Freedom through commitment

David and I were on the approach to the Golden Gate Bridge when I had a “feeling” to check my cell. Sure enough, four calls within minutes, evidence someone was urgently trying to reach me. Validation that my intuition (i.e. that feeling) was working—oh, I just love that part! The part I don’t always LOVE is what’s actually “up.” Which, in this instance, was

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The last 5 of 10 tips for combating the High-Maintenance Blues, + bonus!

6)   Be a conscious ROLE MODEL.What are we saying to our girls? This is a tough reality but well worth looking at. And what are we saying to our young men? That women are objects, that men should like this fake version versus the real? Did our mothers teach us nothing, did our grandmothers and sisters and all the women who fought for our freedom not teach us that we are enough? All I am saying is, be clear about one thing; they are not only watching, but

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Can a bad relationship make you sick?

Relationships affect our overall health in so many ways. Recent studies have shown how coupling can add years to your life, boost your immune system and even help with anxiety and depression. Naturally, one might wonder what influence the end of relationship might have on your health and wellness. Most of us don’t have to think to hard to conjure injurious feelings about a relationship gone bad. And while the pain and grief due to botched relationship vary from one individual to the next, we need to explore

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How about a greater tomorrow right now? Maryanne answers your questions.

What is it about relationships that can make an otherwise sensible, even-tempered, reasonable creature alternately spit venom or fairy dust? Are we so hypnotized by the presence of another that we become deranged, one minute spontaneously rearranging our values, morals and boundaries in the name of Happily Ever After (or FABULOUS sex), the next searching feverishly for where we may have misplaced ourselves. If you’re like most two-leggeds, while this is fascinating coffee talk, you’re likely much busier trying to figure out how to

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Getting off…

Getting off… Oh no…you thought I meant…that getting off! Right. Well…wrong. While this particular kind of “getting off” is also companioned by heavy breathing and occasional shouting, this explosion of emotion sounds more like: “GET-OFF-YOUR-PHONE!”

I was at one of my favorite local restaurants this past weekend,

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The first 5 of 10 tips for combating the High-Maintenance Blues

It’s a sad day for some when your hormones are about to run out, your botox has worn off, you’re down to three fake eyelashes (the ones in the middle that make you look like you pulled an all-nighter or need glasses) and they can’t see you for an appointment for TWO weeks, then you realize they don’t make your favorite eyebrow pencil anymore so you have to use one that’s a shade too dark which makes you look like a clown. If that’s not bad enough

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Truth Beyond Price

Have you ever wanted something so bad, that you would be willing to risk everything for it? Spend years of your life pursuing it, preparing for it, this thing that promises to fulfill you, give your life meaning and purpose and believe will truly make you happy, convinced beyond a shadow of a doubt this thing, or this path is the right path for you. So you commit you’ll do whatever it takes including: barter with God,  plead with the universe, and try and align yourself with the stars (and anything else you can think of) to help you make this thing come true. Then one day,

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The Parmahansa ballerina nun

“Ya know, I am feeling more like some really clean food,” I declared, and instead of turning left drove straight, heading for another of our favorite haunts.  My husband didn’t care; he eats anything, like Mikey, that kid in the cereal commercial. I love that about him! Moments later we pulled into the parking lot, cracked the window for Bella (our white/golden retriever) and scampered inside the trendy organic restaurant. Okay, actually, I scampered. It was raining, so I scampered! My husband, who I think it would be safe to say does not scamper, strolled in.

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Are you and your husband for real?

People ask me all the time; are you and your husband for real. “Because if you are, I want that too!” If it is defined as a relationship where two people respect each other, wake up every day wondering how they can make each other’s life better and more fulfilling, punctuated by a definition of love not for the faint of heart, “I want what you want for yourself,” then I say, “yes,” it’s for real. The caveat being, how we got to have it involved some critical elements. One of which was

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Got an STD?

