Ann Elizabeth Grace, Author

Saturday night was gorgeous in Vienna: crisp, cool, bustling. My husband, Dan, and I meandered through narrow streets and alleys, finally popping into a cozy café. Midway through a basket of bread, Dan met my gaze and posed a random question. “Annie,”     he said, “what are your three biggest needs in our relationship?” I was touched that he asked, and also a little surprised. After all, we’re edging toward six years together. He could easily assume he knows me so intimately that such questions are no longer necessary.

Mulling it over, I realized that my needs—and the ways in which they are met—have shifted with time, growth, and countless transitions. Rambling a bit as I caught up with my thoughts, I responded honestly, then turned the question on Dan. A dynamic conversation ensued, broad themes filtering into practical details. How, specifically, can we make life sweeter for each other?  Read more…

Some of the old clichés about love are so true. Love conquers all. ‘Tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. And yes, Breakin’ up is hard to do.

Sigh.

Recently I spent time with a friend who is going through a painful breakup. My heart ached as I witnessed the unraveling of her hopes and dreams for the relationship. She had entered the void. Read more…