Vivienne Diane Neal's Blog

Office Romance – Yes, or No? By Vivienne Diane Neal

Photo by RonLach

Wow, things have reallychanged since I started my first job in 1964. From that point on, I started towork for a temporary agency where I got to work at various companies. And evenback then, there were rumors of co-workers engaging in romantic connectionsand/or extra-marital affairs. Some were obvious while others were subtle.

Office romance is an issuethat has been around for eons, and for good reasons. When people spend extendedhours together, sparks may begin to fly. Whether it is an elusive crush on acoworker or a full-blown relationship, romance in the workplace is common thenit was sixty years ago, but it comes with its own set of complications, and advantages.

One of the biggest magnetsof office romance is convenience. You are already spending most of your daywith your colleagues, so getting to know someone feels natural. Sharedprojects, coffee breaks, and after-work hangouts create plenty of opportunitiesfor a connection. Plus, there is something undeniably exciting about stolenglances during meetings or quick chats by the water cooler.

Photo by KetutSubiyanto

However, dating acoworker is not all wine and roses. Office affairs can get messy if things gosouth. Awkward encounters in the break room, office gossip. Even professionalconflicts can turn a sweet romance into a professional headache and may lead tosexual harassment complaints. This is why many firms have policies aboutrelationships on the job. Some companies even require employees to disclosetheir romantic relationship to Human Resource.

If you are considering aromance in the workplace, it is smart to think ahead. Keep things professionalduring work hours to avoid making others uncomfortable. Be mindful of power undercurrents,especially if one person is in a higher position than the other. And if things donot work out, manage the breakup with maturity to keep the work environmentdrama-free.

Despite the risks,many people find love at work and some even marry their coworkers! When managedwell, office romance can lead to strong partnerships built on sharedexperiences and mutual respect. Just remember to go about it carefully, keepingboth your heart and your career in mind. The last thing you want is for a flingto turn into a career hindrance. ©💔

Simple Ways to Curb Financial Stress in Your Marriage

Stella Eronmonsere-Ajanaku, international romance author andrelationship advisor will share her take on ways to curb financial stress inyour marriage.

Please visit and subscribe to her channel.©

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Finding Love in the World of Modern Dating by Vivienne Diane Neal

Photo by VladaKarpovich

If you are havingproblems finding someone to date with the various online dating apps, you maywant to consider using PowerPoint Dating. It is an IRL, which stands for InReal Life, a twist on modern matchmaking using slides. Instead of readingprofiles on dating apps, friends create PowerPoint arrangements to pitchtheir single friends to a live audience of probable dates. It is partperformance, part persuasion, and all about celebrating personality in a fun,communal setting.

How It Works:

A friend builds a 3-minute PowerPoint presentation highlighting why their single friend is date-worthy.

Presentations include fun facts, photos, anecdotes, and sometimes cheeky stats.

After the pitch, there is a 2-minute break where the audience can ask questions.

The goal is to spark interest, laughter, and even an actual connection.

Why It is Catching On:

Many people are tired of endless swiping and ghosting.

People are seeking real-life charm.

It presents community vibe.

The concept gainedtraction through matchmaking events and festivals. It is a refreshing reminderthat dating can be creative, collaborative, and a little silly, in the bestway. 💕

Would you ever let afriend pitch you like that? Or you would rather be the one behind the slides? 

How to Avoid Dating or Marrying 10 Types of People

Romance Author and Relationship Advisor StellaEronmonsere-Ajanaku gives her advice on the types of people you should avoiddating or marrying. Enjoy, and please subscribe to her channel and leave yourcomments.

The Truth About Conditional Love in Dating by Miss Know It All

Miss Know It All 

Love and dating can feellike a high-stakes game, especially when gifts come with strings attached. Aconditional gift is when someone gives something (time, money, affection)expecting something in return, whether it is loyalty, commitment, or evencontrol. While gifts in a relationship should come from generosity, people canuse them as bargaining chips, turning romance into a transaction.

Dating today is full ofunspoken expectations. Someone might buy expensive dinners, lavish presents, orconstant attention, but if they later hold it over their partner’s head("I did so much for you!"), it stops being love and starts feeling likea contract. Conditional gifts create pressure, and relationships built onobligations rarely last. Love should never feel like a debt.

Photo by Pixabay

The romance industrythrives on grand gestures—luxury dates, surprise trips, designer gifts—but realconnection is not about material exchanges. If gifts come with expectations,they stop being sweet and become manipulative. A healthy relationship is builton mutual care, not scorekeeping. When someone genuinely cares, they givewithout keeping track.

