Dating & Texting Do's and Dont's

The number one rule when it comes to texting and dating is to stick to facts; times, places, dates, and "Hi, how you doing"s. Just like drinking and driving, texting and dating can be a very dangerous combination if you don't know what you're doing.

The Situation:
Because you're only speaking them aloud in your own head, even the most cleverly worded texts can get misinterpreted. Whether in a newly budding relationship or one that's been solid for a while, texting something that gets taken in the wrong way can really mess things up. Even if you're just joking around, the recipient may not be in a joking mood. The best thing to do when dealing with texting and dating is to proceed with EXTREME CAUTION.

Here's a list of things you should NEVER text your significant other about:

1. Your Boredom and Loneliness
You're a grown person and if you can't manage to be productive without that significant other, maybe you shouldn't be dating at all. No one wants to read about how bored or lonely you are. They're out there living life and you're complaining. Doesn't send a very attractive message.
2. Arguments
If you've got an issue that needs to be settled between the two of you, be a man/woman about it and call them or meet up with them face to face. Arguing over texts only leads to more mis-communication and a deeper hole. If you can't face your significant other with a problem or issue you are having, you may not be emotionally ready to be in a relationship or the relationship may not be worth saving. Relationships are for support and inspiration, not conflict and frustration.

3. 'Did You Call Me?'
If you think that you're being clever with this line, oh brother, think again! If you want to talk to him/her, go ahead and make the call. It's the much more mature thing to do rather than sending a "Did you call me" text. Here's the rule: if his/her name doesn't show up on your phone, he/she did NOT call you. Even if by chance he had and something went wrong with your phone, (yah, right) this line will likely make you look desperate and pathetic. It's best to avoid it at all costs.

Here's the BOTTOM LINE: Stick to the facts. Keep it short and sweet. It'll be hard and you'll want to venture outside the realms of those confines, but believe me, if you do you will regret it. Especially with new relationships, it's better to do all the communicating in person, or over an actual phone line. (That goes for AIM as well). *Sigh. I know you won't listen, but you WILL learn...even if it's 'the hard way.'

For those who stick to their guns and follow these texting rules, you'll be shocked at how well your relationship can work out when the lines of communication between you two are not muddled with irreversible words on your screen. Well worth it if you ask me.

College Dating Do's and Dont's

Going off to college is a brand new experience for many people and the excitement of the beginning of a whole new life can cause some major dating disasters. Here are some TRIED AND TRUE quick tips about dating in college. Trust me, I've been there.

Ladies DOs:

_Do realize that there's a reason the first question student health centers ask ladies is 1.Are you pregnant, followed only by 2.It's Mono.

_Do remember to wear clothing, AKA things that cover your ahems and your uhum, at your place. You never know which roomy's guy friends will drop by.

_Do carry pepperspray or some kind of injury-causing device with you at all times.



_1 night stands are fun, Chlamydia is not. DO use protection always and everytime.


Ladies DONT's:

_Don't answer a "lets hang out" text after 10 pm. It's a booty call...but nothing ITS A BOOTY CALL.




_Don't go over to his place if you don't want anything to happen.

_Don't get so drunk at parties that your date has to take care of you, it's a real turn off.

_Don't mess around with athletes, EVERYONE WILL KNOW.

_Don't hook up with anyone in your classes until after the class is over, especially if it's a smaller class. Do you really want to be stuck in an awkward situation for the entire semester?

_Don't waste energy or time picking out lingerie, college guys really don't care as long as it's coming off.



Guys DOs:


_Do keep your place clean, if it's nasty don't expect her to come in let alone stay long.



_Do stock up on movies, they're a great way to entice someone to come over.

_Do your laundry!

_Do earn a girl's trust by acting as her body gaurd around campus when it gets dark; especially if you've got late classes together.



_Do decorate! Those naughty posters on your walls are hot.



Guys Dont's:

_Don't leave out the Playboy, you want her to think you've got a life.

_Don't gorge yourself on junkfood. Coupled with the alcohol consumption, you're going to get fat.

