However, if a personal hygiene issue is stinking up your relationship, you're going to have to get over your embarrassment and talk to your partner. Because (to use a bad pun) being with somebody stinky is just not a wash.

1. Try hints. No matter the problem, whether it be smelly armpits, flakey dandruff, or not-so-great cleaning habits in their, um, nether regions, the first thing couples rely on is hints. These range from not-so-subtle jibes, such as leaving your partner's toothbrush out before a date, to subtler encouragements, such as commenting that your partner tastes good just after having brushed his or her teeth. Little hints tend to work better for partners that live together, as you can do little things like switch your partner's shampoo to an anti-dandruff version.

2. Gently question and suggest. If somebody you're dating doesn't get the hint, it's time to move on to gentle, sweet suggestion. Sometimes, people have poor personal hygiene habits simply because they've never learned any better – or don't know they have a problem. In these cases, gentle suggestion may open their eyes to the idea that not everybody goes about personal hygiene the way that they do. "Why don't you try a dandruff shampoo? They work really well," can be really effective.

3. Straight-out say so. For some people, hints and suggestions work about as well as projecting your desires onto them psychically. For these people, you need to come right out and say what's bothering you. "I'm sorry, but your breath isn't very nice," is a huge wake up call for most. And you generally don't need to say much more.

4. Give an ultimatum. But for some, saying there's a problem simply isn't enough. This generally happens only in longer-term relationships, when a couple has become comfortable enough together not to worry about, say, going "number two" at their boyfriend or girlfriend's apartment. They simply don't have the motivation to change. And that's what you need to provide them with.

If, say, your girlfriend doesn't brush her teeth as much as she should, tell her you won't kiss her unless until she goes to brush them. Or if your boyfriend doesn't keep everything below his belt as clean as he should, tell you you'll avoid going down there, too – at least until he cleans up his act.

5. Come to terms. Now it's time to let out a big sigh. Because unfortunately, some people are fixed in their bad habits. And when that happens, you have a big decision to make: is this problem a deal-breaker, or can you live with it? If your answer is the latter, you need to learn to come to terms with what you don't like about your partner's hygiene, and you need to do it soon. Because harping away at something that you don't like – but that's not going to change – doesn't do anybody any favors. It simply makes you both unhappy.

While the idea of being on your own at a party where you know very few people is scary – or, to some, horrifying – there are some things you can do to overcome your fear. With the right state of mind and some of these easy tips, you can turn awkwardness into adventure. And maybe meet somebody special while you're at it.

1. Lower your expectations. Don't put pressure on yourself to meet the man or woman of your dreams, make lifelong friends, or even impress people. If you set your expectations on "I'm just gonna have fun," chances are you will. Decide what your expectations for the night are, and don't worry about shooting any higher. "Meet one new person" is perfectly reasonable – and perfectly doable.

2. Work on your confidence. While getting ready to go to a party or event where you will know very few people, take some time to boost your confidence. No, you're not perfect. But you have worth all your own, and your own separate attributes that make you special. You're not a kid who must define him or herself by a narrow standard set by others – so don't convince yourself that you are.

3. Mingle. When you're alone at a party, it can be tempting to want to stand in the corner and avoid all those scary strangers. But if you do that, everybody at the party will, well, stay a stranger. Wander around, smile at people, and keep moving – don't hide out next to the lonely cheese tray.

4. Search for interesting people. Remember, going to a party isn't about proving to others than you're fun – it's about having fun yourself. So look for people that catch your interest, either romantically or platonically. When a conversation or a person piques your interest, try to involve yourself. Sound like too much? Then at least stand nearby and show that you're interested and approachable – a smile can work wonders.

Remember, you're at this party for you – not them. So if a person or conversation seems interesting to you, assert yourself. You won't impress anybody by standing around with butterflies in your stomach.

5. Move on. You may find somebody who seems interesting, only to enter into small talk and find it, well…excruciating. Just because you've met and know one person at the party doesn't mean you need to stick by their side. Keep mingling, pretending you're confident, and striking up conversations. If you make the effort, you may just transform yourself from wallflower to belle of the ball. Or at least have a fun few hours.

The idea of a love that encompasses all is really beautiful. It's an idea that fills a lot of hearts and sells a heck of a lot of tickets to the movies. People have written about it and dreamed about it for thousands of years.

But I'm going to risk sounding totally soulless and say…I just don't believe it exists. At least, not romantically.

Think of it this way: In the best of these ultra-romantic stories, what happens at the end? Either one of the two lovebirds will die…or the story will end with that one triumphant kiss, leaving their gorgeous and glowing future up to your imagination. They never show the rest of it – the arguments about wedding plans, the dry spells in their sex lives, all the struggling they do to keep their love alive.