So how do you spotconditional gifting early? Watch for patterns. Does your partner get upset ifyou do not reciprocate exactly as they hoped? Do they remind you of whatthey’ve "done for you" during arguments? These are red flags. Truelove does not demand repayment, it flows freely.

At its core, datingshould be about shared joy, not transactions. Gifts are wonderful when givenwith no strings attached. If you find yourself in a relationship where everyact of kindness comes with an invisible price tag, it might be time toreevaluate. Love should lift you up, not tie you down with conditions. A strongrelationship thrives on generosity—not on unspoken debts. 💘 

Alienation of Affection: When Love Gets Stolen

Photoby Markus Winkler

Ever felt like someone pouncedin and stole your partner’s heart? That is alienation of affection—a legal termfor when a third party interferes in a relationship, causing one partner toemotionally detach. While it sounds like something from a dramatic soap opera, itis a real issue that can wreck relationships.

In the dating world,alienation of affection often happens subtly. A coworker starts texting yourpartner late at night, or an old flame suddenly reappears, showering them withattention. Over time, these outside influences can create distance, making yourpartner question their feelings for you. It is not always about cheating;sometimes, it is just emotional drift caused by someone else’s interference.

Social media has madethis even thornier. A flirty DM or a nostalgic comment on an old photo canspark doubts. Suddenly, your partner is comparing your relationship towhat-ifs, and that’s where trouble begins. The key is to spot the signsearly—less communication, sudden secrecy, or unexplained emotional withdrawal.

So, how do you fightback? First, communicate openly. If something feels off, talk about it withoutaccusations. Second, set boundaries—both with outsiders and within yourrelationship. If someone’s overstepping, call it out. Lastly, focus onstrengthening your bond. Date nights, deep conversations, and small gesturesremind your partner why they chose you in the first place.

Of course, not allrelationships can be saved. If alienation of affection has done too muchdamage, it might be time to walk away. But if both partners are willing to workthrough it, love can bounce back stronger.

However, if you are legallymarried, Alienation of Affection is a rare legal claim that allows aspouse to sue a third party—often, a lover—for intentionally interfering in amarriage and causing the loss of affection. While most states have abolishedthis misdeed, six U.S. states still recognize it: Hawaii, Mississippi, NewMexico, North Carolina, South Dakota, and Utah. The fundamentals necessary toprove your case will depend on the laws of each state.

At the end of the day, whethermarried or not, relationships take effort from both sides. Keep the connectionstrong, and no outsider can shake what you have built together.

For additionalinformation on the legal aspects of Alienation of Affection, please clickhere. 💔

Rent a Date: A Modern Twist on Dating, Love, and Relationships

Photo by cottonbrostudio

The dating world hasevolved dramatically over the years, and one of the more unconventional trendsgaining traction is the concept of "rent a date." Whether for socialevents, companionship, or even practice dating, this service offers a uniquesolution for those navigating the complexities of modern romance. But what doesit really mean to rent a date, and how does it fit into today’s relationshiplandscape?

What Is Rent a Date? Renta date services allow individuals to hire a companion for a set period, oftenfor events like weddings, parties, or even casual outings. Unlike traditionaldating, these arrangements are typically transactional clients pay for time andcompanionship without the expectation of a long-term relationship. Someplatforms even offer "practice dates" for those looking to buildconfidence or improve their social skills.

While the idea might seemstrange at first, it is rooted in practicality. Many people turn to rent-a-dateservices to avoid awkward questions at family gatherings, to have a plus-onefor special occasions, or simply to enjoy a no-strings-attached evening out.

Why Do People Rent Dates? Thereasons vary widely:

1. SocialPressure – Family events can be stressful, especially when single.Renting a date helps avoid prying questions about one’s love life.

2. Companionship –Some people just want someone to talk to or share an experience with, withoutthe complications of a real relationship.

3. PracticeDating – For those re-entering the dating scene after a long hiatus, arented date can serve as a low-pressure way to brush up on social skills.

4. Networking –In some cases, a charming plus-one can help make professional connections atsocial gatherings.

Photo by KetutSubiyanto

How Does It Work? 

Mostrent-a-date services operate through apps or websites where clients browseprofiles, select a companion, and book a time. Prices vary depending on theduration of the date, the companion’s experience, and the nature of the event.Some services even offer background checks to ensure safety andprofessionalism.

Unlike escort services,rent-a-date arrangements usually emphasize platonic interactions, thoughboundaries can vary depending on the agreement between the client and thecompanion.

The Ethics andControversies  

While many see it as harmless fun,others question the ethics of monetizing companionship. Critics argue that itcommodifies relationships, reducing human connection to a transaction. There isalso the risk of blurred lines—some clients may develop real feelings, whileothers might expect more than what was agreed upon.

