Ask Happy Bitch…

Relationship mistakes? Who me? Yes, you. Yes, me. Yes, all of us.

If you've made relationship mistakes in the past, well, welcome to the club. I think we all have. Oh well. Move on. It doesn't matter so much that we've screwed up in the past, what matters is that we learn what works, what doesn't work and have the presence of mind to stay alert and not fall into the same old patterns and keep making the same mistakes. When relationships ain't going so hot, we all like to think it's the other person, but let's face it, it takes two to Tango, so let's make sure you're not contributing to the drama.

Here are the five biggest relationship mistakes you don't want to make, in reverse order: continue »

"l am living with a mentally and emotionally abusive, alcoholic, narcissist husband. I haven't any "real" job skills or college degree to make enough money to live on my own. I now suffer from severe depression, panic attacks, extreme shyness and barely associate with anyone, or go anywhere due to low self-esteem. I'm 40, humiliated, and tired of living this way. I have 2 kids with him (12 & 9) that I am trying to raise as responsible, independent, giving, caring people. I don't want my son growing up thinking it's ok to treat any person the way his father does, and I'm starting to continue »

"It seems like everything is such an effort. Is life ever going to cut me a break?"

A while back, I posted on one of the biggest behavioral differences between wealthy and not-so-wealthy people. Almost to a person, it comes down to what they spend their time thinking about and talking about. (Click here to read the post: http://happybitchbook.com/pressroom/?p=578)

Contrary to popular belief,  continue »

"Mr. Watson, come here. I want to see you." Just a few rooms away from each other, on March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell spoke these words to his assistant over his newly-invented telephone. Two people, for the first recorded time in history, communicating with spoken words without being in each other's presence.

Fast forward 134 years to 2010, and it is estimated that there are over 4.6 billion cell phones in the hands, pockets and purses of people all over the world. You could be in your car, heading on 95 South at 55 miles an hour and continue »

"I'm not happy with myself, but I don't know what to do about it.  I constantly put stuff off and then feel like crap about it. I have trouble sticking with anything – even focusing. The truth is, it seems without even wanting to, I start arguments. I say stuff that I later wish I hadn't. Bottom line, I feel like a bitch. I don't even like me. What's wrong with me? How do I become a better person?"

Well, my friend, you just continue »

If you've ever suffered the life-draining, sucking vortex of a painful breakup, you know how debilitating it can be. It's as if someone turned on a giant vacuum the size of the universe and sucked all the happiness, peace and familiarity out of your life. Do you want to know why it feels that way?

Turns out that "He's under my skin." and "I can't get him out of my head." are more than just expressions. How so? When we love someone, he actually occupies space inside the emotional center of our brains. He, or more accurately, thoughts of him, physically live in the neurons and synapses (fancy words for pathways) in our brains.

When someone leaves our life, through death, divorce or breakup, our brain gets confused. It's expecting to  continue »

When you consider the barrage of bad news from television and magazines about the percent of marriages that end in divorce, are on the rocks, or simply just suck, it's no wonder the pattern continues to repeat itself. We get what we expect, right?

Add to that, one of the few thorns in my side that is called "reality TV", further pounding into our heads that a typical relationship involves nagging, fighting, selfishness and downright meanness, it's a wonder any of us actually do have great relationships. We are so programmed to believe relationships are difficult. As a matter of fact, on the occasion that I do share how happy I am in my marriage, how easy it is and that we rarely ever experience what you would consider an argument, guess what? People continue »

"It makes me sad to think about it. They've spent a lifetime together. My father isn't perfect, but I know he will be completely lost without my mother. How can I talk her out of it? How can I help them save their marriage?"

The end of a marriage. Rarely easy, no matter the circumstances.

My first piece of advice is to continue »

Although this blog is primarily for women, I feel compelled to address the heart-breaking behavior that is causing our children to take their own lives. This is not strictly a female issue. It is a human issue. And I can't stay silent.

Before I share my thoughts, I must say that if you are a parent and your child is the victim of bullying, please don't take it lightly. Stay close to your child in every way, and if you have even an inkling they feel desperate, please seek out professional support.

Now, for my two cents.

To the teens (or people of any age for that matter) who are treated with disrespect, anger, prejudice, bitterness or hatred:

Get a piece of paper and a magic marker. Write down the following words and tape it somewhere you will see it every day: continue »

Check out the story Cablevision ran on our Happy Bitch tasting night at Cosimos! What a fun night!

Click HERE to watch

Thanks again to all of you who submitted recipes for the new Happy Bitch martini, to all of you who brought your taste buds and cast your vote and especially to Carlo Citera at Cosimo's Restaurant in Poughkeepsie for being an excellent host. As a reminder, you can pay Carlo a visit and order a Happy Bitch right off the menu.

How fun is that!