I think many people – especially the more romantic of us – look at the concept of unconditional love, and see its beauty without thinking about how all-encompassing the concept truly is. Unconditional love is a love that one feels for another no matter what. It doesn't matter if that person is rich or poor, healthy or sick, young or old, happy or unhappy.

Sounds doable, right?

Sure. But unconditional love is also a love that you'll feel whether or not somebody is nice to you or cruel, caresses or beats you, is generous or murderous, is a good parent or an abusive one. That's a little harder, isn't it?

The truth is, we love other people for what they are as much as for who they are. And if a person we love stops being everything we love about them – and especially if they start being things that we would hate in everybody – that love will generally fade. Or even suddenly implode. There's a difference between accepting people for their flaws ("warts and all") and loving them without question no matter what they do to you and those you love. The first should be easy. The second? Well, it should be impossible.

Better Kinds of Love

I'm a romantic person. I'm addicted to romantic melodramas and silly novels where the guy gets the girl at the end. But I don't believe in unconditional romantic love…and I wouldn't want it even if it did exist. Because I believe that love between two equals is something that should be earned. A process of give and take that leads to strong and healthy relationships.

I think the search for unconditional love sets expectations for a relationship too high. When you expect too much, it's all too easy to get disillusioned when you find out that you don't have it – and never did. So if you've spent your life holding out for that beautiful, conquers-all, unconditional love…I would suggest you forget about it. Instead, look for a love that builds and grows strong between equals. That is dependant on the way you care for and treat one another. A love that is earned.

If you hold out forever for a love that conquers all…you're going to be holding out, well, forever.

I always wondered if Belafonte was married, and if so, what his wife thought of that particular ditty! Because it seems like there’s nothing in the world worse than being considered unattractive by the opposite sex. But is that actually true? Are looks really so important? Or does personality have a greater effect on attraction in the long run?

Looks vs. Personality

We are all drawn to the people that we find physically attractive. That’s why Brad Pitt is constantly covered by the paparazzi and Tommy Lee Jones is never in the tabloids – looks really count. When we meet – no, when we see – somebody for the first time, all we have to go on is how they look. And our bodies work this way for a reason. Women are biologically programmed to want the man with the large shoulders and well-muscled, hunter’s arms. Men are likewise programmed to want the woman with the shiny hair, nicely-curved bum, and full breasts. All are symbols of health, of the ability to feed and provide.

From birth, human babies are attracted to clear glowing skin, large bright eyes, and beautifully balanced features. They react more positively to good-looking people – they look at them constantly and move more often to touch them. What does this mean? It means that our reactions to good-looking people are ingrained in all of us.

And it seems like there’s no way out.

Except that we’re not infants, nor are we apes in a zoo (even if they’re our close relatives). And while we’re never going to be physically attracted to somebody that we’re not physically attracted to (duh), we are thinking creatures with an ability to look beyond appearance and…see what we want to see.

Which is why, for those of use who aren’t totally shallow, personality plays such a big part in attraction. Everybody’s had an experience where they’ve chatted up a person who’s seemed incredibly attractive…only to find that person shallow, or idiotic, or just…not at all desirable. And for most of us, a not-great personality is a bigger deal breaker than not-great looks.

Perhaps I’m biased because I’ve always gone for geeky guys. And lots of people may disagree with me (and if you do, comment and tell me so!), but…I honestly think that, in the long run, personality plays greater part in physical attraction than looks. Because when I talk to that sexy guy in the slim jeans and cocky smile and find that he can’t string two words together, I won’t touch him with a ten-foot pole (even if he has one). But that nerdy-looking guy that has me falling off my bar stool with laughter? That’s another story.

Unfortunately, though, a simple TV show (and a successful movie, of course!) can’t totally change a bias based on centuries of behavior. And for a long time to come, women who enjoy sex – especially casual sex – might still to worry about their reputation. That is, if they want to.

Good Reasons to Worry

While I’m a total advocate of (safe) sexual freedom for both sexes, I will admit that there are times when a woman (or, hey, a man) should worry about her sexual reputation. The biggest of these? Religion, of course. If you have deep religious beliefs or are part of a close-knit religious community, what people think about your reputation will have a big effect on how they treat you – and how you feel about yourself.

Another good reason to worry about your reputation is if you want to be taken seriously by potential partners. If you’ve developed a reputation for wanting only sex from a man (or being very easy to get into bed), when you’re looking to turn a date into a partner, it might be difficult. With some guys, “who’ll buy the whole cow when you’re giving the milk away for free?” is unfortunately true.

Better Reasons not to Worry

The biggest one? Because men don’t! If men can sleep around, well…so can us women. Sure, most women see sex differently from men, and often develop a deeper emotional connection from doing the deed, but…sometimes, just like men, women just want to get laid. Sex can be just as simple and straight forward for women as it is for men…and it should be allowed to be so.

