’re proof that even in the middle of chaos, there’s joy waiting to be noticed. Have a sweet moment today! Erin

As the years go by, life has a way of surprising us with changes we never quite feel ready for. Children grow up and leave the nest, and suddenly the house that once buzzed with energy feels quieter. Babies turn into young adults towering over us, parents age before our eyes (and while we’re lucky to still have them, it’s not always easy to witness), and our own bodies shift in ways that remind us that time is moving forward, whether we want it to or not. And then there’s the heartache of missing people we’ve lost. For me, it’s my Grandpa — my guide, my steady hand, my biggest encourager. He’s been gone for more than ten years, but I still feel him with me. Reflection creeps in at unexpected moments, and it can be overwhelming at times . Don’t get me wrong — age also comes with experience, wisdom, and perspective. But there are nights when I lie awake asking myself: How did my kids grow up so fast? How did my marriage unravel? Why have some relationships become closer while others drifted away? Why am I single at this stage, still longing for that deep human connection? It can be a lot to hold. And yet, in the middle of the questions and the ache, I keep reminding myself to come back to the present. To breathe. To notice this day, this hour, this minute. Because no matter how much I reflect on the past or worry about the future, the only place I can truly live is here, right now. Some days I do this well. Other days, I stumble. But maybe that’s the point is to keep trying. To keep showing up in the moment with whatever it brings. So, today, I’m asking myself and you: how do you feel in this moment? Because maybe that’s the only question that really matters. If you’ve had similar reflections, I’d love to hear from you. Share your thoughts, memories, or simply where you are right now. You’re not alone in this journey — we’re all finding our way, one moment at a time. xoxo Erin

It’s a funny in-between space to live in—being single but also open to meeting someone. Maybe you’ve healed, rediscovered yourself, and feel that flutter of excitement when you think about dating again. At the same time, you’re not rushing into the first opportunity that comes along because you know there’s real value in this season of life. Being single, even when you want to mingle, isn’t a contradiction. In fact, it can be a gift. Here’s why: 1. You Get to Prioritize You Singlehood allows you to set your own priorities without compromise. Whether it’s building your career, traveling on a whim, spending time with your kids or friends, or simply curling up with a book guilt-free, you get to choose. This independence strengthens your sense of self, which is exactly what makes you more grounded when you do  meet someone new. 2. Freedom to Explore Dating while single doesn’t have to be about finding “the one” right away. It can be about meeting different people, discovering what you want (and don’t want), and enjoying the ride. You can mingle with curiosity and fun rather than pressure—because your happiness doesn’t depend on someone else showing up. 3. Stronger Boundaries Being single teaches you how to say no to situations, people, or relationships that don’t align with your values. This time alone often sharpens your awareness of red flags and helps you stand firm on what matters most. By the time you decide to mingle more seriously, you’ll do so with clarity and confidence. 4. Deepened Connections with Yourself & Others Without a partner as your primary focus, you have more space for meaningful connections with family, friends, and community. Those bonds are often just as fulfilling as romantic ones, and they remind you that love exists in many forms—not just in couplehood. 5. Confidence in Your Independence When you know you can thrive on your own, dating becomes less about filling a void and more about adding joy. You’re not looking for someone to complete you—you’re looking for someone to complement an already full and vibrant life. That confidence radiates and often makes you even more attractive when mingling. Wanting to mingle doesn’t diminish the benefits of being single. It means you’re open—but also wise enough to enjoy the chapter you’re in. Singlehood is not a waiting room; it’s a season filled with freedom, self-discovery, and growth. So, embrace the best of both worlds: love your single life while keeping your heart open to the possibility of connection. After all, the strongest relationships often come when you already feel whole on your own. Find you and find your happiness. Erin