A former student wrote this honest and vulnerable letter, and wanted to share my reply with you all. Identifying details have been changed. Hi Maryanne, I'm having some very painful times right now, due to not following your really great advice in your workshop…I wondered if I could ask you something? I'm having a bit of an ethical dilemma. A friend set me up with this man, a well-known philanthropist;

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Relationship Dirt Part 3: Top 5 questions you should ask every man on a first date

Mastering the art of the inner-view is worth every effort; slowing down, taking time to get to know someone and asking the tough questions, waiting to see if someone’s answers are revealed in their actions, remembering all the while that real love cannot be negotiated and great relationships begin within. And why not? What better investment is there when it comes to the real thing; authentic connection, the foundation for a loving, lasting relationship? Unless you’re convinced

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Relationship Dirt, Part 2: Four essential questions to ask before you give out your contact info

Let me ask you this; why are you single right now? Is it because you are enjoying your time as a single person and don’t desire to be in a partnership, or perhaps you’re having fun enjoying all the delights of being on the prowl? OR are you single because you just broke it off with someone who broke your heart or betrayed you, just finished a painful divorce, are a single parent and don’t want to be, or simply feeling lonely

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Relationship Dirt, Part 1

When I was a little kid I used to make mud pies out of dirt and water and secretly leave them on my neighbors’ doorsteps. In my five-year-old mind, if they accepted the “pie” it meant they were friendly, had a sense of humor, were open, and likely safe to play around and with. If not…they weren’t; I didn’t take it too personally and moved on to the next house. I didn’t try to make them like the pie or want the pie, explain why I left the pie, call them, stalk them, cry myself to sleep,

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Attention all shoppers: Things for free…

My husband and I were walking along the beach when we noticed four children perched in the sand on either side of their cardboard sign that said “Things for free,” handwritten in red crayon. I did a double take. I didn't understand. I looked for the Kool-Aid. There wasn't any. Where was the catch? I looked around to see if it was a joke. It wasn't. My husband, on the other hand, knew right away what was happening and slid right into their magical world of giving. He gently sidled up to their seaside gifting shop

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Spiritual incontinence, and infidelity

Tiger Woods/John Gosselin/General Petraeus hit the front pages, and readers are shocked…shocked. “Powerful men have a higher sex drive,” says one expert; “Men are just wired that way,” says another. “If women don’t want their men to stray, they need to turn up the passion in the bedroom.” And I say – Pleeeeze! We all know that men do not have a corner on the hormone market; the secret’s out and the facts are in, so enough with this foolishness—at least come up with something original.

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No benefits, all friends?

It’s that time of year. Summer is in full swing and the fever pitch is HIGH! No more bundling up your chakras, you say, it’s time for some “sex on the beach”! Okay, but let’s get a few things straight before we high-tail it outta hibernation and into free love. First, there ain’t no such thing as a free lunch (or love), at least not that kind of love. And unless you are immoral or completely without a conscience, you need to

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Are monkeys more sexually evolved than we are?

Tell me, why does dropping one’s drawers have to be the line of demarcation? Is that really the point of no return? If so, then why do you consider it as such? My studies of aboriginal Polynesian societies have led me to delve into customs of touching in other nearly nude societies, including those of primates, with whom we share 98% of our DNA. These societies have no drawers to drop, yet raised peaceful, sexually wise kids. So, perhaps your next title should be: What You Should Know Before You Cover Your Wares. :-)

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Like a virgin (with a shovel)

“Hello and welcome to We Already Have your Money and There’s Nothing You Can Do About It. Para enlese conrtolato numero uno.” (Shoot, did I dial the wrong number? I panic for a second and wonder why on earth I learned to speak Italian and not Spanish.) “For English, press two.” There she is again, I think; who is that lady, she sure gets around, I wonder if I’ll ever run into her on a plane or hear her voice in line somewhere and I would be like, OMG it’s the lady on the

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Hot and hormonal seeking trade!

Q~ I’m a fifty-something, single, more Bu-ish than Jewish woman looking to get back out in the dating world. I am not thrilled with the idea of online dating but realize when it comes to the law of attraction, I need to get the ball rolling. The problem is, I am not feeling as marketable as I was in my thirties and forties, never mind my hormones are raging like a teenager—except now, instead of blooming, it seems I am about to lose my blossom. Any suggestions on how to attract a great mate?

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