Another reason not to worry about your reputation is that you shouldn’t have to. And in order to help the world progress to a place where women aren’t judged under such a harsh double standard, there have to be women out there who don’t apologize for what they want. And for what they do.

Last of all? The sort of people who are going to call you names for doing something you enjoy that doesn’t hurt anybody are not people you want in your life anyway. So live free, baby! (Just do it safely!)

If you expected a straight answer to that question, you’re not going to get one from me. After all, astrology has been around for hundreds of years… who am I to say that it’s all a crock of you-know-what? I’m going to take the safe-and-cozy middle road, instead… and simply present the evidence as I see it. You can come to your own conclusions!

Astrology Does Affect Relationships

Those in the “Astrology, yes!” camp have hundreds, even thousands of years on their side. While science looks at the idea of astrology askew, astrologers have been using it to evaluate relationships for a heck of a long time. And they’ve had a lot of success.

So… how does astrology work to influence our relationships? Well, it seems that all heavenly bodies (and no, this doesn’t mean Jessica Alba or Matthew McConaughey) have an affect on who we are and how we relate to one another. Astrology is supposed to help you understand your relationships (and the people you date) better. This helps you to know when an issue is more your fault, more your partner’s… or if it’s just a bad time, celestially, to resolve any issues at all.

Chances are, you think the idea of “I can’t date him because he’s a Leo and we won’t get along” sounds wonky. So do I… and so, actually, do most “real” astrologers. Astrologically, a lot more than a person’s sun sign affects who they are as a person. The more details an astrologer has about birthdates, times, etc., the more in-depth they can take their analysis. So while carrying around a little sun sign chart with you on all your dates is a waste of time, you can still read up about star signs for a little… heavenly assistance. And the more information you have, the more it’ll help.

Astrology is a Superstition

This is the relatively young but very vigorous “Astrology’s a crock!” camp. Their point of view is pretty simple– and one that you may well share already. How could the position of stars and planets (which are all millions and millions of miles away) when you’re born affect who you’ll turn out to be? Impossible.

Sure, sometimes astrologers can examine a person and get some of their traits right. But, hey… even a broken watch shows the correct time twice a day. Astrologers just use their fancy equipment and charts to make a complicated guess. And with broad terms like “stubborn,” or “fanciful,” or “affectionate,” how could they be wrong? Astrology isn’t science… it’s a superstition. And while you can have all the fun you want looking up star signs in some book, you’ll just be wasting your time. Because none of it is real.

Now, I hope I don’t get nasty comments from either the “Astrology, yes!” or “Astrology’s a crock” camps… because I’m pretty middle-of-the-road on astrology. I don’t refuse to believe… but neither do I check my horoscope before leaving the house.

On The Cheap

Handle all of her chores for the day: One thing I've always insisted upon is that Mother's Day means it's my day off work! That means, all of the meals, the house keeping, the errands and everything else I normally do on a Sunday is handled by someone else. Since I used to wait tables back in the day, I personally abhor the notion of going out to eat at a restaurant. Why? Because everyone else came up with that idea, which means long waits for a table and even longer waits for service once we sit down. If you absolutely stink at cooking, order take-out or delivery from mom's favorite restaurant instead and go formal on the table setting.

Plan a picnic: Even where I'm from, the middle of May is generally pretty nice out, so laying out at the beach or on the grass is a pretty sweet idea, so as long as you abide by my Rule #1 above! Just be sure to stake your claim early at the park, since a lot of other people might be thinking of this as well. And please remember to bring things to eat with and on! Even if you're just grabbing a bucket from the Colonel, remember to check for plenty of napkins and sporks!

Looking To Splurge A Little

Buy her flowers: Even my tomboyish side loves a beautiful arrangement, and the cost of a bouquet can cost as little or as much as you want it to. If you're on the cheap and decide to grab some flowers from the guy at the off-ramp, do yourself a favor: jazz it up by stopping someplace and buying a vase for it. The flowers will die in a few days, sure, but she'll have a pretty vase to remember you by for many years to come.

Get her a gift certificate: If mom's of the girlie persuasion, a trip to the salon or even day spa might just do the trick! A manicure or pedicure can cost around $30 each, and a terrific hair style will run you $50.

Less expensive jewelry: A charm bracelet or one made of semiprecious stones in colors she loves are almost always adored. Classy, yet inexpensive earrings are a good choice too, but be sure you know if her ears are pierced and whether she likes studs or something that dangles a little. Younger moms would also appreciate that one piece of jewelry from their partners that is defined solely for women – anklets.