_Unless you want to be paying for cabs all the time, don't forget to take your car with you.



_Don't forget to stock your fridge with items OTHER THAN BEER...whiskey and vodka tend to do the job quicker.



Well there you have it. Be safe and HAVE FUN! :)

Cure for Acne: Putting Your Best Face Forward

Dating in Southern CA has enough pressures in and of itself. Add acne to that mix and you'd rather stay at home on a Friday night than get out there and mingle.

Luckily, I've got a cure for acne that you probably haven't heard about before. If you're sick of trying things that don't work, give this system a shot.

You Will Need

To see a dermatologist:
Let's face it, that over-the-counter stuff just isn't working. Your life's been on hold for way too long and it's time to see a professional about this issue. Don't worry, we aren't talking drastic drugs here.

The Prescriptions You Should Ask For:
Spironolactone (100mg)- If you've never heard of it before, Spironolactone "...Treats fluid retention and aldosterone levels in your body."
Although it is very rarely used to treat acne, Spiro has a very low risk of side effects. Many users are on 100mg for long periods of time with no problems, but speak to your dermatologist about starting as low as 25mg.


Desquam-X Face Wash (10%)- With 10% benzoyl peroxide, Desquam-X is a great way to clear your face of excess oil and dirt. And boy is it effective! Side effects include mild drying. I recommend using it as more of a topical 'pit-pat' than a face wash. This means that you should apply the product to your face lightly and wash it off, rather than rubbing it into a lather. You will notice it working right away.


Clindamycin Phosphate (1%)- This roll on topical solution will help you fight any break outs that may occur. Potent and easy to apply, it's a great tool to have in your battle.


Tretinoin Face Bleaching Cream (0.025%)- Use this to combat hyper-pigmentation from old acne marks. Rub onto marks every night to help even out your skin tone.



Hydrocortisone Cream (over-the-counter)- Use this to calm your skin in case of flare ups and redness.

Things to Watch Out For
Remember to moisturize. These products are powerful and tend to dry out your skin. To help avoid more break outs, moisturize everyday. Use an oil free, ph balanced face moisturizer at least twice a day.

Your skin may react to this system if you overuse the medications, especially if you don't moisturize. If you notice that you may be developing a reaction, don't panic. Stop using the topical medications and apply the hydrocortisone cream onto the clean, effected areas. Once the cream has absorbed into your skin, apply the Clindamycin over it.

Seriously, life's just too short.

You Are Whipped If You...

Alright guys, so you've found a girl you absolutely adore and who is your every dream in reality, and you're happy. But ALL your friends think that you're whipped. Read the following to find out if it's true.

You Are Whipped If You...

>Fake an accent and she tells you that that is your speaking voice from now on, to keep it, and YOU DO.

>She introduces you to people by your middle name, even though it's not the one you like to use.

>She makes you visit her eyebrow lady every month.

>She balances your checkbook for you.

>She doesn't let you eat your favorite foods.

>You always have to check with her before making plans.

>She writes your FB status's cuz she knows the passwords to your AIM, Facebook, and iPhone.

>She keeps you from family and friends because she wants to "spend time with you."

Now, it's just dandy to really love your woman and treat her as well as you possibly can, but keep in mind that girls can go on just as crazy power trips as guys can. If you don't mind being whipped, that's fine, it's nobody's business. But, it is usually a strong indicator that you aren't in a healthy relationship. In a healthy relationship, both sides act as partners.

To determine if your relationship is healthy, ask yourself if you often push your own concerns and desires aside in order to keep your GF. Keeping a girl, or a guy around, should never involve having to frequently submit to their whims.

That being said, you've got to keep in mind that there are a few things you really should always listen to her about. Here they are:

>Don't smoke
>Stop drinking so much
>Have some goals
>Believe in yourself
>Don't give up

If you just realized that your friends have been right all along, it's time to put your foot down. Approach her logically and calmly and you are more likely to be able to voice your concerns without causing backlash. If she goes nuts on you, it's probably time to end things.

Now go get your spine back.