One of the most empowering shifts that happens after divorce is learning to own your curiosity. Asking questions, leaning in, and showing genuine interest in another person’s life isn’t a weakness—it’s a strength. It means you’ve grown enough to care, to notice, and to stay open even after being hurt. For too long, many of us were conditioned to believe that showing interest makes us look needy, clingy, or foolish. But the truth is, there’s nothing silly about wanting to connect. Curiosity is what builds bridges between people. It’s how relationships—whether romantic, platonic, or professional—take root. When you choose to be interested, even if the other person isn’t reciprocating, you’re demonstrating one of the most potent traits you have: confidence in your humanity. You’re not afraid to ask, to listen, to learn. That’s not “too much.” That’s precisely the kind of presence this world needs more of. Here’s the empowering part: their lack of interest doesn’t diminish your worth. Your curiosity doesn’t need validation. Whether someone meets your energy or not, your ability to engage fully, to care deeply, and to remain open-hearted is a reflection of your strength—not your shortcomings. So, the next time you hear that little voice whispering that you’re being “stupid” for asking questions or caring too much, silence it. You’re not stupid. You’re alive. You’re present. And you’re courageous enough to lean in where others would shut down. Because showing interest isn’t a flaw—it’s a superpower. Just be upfront and honest...you never know what is ahead!

Co-parenting is rarely a straight, smooth road. Add in the complexities of one or both parents moving on to new relationships, and the terrain can feel even bumpier. But here’s the good news: with the right mindset, clear communication, and a united focus on your children, it’s absolutely possible to remain an effective parenting team — no matter what changes life throws your way. Keep the Kids at the Center Your children are the heart of the team. That means every decision, conversation, and compromise should answer one question first: “What’s best for them?”  Not what’s easiest for you  or most comfortable for your new partner  — but what protects your kids’ stability, emotional health, and sense of security. When kids feel like they have two parents who have their backs, it doesn’t matter who’s dating whom. They feel loved, safe, and less likely to feel caught in the middle. Respect New Relationships — Without Letting Them Take Over New partners bring new personalities, parenting perspectives, and sometimes even new children into the mix. While they shouldn’t be excluded from conversations that affect household life, they also shouldn’t replace the primary parental decision-making team: you and your co-parent. Respect your co-parent’s right to move on, and extend that courtesy to your own life as well. But set boundaries that keep co-parenting decisions between the two of you. Keep Communication Business-Like When Emotions Run High When either of you is in a new relationship, old emotions or insecurities can surface — even if you thought you’d “moved on.”If tensions rise, treat co-parenting conversations like professional meetings. Stick to the facts, avoid rehashing the past, and choose your words as if your boss were cc’d on the thread. It sounds funny, but that little mental trick can keep exchanges from spiraling. Tools like co-parenting apps (OurFamilyWizard, TalkingParents) can help streamline communication and keep a paper trail if needed. Present a United Front to the Kids Disagreements will happen. But hashing them out in front of the kids undermines trust and makes them feel like they have to choose sides. Even if you have to fake it for a few hours, show unity in front of the children. Save debates for private calls, texts, or meetings — and when you reach an agreement, stick to it, even if it wasn’t your first choice. Practice Flexibility — Life Doesn’t Always Follow the Schedule New relationships sometimes mean new commitments, travel, or events. Whenever possible, trade time without turning it into a power struggle. Flexibility today earns you the same courtesy tomorrow — and shows the kids that everyone is willing to adapt for their benefit. Check Your Ego at the Door This might be the hardest part: accepting that your co-parent’s new partner may do things differently… and that’s okay. As long as your children are safe, cared for, and loved, it’s worth remembering that different isn’t necessarily wrong. Your role as a parent doesn’t shrink because someone else is helping. Co-parenting in blended family dynamics takes maturity, patience, and a whole lot of self-awareness. But when you approach it as a team sport , the scoreboard isn’t about who’s right or who “wins.” It’s about raising kids who feel supported and loved from every direction. The truth is, children notice when their parents — and even their parents’ new partners — treat each other with respect. They also notice when bitterness takes over. Choosing to co-parent as a team, even through life changes, isn’t just about keeping the peace; it’s about giving your kids the best version of their family possible. More sassy version coming next. Erin

