Cherie Burbach's Blog

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Well, I'm really excited. My new book, Internet Dating is Not Like Ordering a Pizza, is finally out! But more than that, I'm excited because I'm giving away a copy to one lucky Suite reader.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I always loved fall the most of any season. Here in the midwest, the leaves are turning and there's a chill in the air, and it just makes you want to snuggle up with the one you love.

If you're single, it underscores a want to be in a quality relationship. To that end, I've got a list of the best places to meet new people in fall. I hope you'll appreciate these ideas and that it sparks some creative new ideas that work for you.

And once you meet someone, here are date ideas specific for the fall season. Let fall be the time you fall in love!

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Congratulations to.......................

(drum roll please)

Tonya Froemel!

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Since it's National Singles Week, I thought it might be nice to celebrate with a giveaway!

Hey, why not? Being single is a great thing. It means you're waiting for someone special and not settling for someone that isn't quite right.

So to celebrate I've got a charming little book called Shag's Little Book of Love.

Here's a description from the publisher:

Romance and dating can be such a challenge these days it's not always easy to tell if your potential mate is fun or freaky, normal or neurotic (or, perhaps worse, neither). Writer Eve Lederman has been there and decided to share what she's learned in this humorous how-to. Featuring the illustrations of everybody's favorite retro artist, Shag's Little Book of Love is not your mother's guide to love and romance! Lederman offers hilarious advice on the everyday details of romance and dating, and navigating the minefields of flirtations, entanglements, and hanky-panky.

Sounds fun, right? I think you'll love this book. If you'd like to win a copy, send an email to dating@suite101.com by Monday, September 29th. I'll choose a winner at random and announce the lucky guy or gal the next day.

Good luck!

P.S. Canadian and U.S. residents only. :)

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I'm not quite sure why people do this, but every once in a while I hear of someone like this that is pining over a long-ago relationship that didn't work out. In the case of this one particular gentleman, he found a box of letters from someone he had dated 29 years ago. The woman rejected him at that time.

But he'd found a new life with someone else. He's in his late 50s now and married. And, he says, was happy until he found this box of letters.

My first question when I heard this was: Why keep the letters? And if you're really happy now, why bring up the past?

I think that many people have this kind of secret fantasy life. But, to what end? How does living in the past (and living with a memory that is no longer real) help you in your relationships today? It doesn't. While most fantasies are harmless, some (like pining for an old flame) can hurt your current relationship. Instead of doing that, live for today and the good life you have now.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Well, Michael Phelps certainly has his share of fans these days. And why not? The guy broke a long-time Olympic record last week. And hey - guess what? He's single. Know what that means? That someone in the dating world will try and get him to represent them. (Or at least capitalize off his fame.)

Match.com was the first to step to the plate on this one. They've offered Phelps a free membership. A spokesperson for Match, Darcy Cameron, said:

"In honor of his historic accomplishments, Match.com would like to offer Mr. Phelps a free membership until he finds that special someone, even though we don't anticipate that he'll be single for long!"

Hey, I'm all for online dating. It sure as heck worked for me. But the people that really benefit from online dating are the ones that don't get to meet lots of people in their regular course of daily socializing. People that work a lot, or have a lot of married friends, or are extremely shy (like yours truly) tend to use online dating. Something tells me Phelps doesn't fit into any of these categories.

So I have to wonder, will Michael Phelps using Match encourage you to join their service?

Posted by Cherie Burbach

One of the best ways to get to know your date is over lunch. And for good reason. Lunches are simple, light, and usually have less pressure than an after work or evening date. The mood is different. It's daylight out. Your attitudes are different. Everything about it is usually more relaxed.

Trouble is, it's hard to figure out what to do for a lunch sometimes. You want to be unique so your date will remember the experience, but you also want it to be low-pressure and fun. Believe me, you can have that. I've got a list of several suggestions for lunch dates which I'm sure will spur even more in your mind. Use of mine or let your mind wander and create a totally new date idea. And be sure to write me and let me know how your date worked out! I love hearing the stories each of you send me.

Happy dating!

Posted by Cherie Burbach

One of the most common questions I get with daters is whether they should break up from their current partner. While this is a personal decision, there are some common relationship-ending events that can make the choice a bit easier.