Keeping a Relationship Interesting

The Situation
It's another Saturday night at home with the beau you've been dating for a while now. You go over to his place, watch a little TV, maybe get a little make out action. You guys spend the night tucked into each other's arms and fall asleep after some 'sexy time.' Standard for every weekend by now.




Over the last 2-3 years, you guys have pretty much done it all and are now settled into a bit of a rut. It can be tough keeping a relationship interesting after so long, so here's a couple of things you could try to spice it up a bit.






The Solutions

Have a Boys/Girls Night Out
Couples can sometimes spend so much time together that they completely forget their other friends. Sometimes they even forget their own individuality! The reason your lovey found you interesting in the first place is because you were independent. Having a boys night or girls night out could help rejuvenate each of your personalities and remind you why you fell in love in the first place.

Couples who seem to be attached at the hip, (you know, the ones who can't go ANYWHERE unless the other ones comes along), are annoying to everyone else. This is also a symptom of young, inexperienced love. It is important to have your own life, even in a relationship.

Surprise Your Man with Some Vajazzling
Although it's been 'in vogue' since 2006, the buzz around Vajazzling is only getting hotter! If you don't already know, Vajazzling is when Swarovski crystals are applied to a girl's...umm...brazillian area, in a variety of designs, by a professional.

Imagine the look on his face when you reveal yourself in all your sparkling glory! What girl couldn't use a little more sparkle? The crystals stay on for about a week and it's a great way to revamp your sex life without going overboard.

Find a New Hobby
Research shows that couples who learn new things together stay together longer and have fewer fights. Although you two have probably been partaking in each other's favorite hobbies for a while, why not try something completely new to the both of you?

Hobbies like Italian cooking, wine tasting, and even antiques collecting can help you guys bond in more ways than even you thought possible.

No matter what you do, DO SOMETHING. Letting a relationship stay in a rut only leads to one thing, a breakup.

Successfully Approaching a Woman at the Mall

The Situation
Guys: You and your friend are walking through the mall, getting some essential shopping done You're rushing by when you suddenly notice a woman who fits your idea of perfection. You stop your friend and let him know that you're going to go 'in for the kill,' but before you head in there STOP and THINK.


Ask Yourself
Does she look busy?
One thing men need to understand about women and shopping is that it's not always a fun, carefree time for us. Yes, most of the time we love it but sometimes it's just a necessity that we have to get through. When we're on a mission, it is not a good time to approach!

You can tell when a woman is running a quick errand, rather than out for a good time, by watching carefully. You can tell that she is focused on a task by watching the way she walks through the store or looks through the items. If she walks in a stroll and looks like she's enjoying it, she's probably not on a time crunch. On the other hand, if she's walking around with a purpose and keeping her eyes wide open on the racks, that probably means you should steer clear.

Remember the clock; if it's lunch on a weekday, she could be there on her lunch break trying to run an errand. Do not bug her. You will most likely go down in a flaming heap of shopping totes.

Is she alone?
Another thing to keep in mind for men who DON'T want to be rejected is if she is shopping alone or with a friend(s). Again, women who are shopping alone are probably not out for a social time. If she's got a friend with her, that usually means that you're in the clear.


Going 'In for the Kill'
Gentlemen, please use common sense. Do not stop a woman in the middle of a walkway and keep her standing there while you deliver your lines. This creates an awkward situation with other people trying to walk by or around you guys. Stop her and motion over to a corner.

Also, keep in mind that you don't want to alienate her friend. Start by introducing yourself to the both of them and include both of them in the general conversation while you turn most of your visual attention to the one you're after.




The Golden Rule
Keep things concise, friendly, be a gentleman, ask for a phone number, and leave them within 5 minutes of your introduction. Quick, efficient, and smooth should be your goal.
If they're sitting at a coffee shop, consider yourself lucky and swoop right in. In this case, you can be charming, funny, and take your time because they are already taking a break.

If they're having a meal, it is probably best to swoop in and out right before they start eating. No one likes to be interrupted at meal time.

Keep in mind that these tips also work in grocery stores. Go forth gentlemen and shop!!!