Going All Out

Considering the sparkly things: Sure, diamonds are a girl's best friend, but what cradles them is just as important when choosing the right gift. When she's not looking, open her jewelry box and see if she's a gold or some form of silvery kind of gal. Then, when you're at the counter, select a pendant she'll find meaningful. Hearts are pretty safe, though try to find something with a little more character but not outlandish or intricate. And, unless you know her size for sure, shy away from rings. If she's a time tracker, a beautiful watch might set her heart ticking!

And no matter what you do – be sure to get her a card, as every mom I know keeps them for years to come. Keep in mind though: purchase humorous cards with caution, as some moms really don't like them!

It's times like these your partner really could use a hot bowl of soup, something to read and perhaps even an innocent back rub. If you two work together, covering the phones and handling some of the basic paperwork is always appreciated, because no one likes returning to work and seeing a huge pile on their desks. Humorous cards are usually appreciated too, and even my guy likes a goofy stuffed animal. Of course, nothing beats stopping by with a box of chocolates and an arrangement of flowers.

As I write this, I am between applying the pink stuff to my guy's back, as the poor baby has come down with the chicken pox! As many of you know, when adults get it, it can be a whole lot more worse than just the itchies we remember as kids, so that maternal instinct has kicked into overdrive around here. And as I coddle the big ole teddy bear and keep him from scratching and picking at the pox, it got me thinking of how it's times like these our relationship really does grow stronger. Of course, there's always a funny story or two that comes along for the ride, and good memories, in my opinion, is probably the best part of any relationship!

Now it's true that what I'm saying here sounds like a better fit for a long term relationship than a pair that hardly know each other, but let me tell you, even new couples can let their guards down a little when it comes to someone being uncomfortable. I remember when I broke my ankle and I was laid up in the hospital, the one visit I got that cheered me up more than all the others was when the guy I was casually dating at the time showed up. He brought me some real food and even had the cable turned on for me, of which I hadn't even known wasn't available up to that point. He hated hospitals so he didn't stay long, but the fact that he came at all made me feel so much better!

Now granted, there sure are a lot of slackers out there leeching off their parents… still getting stoned in the basement, munching away on cheese puffs while jamming out on Guitar Hero, working just enough to get by and expecting the world to revolve around them. You can usually spot these types of jokers at the bar from a mile away – their orange stained fingers clutching cheap cans of beer is a dead giveaway! In this day and age however, I think these losers are now becoming the minority, again thanks to the high cost of living. The way I see it, we need to dig just a little bit deeper and find out the reason, albeit in a subtle way.

If someone is living at home helping to care for an elderly parent or is trying to better themselves in one way or another, then these people are certainly not “losers” for being good, honest and responsible citizens. Think about it: if the reason is for caring for her dad with Alzheimer’s instead of putting him in a nursing home, wouldn’t you agree, without even meeting this hypothetical woman, that she is probably the sweetest girl in the world who would never cheat on you? Also, if the reason is to pay off college debt and save up for a house, then I would actually see a guy like that as a major catch. After all, who wouldn’t want to date and especially marry someone who comes into a relationship without any financial burdens and would most likely never have any in the future? And if it’s simply because his or her job downsized, then reading the want ads at mom’s kitchen table is certainly better than sleeping in a car, especially if it isn’t paid for!

Therefore, cut them some slack and find out why before you make a split second judgment call. You just might be pleasantly surprised!

If where you’re headed is someplace very casual, like say a bowling alley or miniature golfing, that still doesn’t warrant hoodies and baggy sweats. Of course, dressing for the weather is crucial too, but there’s a good and bad way to layer. Wear clothes that fit you well and show off a bit of your personal flair. Neutrals are great, but be sure there is a little something that has a hint of character, be it pattern, design or a touch of color. Even my Goth friends know that color is the new black these days! If you have a pootch you desperately want to keep under wraps, then go ahead and wrap it, by wearing a nice jacket or blazer.

Shoes – ahhh shoes! I wish I could wear those mile high stilettos I see in the movies, but I make due with a cute pair of princess cut boots instead. Whatever your taste in footwear, just be sure they are comfortable, clean but are also appropriate for where you’re heading. Gym shoes do not go with dress slacks, and only a true glutton for punishment would wear any sort of a heel for a hike – yes, even a wedge.

And finally, we touch upon a topic most of us have been taught along with sharing our cookies – Personal hygiene and good grooming. They go a long way to making a great fashion statement, and it’s one that never goes out of style. I know this is a gimme, but there are so many people out there I really wish I could drop a not so subtle hint about coffee breath or greasy hair! Also, please, for da lubba gawd, go easy on the aftershave and perfume. You’re a knock out all on your own – you don’t need your cologne to do that for you. And while I tend to disagree with that Nick fellow bobbing every gal’s hair on that cable makeover show, getting a good haircut every so often will do wonders for your appearance and confidence.