On the other side,supporters argue that rent-a-date services provide a valuable solution forpeople who struggle with social anxiety, loneliness, or societal expectations.In a world where dating apps often prioritize swipes over genuine connection,renting a date can offer a more controlled and predictable experience.

Rent a Date vs.Traditional Dating - Traditional dating is built onmutual interest, chemistry, and the potential for a long-term relationship.Rent-a-date, however, is a service—clear expectations, no emotional baggage,and a defined end point.

That said, some renteddates have led to real relationships. While rare, spending time with someone ina low-pressure setting can sometimes spark genuine connections. Still, mostclients and companions enter these arrangements with clear boundaries.

The Future of Rent a Date -As society becomes more accepting of alternative relationship models,rent-a-date services may continue to grow. Some predict that AI and virtualdating companions could eventually enter the market, offering even more optionsfor those seeking companionship.

However, the core appealremains the same—human connection, even if temporary, fulfills a basic need.Whether for convenience, confidence-building, or simply avoiding loneliness,rent-a-date services are carving out their own niche in the dating industry.

At the end of the day,love and relationships come in many forms, and renting a date is just anotherway people are adapting to the ever-changing landscape of modern romance. Whileit may not be for everyone, it is certainly an intriguing option for thoselooking to navigate dating on their own terms.💜

Understanding Love Bombing: When Love Turns Bad

 

Photo by MarkusWinkler

Love bombing is a term that is gained traction indating and relationship circles, often described as an overwhelming display ofaffection early in a relationship. It might seem romantic—constant compliments,grand gestures, and an intense emotional connection. But beneath the surface,love bombing can be a manipulative tactic used to control or exploit someone.

What Is Love Bombing?

Love bombing is when one person showers another withexcessive attention, praise, and affection to create a deep emotional bondquickly. The "bomber" might text constantly, declare their loveprematurely, or make grand promises about the future. While genuine affectionis normal at the start of a relationship, love bombing is different—it iscalculated, often with an ulterior motive.

Psychologists link love bombing to narcissistic orcontrolling behavior. The bomber overwhelms their target with affection tocreate dependency, making it harder for the person to recognize red flagslater.

Signs of Love Bombing

1. Rapid Intensity – They say "Ilove you" within days or weeks, pushing the relationship faster than feelsnatural.

2. Excessive Flattery – Over-the-topcompliments that feel insincere or too frequent.

3. Constant Communication – Non-stoptexts, calls, or demands for attention.

4. Grand Gestures – Expensive gifts,surprise trips, or public declarations early on.

5. Isolation Tactics – They may tryto pull you away from friends or family, making you reliant on them.

6. Emotional Manipulation – If youexpress discomfort, they might guilt-trip you ("I just care somuch").

Why Do People Love Bomb?

Love bombing is not always intentional—some people arenaturally intense in relationships. However, when it is manipulative, themotives can be harmful:

- Control – Narcissists or abusersuse love bombing to gain power over their partner. 

-Insecurity –Some bombard out of fear of abandonment, smothering their partner to keep themclose.

- Love Addiction – They crave thehigh of new romance and move too fast.

- Scams or Exploitation - Con artists use love bombing to gain trust beforefinancial or emotional exploitation.

The Aftermath: Devaluation and Discard

In toxic relationships, love bombing is often followedby devaluation—once the bomber feels secure, they withdrawaffection, becoming critical or distant. This emotional whiplash keeps thevictim confused and desperate to regain the first "perfect" phase.

Eventually, some love bombers discard theirpartners, abruptly cutting ties once they lose interest or find a new target.This can leave the victim feeling used, heartbroken, and questioning theirself-worth.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Slow Down – Healthy relationshipsdevelop naturally. If it feels too fast, it is.

2. Watch for Inconsistencies – Dotheir actions match their words?

3. Keep Boundaries – Do not let lovebombing pressure you into commitments.

4. Seek Outside Perspectives –Friends and family can spot red flags you might miss.

5. Trust Your Gut – If somethingfeels off, do not ignore it.

Recovering from Love Bombing

If you have been love bombed, healing is possible.Recognize that the intensity was not love—it was manipulation. Therapy,self-care, and time can help rebuild trust in yourself and futurerelationships.

Final Thought: Loveshould feel safe, not suffocating. Real affection grows with patience, respect,and mutual effort—not grand, rushed displays designed to sweep you off yourfeet before dropping you without warning.💔

Impact of Spouses Children Born Outside of Marriage

Romance author and advisor StellaEromonsere-Ajanaku shares her views when children are born outside of a marriage. 

Enjoy and please leave your comments and subscribe to her channel. 💕