If you’ve been single long enough to start referring to yourself as “forever solo,” you’ve probably heard all the greatest hits: • “Why are you still single?” • “Have you tried dating apps?” • “Don’t you want someone?” Meanwhile, you’re over here nodding politely while silently screaming, then wondering, "Do you not know me?" Ha! Here’s the thing—being single isn’t so bad -you are embracing the inner you. It’s a season. And like every season, it can (and will) change in its own time. But here’s the magic trick: you don’t have to sit around and wait. You can manifest your next great love story. Step 1: Get Clear on What You Want Not the list your friends think you should have—the one that matters to you. Do you want someone adventurous? Someone who sends good morning texts? Someone who loves dogs more than life itself? Please write it down. Be specific. The universe loves clarity. Step 2: Become the Energy You Want to Attract If you want kindness, be kind. If you want confidence, stand tall. If you want someone who loves to travel, start planning those trips—yes, even solo ones. You’re not just manifesting them—you’re also leveling up yourself. Step 3: Release the Desperation Manifestation isn’t begging the universe for a plus-one—it’s trusting that the right person is already making their way toward you. Live your life. Fill your days with joy, friends, hobbies, and laughter. Love tends to show up when you’re too busy enjoying yourself to notice. Step 4: Make Room for Love Want love? Make space for it. That might mean finally letting go of an ex you still “accidentally” check on Instagram, or deleting that “just in case” situationship’s number. Emotional clutter takes up prime real estate in your heart. Step 5: Stay Open to the Unexpected Your next love might not look like you imagined. They might pop up at a coffee shop, through a mutual friend, or yes—even in your DMs. Don’t slam the door just because the packaging surprises you. Being “always single” isn’t a flaw, you know what you want, and you will get there. Use it to get crystal clear, grow into the person you love being, and build a life that feels good now. That way, when your next love walks in, they’re not “completing” you—they’re complementing an already amazing life. Because love isn’t something you chase, it’s something you welcome. And yours? Oh, it’s already on its way. They are manifesting you as well.

I miss connection. Not just the “5G full-bars” kind, but the real kind—the kind that doesn’t drop you mid-call, ghost you after a good date, or keep you on hold when you’re already at your breaking point. Lately, everything feels unreliable. My mobile service. Dating apps. Work schedules. People. Promises. It’s like the modern world has a million ways to stay “connected,” yet somehow, we’re all just one buffering wheel away from losing our grip. Call Dropped. Again. My cell phone is practically a third limb—attached to me 24/7, handling my business, my blog, my grocery lists, my dating life, my kids' chaos, and the occasional crisis. But when I can’t even send a text or make a call without standing on a kitchen chair with one arm in the air like I'm doing tech yoga... we have a problem. AT&T says I have "coverage." What I have is a $200 monthly bill and five days of silence. It’s giving: emotional unavailability . It’s giving: “seen” but not heard . It’s showing: every man I’ve ever dated in my 40s . Where Did Accountability Go? We live in a world that promises everything and delivers nothing. My provider promised “unlimited.” They meant unlimited waiting. Dating apps promised options. They delivered red flags. Work promised flexibility. Now I’m exhausted at home and  the office. People promise to “call you right back.” They don’t. It's not just about technology—it’s about trust. We’ve built a world that runs on pings and pings alone—no eye contact. No follow-through. Just alerts, algorithms, and automatic replies. Even the people who are supposed to care—your provider, your partner, your boss—seem more invested in metrics than actual connection. I’m Tired of Being Left on Read I’m tired of feeling like everything in life is a one-way message. I sent the text. I show up. I try. I refresh. I troubleshoot. I stay patient. And still—crickets. I don’t need perfection. I don’t need fireworks. I need the basics: Consistency. Clarity. Communication. You know, all the things I now put in my dating profile  AND my customer service complaint emails. The Service I Deserve I want a provider that doesn’t cut out when it rains. A job that doesn’t expect me to be superhuman without giving support.A partner who texts back.Friends who follow through.Kids who don’t scream when the Wi-Fi dips (a girl can dream). I want a world that values real connection again. Because while everything around me keeps getting “smarter,” the relationships—professional, romantic, even digital—are getting dumber. Here’s what I know: I'm done settling. I’m done tolerating dropped calls, ghosted messages, and half-hearted anything. Whether it's my mobile service, my next date, or my next gig—I want presence . I want reliability . I want respect . If you can’t offer that, then don’t offer anything. I’m not interested. Because in this era of fake connections and faulty networks, the real flex? Knowing your worth—and demanding better. Stay true to you, put on a brave face, and in your gut stay true to you!!! xoxo Erin

