By Marla Martenson As a professional matchmaker of over two decades, I’ve watched more promising connections dissolve in the imagination than in real life. And one of the biggest culprits? Jumping to conclusions—especially based on photos. I see this most often with my male clients, and I say that with love and honesty. A woman’s entire personality, lifestyle, and dating history will be decided in seconds based on a single image. Red lipstick? “She must be high-maintenance.” Not smiling in...

By Marla Martenson Sometimes, I sit in silence and feel the weight of what’s missing. My immediate family—those who once held me, laughed with me, fought beside me, loved me in the way only family can—have all transitioned to the spirit world. One by one, they’ve returned “home,” leaving me here to continue walking this earthly path without them in the physical. When I think of the dozens of friends and family who’ve also crossed over, the mind boggles. So many faces. So many memories. So...

By Marla Martenson Whether you’re scribbling love notes, dodging candy hearts like emotional landmines, or planning a cozy solo movie night with popcorn and fuzzy socks—Valentine’s Day has a way of sneaking into your calendar and your feelings. But how did we get here? Why is February 14th practically dipped in chocolate and wrapped in red ribbon? Let’s rewind a bit… like, way back. A Rebel in Robes—The Real Saint Valentine Before we had boxes of truffles and oversized teddy bears, we had...