None of these should be taken lightly. In fact, if you've experienced one of these occurances with your relationship you should talk to your partner right now. It may be time to say goodbye.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

In the Indian culture, matches were often arranged by parents rather than the singles themselves. And studies have shown that arranged marriages are just as succesful as those chosen by the individuals.

With a new age, however, more and more Indian singles want to find their own life partners. Some did not have the advantage of parents to arrange a marriage for them, while others just want some say so in the person they'll spend the rest of your life with.

If you're looking for more information on Indian dating sites, here are a few popular online destinations along with the specifics on each site.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I caught this article about the pros and cons of Internet dating, and wondered, are we still debating this issue? After all, I know of so many people that have used Internet dating successfully (including myself) that I wonder if the few people out there complaining are making a fuss out of nothing?

What do you think? For those of you that are struggling with online dating, maybe you just need some quick tips to help you get back on the road to success. Maybe a second try will net you the response you desire.

I'd be interested in hearing anyone that did Internet dating and DIDN'T find it worthwhile. Drop me an email and tell me when you tried it, what you didn't like about it, and how long you were an active member. Can't wait to hear from you'!

Posted by Cherie Burbach

There are a jillion (or there abouts) books on the market today that talk about dating. Everyone it seems (including yours truly) has written a book about the art of finding the perfect person.

But what about when you don't find the perfect person? What about when you get set up on a date that seems sketchy at best. And what if the person that set you up on that date is your mother?

That's the string that links a series of stories together in the book Have I Got a Guy for You. I got a chance to read this book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was fun and light-hearted, and yet had an underlying message that single gals should be able to relate to as well.

If you're looking for a simple read that will lift you up (and let you commiserate a bit), check it out.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

First dates are always fun and exciting. But they can cause nervousness and, as a result, stupid behavior as well! But if you happen to flub up on your date, don't fret. Check out these common first date mistakes and learn how to correct them.

Remember, everyone on a first date is nervous, so don't worry about making a bad impression. Always be yourself and if you goof up, laugh it off and keep trying.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

There's a lot of talk written about break up songs. After all, when you're sad it's natural to seek out songs that support the way you feel.

The same goes for the times that you're so happy you could burst. What about a list of songs to help you celebrate your love? I've got you covered with some lovely tunes that always make me smile about my happy, content life with my hubby. Hope you enjoy them too. :)

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Despite having the beauty aids, personal trainers, and extra leisure time, celebrities are really just like you and me. They fall in love, get married, divorced, and have babies. They also, like the rest of us, make a lot of mistakes when it comes to dating.

If you want to know what to avoid in your own life, look no further than the tabloids. For instance, Madonna and Guy Ritchie arebreaking up (or not), Peter Cook is sorry for his affair, and Michael Buble and Emily Blunt have broken up.

Of all the couples, it seems Michael Buble and Emily Blunt are the only ones to have ended their relationship on a positive note. They did it with dignity, and they say they remain friends. (Although we all know that's hard to really do with an ex.) Still, it gives us all a lesson in how to proceed when it comes to dating, even if it means walking away from someone you thought was the one.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

A women I know is in the dating game again after 30 years in a marriage. She's nervous (naturally), and a bit scared. She doesn't really know how to meet new people or even how to proceed in the relationship. After all, people don't "go steady" anymore like they used to.

If you're feeling like this, I'll tell you all the same thing I told her. Dating when you're a senior can be fun and plentiful. It's actually one of the best times in your life to be single. There are several senior singles organizations, and meeting people is easy and delightful.

Enjoy this time!

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Have you guys seen the Sex and the City movie yet? I did when it first came out. I mean, how could I not? The show is brimming with lessons about single life. But not the ones you'd expect.

Like any TV show (and now movie) Sex and the City dramatized being single and dating. In other words, it's real life turned up a notch. It's not how things really are all of the time. Still, there were plenty of things we can learn from the mistakes of Carrie, Charlotte, Samantha, and Miranda. Here are just some of them.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Every once in a while someone asks me how to keep their romance going. Every relationship has times when things aren't perfect. Either you and your partner are working too much, going to school, or even, living far away from one another.

But it doesn't mean you have to break up. There are plenty of ways to keep your love alive so you can weather the down times and get back to a place of peace.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Jessica Simpson has certainly had her share of ups and downs when it comes to love. First she married Nick Lachey, then dated a couple costars before starting up a relationship with John Mayer.

