The Dating After Divorce Survival Guide
By Eric Payne
Eric Payne, a divorced dad and retired marriage & fatherhood blogger, tells the comedic tale of his "Chapter 2" — having to start life over brand new after a divorce he didn't want.
What Does Starting Over Mean?
Although "free” for the first time in 15 years, Eric has years of baggage and a stubborn desire to hold on to the past which initially keeps him stuck as he tries to move in a world way different than the one where he first met his ex-wife in the year 2000. From one-night stands to ghosting to online dating, to mental anguish and heartbreak to the self-care that is required of a 40+, divorced Black man and father in America, Eric tackles it all with fearless transparency, vulnerability, and a refreshing sense of humor — especially when it comes to making fun of himself.
It's transparent, it’s raw, it’s funny, it’s messy, and it’s hopeful, but most of all it’s proof that second chances do in fact exist for us when life doesn’t go as planned. Tune in for the exploits, especially the failures — there are plenty along the way on his journey of trying to find love again and discovering himself in the process.
What Does Starting Over Mean?
Although "free” for the first time in 15 years, Eric has years of baggage and a stubborn desire to hold on to the past which initially keeps him stuck as he tries to move in a world way different than the one where he first met his ex-wife in the year 2000. From one-night stands to ghosting to online dating, to mental anguish and heartbreak to the self-care that is required of a 40+, divorced Black man and father in America, Eric tackles it all with fearless transparency, vulnerability, and a refreshing sense of humor — especially when it comes to making fun of himself.
It's transparent, it’s raw, it’s funny, it’s messy, and it’s hopeful, but most of all it’s proof that second chances do in fact exist for us when life doesn’t go as planned. Tune in for the exploits, especially the failures — there are plenty along the way on his journey of trying to find love again and discovering himself in the process.
Latest episode
-
After Paris: Real Life, Cuz Life Ain't Fair
The Season 4 Finale is here! Welcome to Episode 9 of Season 4 of the Dating After Divorce Survival Guide. Seasons change as do situations. Life is a mixed bag of peaks and valleys. The thing about life is that it isn’t fair and doesn’t care about wh… -
After Paris: When the Past Sends You a Text
When the past sends you a text, you: respond happily and pick up where you left off. ignore it and possibly block them. run like the wind. break your phone, then change your number. Some of the above. None of the above. In Episode 8 of Season 4, the… -
After Paris: When You're Your Own Worst Enemy
Picking up where we left off at Episode 6: After a year of misses capped off by holiday heartache, I have an “aha” moment that leads me to create new boundaries, manage my expectations, and finally gain peace of mind as it relates to my ex-wife and a… -
Thanksgiving, A Time to Be Grateful for It ALL!
Thanksgiving isn't about pilgrims for me. It's all about gratitude. In this short bonus episode, I reflect on what it means to be divorced and single during the holidays and why that isn't a bad thing. If you enjoyed the episode: Please subscribe and… -
From Paris to Atlanta: What If?
In Episode Six of Season Four of The Dating After Divorce Survival Guide, the question of “what if” comes up when I get triggered after stumbling upon an artifact from my past. This episode explores: why not having an opinion can be dangerous; what h… -
From Paris to Atlanta: I Choose YOU!
The ability to choose is a powerful asset to have in your dating/love and happiness toolkit. In this episode, I share why it is of the utmost importance that YOU choose at every stage of the dating experience, most importantly, the beginning. -
From Paris to Atlanta: Pretty Isn't Everything & Dating Can Be Messy AF
Things don't always go as planned or envisioned. When this happens what do you do? Do you run away or do you stand and see your way through the mess? I experience this in grand fashion during Episode Four of Season Four. Things start off calmly enoug… -
You Can't Date, Dad. But You Can Grow Old and Die!
In this installment of the Dating After Divorce Survival Guide, my family life and my dating life begin to intersect. My youngest is older and has some pretty strong opinions on how her mother and I should be conducting ourselves as single people. I … -
Dating In My Forties
This is a bonus episode, y'all! I wrote an article over at Medium and was encouraged to narrate it as well. Of course, that meant I had to share with all of you. I'll tease the content here but for the full transcript, visit www.medium.com/@ericPayne… -
Dressed in ALL BLACK Like the Omen
Episode 2 of Season 4 of The Dating After Divorce Survival Guide continues with the ongoing my ongoing post-divorce journey. Broken boundaries, the past, present, and an unconfirmed future relationship collide at a birthday party where my insecuritie…