Let’s talk about hope again  for a second. Not the kind that’s all glitter and unicorns, but the real, gritty kind—the kind that’s hard to hold onto when your world has flipped upside down and your heart is shattered in more pieces than you thought possible. The kind you cling to after your divorce papers are signed, and the silence that follows feels deafening. Yes, that  hope. Here’s the truth no one tells you when everything falls apart: hope is your lifeline. It might feel buried under grief, anger, disappointment, and that familiar sting of betrayal, but it’s still there. Flickering. Waiting. Asking you—gently but firmly—not to give up. When you’ve been through a breakup, especially one that ends in divorce, it’s easy to believe that this is it. That love isn’t in the cards for you anymore. That happiness is something other people get, but somehow skipped over your address. And the world, let’s be honest, doesn’t always make it easy to believe otherwise. But I’m here to remind you: there is always hope . And you don’t have to feel hopeful every single day to believe in its power. You just have to keep a little room for it in your heart. Even on the bad days. Hope is knowing your story isn’t over yet. Hope is showing up for yourself—again and again—even when no one else does. Hope is choosing to believe that just because it ended doesn’t mean you  are broken. Hope is giving yourself permission to laugh, cry, heal, start over, fall in love (yes, even again), or just stay in on a Friday night with popcorn and your favorite rom-com. If you’re struggling right now—if you feel like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel—I see you. I’ve been you. And I promise you, it won’t always feel like this. So how do you maintain hope when everything feels hopeless? Start small. Get out of bed. Make your coffee. Go outside. Call a friend. Write it down. Dance it out. Pray. Meditate. Cuss and cry and scream if you need to. Repeat. Hope is a habit. And like any habit, it takes practice. So here’s your reminder from one divorcee to another: You are allowed to fall apart. But please, don’t give up. Not on love.Not on life.Not on yourself. You’ve come this far. That means something. And if you leave the door cracked open just an inch, hope will find its way back in . xo, Divorcee Dish

