I'm an advice column junkie. I can't help it. I kick off my morning with a frothy soy latte, my “Crack”berry and a heavy dose of the “Dear crew”. When I'm lucky, I can persuade David to play along with a game of “What would Abby do?” If he's is in a particularly sporting mood, we can delve far beneath the layers of the written word. »more»

It was the original "generation gap" and the differences and resulting strains between the Baby Boom Generation and their parents of the Greatest Generation were even more pronounced than those of previous eras. »more»

Most of us like to think that a mutually agreed upon divorce or simple job lay off is not shameful. But something in our culture and deep within our own psyche begs to differ. I found my own divorce to feel quite shameful. What I say now is that any divorce, no matter how mutally desired, traumatizes the people involved and feels like a failure on some level. »more»

The Los Angeles Times tackles the "give and take of caregiving" in a thoughtful piece about taking care of seniors while still raising children. The article focuses on Lisa Wood, 44, who has a mother with Alzheimer's disease and a 5-year old daughter. »more»

The book jacket for Karen Stabiner's "The Empty Nest" says it all, "As the baby boom generation ages -- the oldest are now turning sixty -- many of them are learning to deal with a whole new way of life, after the last child has finally moved out and they are, once again, alone. It’s the same milestone their own parents faced, but as with so many other markers, this generation approaches it in a whole new way." »more»

Last year Newsweek ran an interesting article on online dating for middle age adults. Among the interesting points:

According to Jupiter Research, 15 percent of Internet users between the ages of 45 and 54 browsed dating sites last year—almost as much as the average online user. »more»

Jane Ganahl is a 50 year old single mom who has penned the "Single-Minded" column for the San Francisco Chronicle for the past five years. She is also a "determined romantic" in search of her perfect soul mate, one that is "enlightened, not crazy, creative guy who is not about money, but successful enough to be able to afford a weekend in Mendocino." Her column was a frank account of her often frustrating social life and formed the basis of her book, "Naked on the Page: The Misadventures of My Unmarried Midlife". »more»

I compare my philosophy of dating to visiting Baskin-Robbins where I ordered vanilla for 20 years (maybe it was Rocky Road at the end!). While I enjoyed vanilla, I want to try new flavors. And I didn’t want to jump from vanilla and make a commitment to butter pecan without having tasted a little pistachio, chocolate, mint chip, and more. »more»

Your date is pleasant and cordial, not a jerk. But there are signs that there won’t be a second date. »more»

I’m dismayed that I even have to write this post. After all, I date midlife (37-64 year-old), successful, educated men. You would think they’d have enough common sense and common courtesy to know what to do — and not do — with their cell phones on a date. But some apparently don’t, as I’ve been tempted to educate them with the following. So if the guy you’re dating (or dated) has had cell phone lapses, send him this and tell him he needs to shape (and hang) up. Or if you see some of your own habits listed here, take heed. »more»