Caroline Rules

From marriage dilemmas to family issues, Caroline's got the answers!

Photo by Michael T. Greco

Caroline Manzo puts the real in The Real Housewives of New Jersey, and her fans relate to the reality star's no-nonsense attitude, focus on family and, above all, abundant common sense. Check back at Glo every Monday as Caroline helps solve your most pressing dilemmas.

The Dilemma: I've been separated from my husband for almost two years (we were married for 20). I want to meet someone new, but every time I see my ex—we have a teenage son, so we've maintained a civil relationship—it just brings me down. I've tried the online thing, and I go out every once in a while, but the minute anyone's interested, I make 101 excuses not to see it through: His name sounds too close to my ex's name, he smokes, etc. How can I stop self-sabotaging and move on? —Aida

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Caroline's Ruling: I feel like you're hanging on to the past, Aida. Your marriage may have ended, but your life certainly hasn't. I would imagine that there has to be some level of discomfort in moving on. After all, you were married for 20 years and your history is tied to your ex in many respects.