No one tells you that the most challenging part of dating after divorce isn’t rejection—it’s the silence. Not the kind of silence that comes with peace or clarity. But the cold, hollow, cut-you-to-the-bone type of silence that follows someone disappearing without explanation. One day, they're making you laugh, texting you good morning, and asking about your day. The next? Gone. No closure. No honesty. Just… silence. It’s become a pattern. Not just for me, but for so many women I know—strong, intelligent, self-aware women who’ve rebuilt their lives brick by painful brick after divorce. We know our worth. We've done the work. And still, we find ourselves stunned by the lack of basic respect in today’s dating culture. Where did the dignity go? When did it become acceptable to walk out of someone’s life without a conversation? To “ghost” rather than express a boundary? To treat people as if they’re disposable? This isn’t just about romantic interests. It’s friendships, too. People who once showed up for you, who knew your story, your pain, your progress—gone when you needed them most. Disappearing isn’t just a dating trend. It’s seeped into every layer of connection. And it hurts. We’ve confused avoidance with kindness. Some will say they didn’t want to hurt you by being honest. But silence is  an answer—and it’s a cruel one. It leaves you second-guessing your instincts, your words, your worth. It’s emotional abandonment dressed up as emotional maturity. I’ve cried over the confusion. I’ve stewed in resentment. I’ve blamed myself. But I’m learning that their silence says more about them  than it does about me . To those who disappear: You could have just said, “This isn’t working for me.” You could have chosen maturity, compassion, and honesty. Instead, you chose the easy way out. But for the person left behind, that choice echoes long after you’re gone. To those still standing in the silence: You are not too much. You are not too emotional. You are not to blame. You are brave for showing up again and again with an open heart, even in a world that too often turns away. You are not alone in feeling disappointed, confused, and hurt. We feel it, too. And we see you. Let’s normalize dignity. Let’s bring respect back into relationships—even the short ones. Let’s stop pretending that vanishing is kindness. It’s not. It’s cowardice masked as self-preservation. You deserve more than silence. You deserve a goodbye. A thank you. A “this isn’t working, but I respect you enough to say it.”You deserve someone who shows up. Fully. With clarity. With kindness. With courage. Until then, we hold our heads high, even when our hearts are low. We speak the words others were too afraid to say. We keep believing that the right people won’t disappear. They’ll stay—and speak. Please know this continues and continues to affect so many of us. If you are doing this to someone, have at least a brief phone conversation or something. Silence is not the answer. Erin

Welcome to the Divorcee Dish Dating Dictionary Dating over 50 isn’t for the faint of heart—it’s a rollercoaster of ghosting, love bombing, awkward silence, and unexpected hope. So what do we do when modern dating leaves us speechless? We make up our own damn words. This cheeky little dictionary captures the emotional chaos, the resilience, and the hilarious truth of what it’s really  like to date after divorce. Whether you’re freshly single or a seasoned swiper, these terms will make you laugh, nod, and say, “Yes— that’s  exactly what I’ve been feeling.” Please read it. Please share it. Live it. Ghostglow : The resilient inner light that remains after someone ghosts you—proof that you're still full of hope, heart, and hotness.“He disappeared mid-convo, but my ghostglow still shines bright.” Lovefetti: The shiny promises and over-the-top affection someone throws around during love bombing, only to sweep it all under the rug once real emotions are required.“He showered me in lovefetti for two weeks straight, then vanished faster than a tax refund.” Textpectation: The rising anxiety that builds while you wait for a reply you know may never come.“I’m battling a bad case of textpectation, send wine.” Worthflare: The subtle glow-up you give off after remembering who the hell you are—usually after being treated like an afterthought.“He flaked again, but my worthflare is blinding today.” Emovoid: That mental space where you keep trying to figure out why he ghosted, even though deep down you already know.“I need to get out of this emovoid and into a bubble bath.” Datenesia: The temporary lapse in judgment where you forget all your red flag rules and swipe right on a six-pack and a beard.“Oops… I think I’ve come down with a case of datenesia again.” Reply rage: The irrational anger you feel when someone who ignored your heartfelt message suddenly texts “hey.” “Oh, now he wants to talk? Cue the replyrage.” Reboundience : That fiery confidence that surges when you bounce back from heartbreak like the badass you are. “I cried for a week, then booked a solo beach trip. Reboundience in full effect Flakequake : The sudden shake-up to your day when someone cancels last minute with a lame excuse or none at all. Crumbcrumbs: The tiny bits of attention someone drops to keep you hanging on without offering anything real. Datejavu: The eerie feeling you’ve been on this same boring date—same convo, same red flags, different dude. Zombae : A former fling who ghosts and then suddenly rises from the dead to 'check in' like nothing ever happened. Slowfade: When someone doesn’t ghost you completely—they take longer and longer to reply until they vanish. These are just a few - check back for more coming soon. If you have a favorite, please send it our way! xoxo Erin