Now, she's dating Tony Romo, and it's been an on again/off again situation. Not an entirely happy one, to be sure.

So, what's your opinion? Should Jessica break up with Tony? Your opinion could win you a copy of Shag's Little Book of Love. Check out this post for the details.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Many shy people have a difficult time with dating. It isn't just the meeting people that's a problem, it's also sustaining the first few dates while they get to know them. After that, most shy people feel more comfortable and their dates can get to know them with ease. But until then... it can be a struggle.

Are you the shy type? Need some date ideas? I'm here to help.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

By far the biggest question I get from people is how to meet someone GOOD. You know, a person who will treat you right and wants a relationship and is honest, and....

Yeah. It's tough.

How do you know if someone is worth your time?

The short answer? You don't. At least, not right away. But you CAN meet quality people by keeping these strategies in mind.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

When we think of cheating, we often think of things like a sexual affair or emotional infidelity. However, a new problem has hit couples today, and it has to do with money.

Money is, after all, an extension of ourselves. It doesn't define us, but we do work hard for a certain way of life. How we spend money, how we give money, and how we save it all help say a bit about our character.

When you're part of a couple, money often gets merged. You share the wealth, and debt, of your partner. You plan for the future with your partner. However, when your partner says one thing about money and does another, it could be a problem in your relationship.

Financial infidelity can be just as hurtful as a sexual affair. Here is some more information about what defines financial infidelity.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Spring always seems to make us come alive. The trees are greener, the air is fresh, and feeling of love and partnership are heightened. Many singles concentrate on school or work during the winter months and turn their focus to love when the spring air hits.

With a renewed interest in love comes the need for new date ideas. If you'd like some things to do on your date this spring, read on.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Knowing how to end a relationship is one of the most important things you’ll ever have to do in dating. After all, how you end one partnership will ultimately affect the issues you take with you to the next one. And while saying goodbye is never an easy thing, it’s a necessary part of dating.

But how do you end a long-term relationship in the least offensive way possible? Here are a few tips.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Dating can be fun. No doubt about it. But it can also be scarey and different to those folks that haven't been "out there" in a while. Like someone coming out of a long marriage. The dating world changes very rapidly, with new technology and different attitudes. So if you're recently out of a marriage and looking for ways to jump start your romantic life, I have just the article for you.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I had the pleasure of reading Don't Get Lucky, Get Smart recently. It's a wonderful, straightforward book by Alan Cohen, the author of The Dragon Doesn't Live Here Anymore, the award-winning A Deep Breath of Life, and the classic Are You as Happy as Your Dog?

There are several things I loved about this book. One is that he addresses these fantasy type situations that many daters find themselves in. Such as wanting unavailable people, telling your own personal sob story, and reliving the same relationship mistakes over and over. Who needs that? No you.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Every once in awhile you hear of someone who has fallen in love with a person that they probably should have just avoided in the first place. How many stories have we heard from celebrities that slept with their nanny? Or a teacher that has fallen for his student? Or how about even a parent that is dating one of their kid's friends.

Yuck.

Love isn't a random thing that just happens and makes you do crazy things. You CAN help who you fall in love with. Want to have a happy relationship? Avoid dating these people and you'll be a step ahead in the dating game.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Many people have success with online dating. But at least a few times a year we hear of someone who was taken advantage of in an Internet dating scam.

There's no doubt that everytime singles meet someone new, they put themselves at risk. That doesn't mean they should stop dating. It means they need to be careful at all time and be aware of the typical signs of scams that could save them from a bad situation.

Remember, until you know someone well and have seen them in a variety of situations, you don't know them. Don't stop dating, just dating the smart way.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Thanks to all of you for entering the Meet Me at the Races tee shirt contest. I had so many great answers that I asked Stephen at Meet Me at the Races for additional shirts to give away! So thank you, Stephen!

I asked each of you for the best way to meet singles today. It should be no surprise that the most common answer was:

ONLINE DATING!

Congratulations to one of our winners, Tracy, who said,

• "I met my husband from the internet....and at the time he lived only a mile away!"

Want some other great ideas? Here are the rest from our winners:

Teresa:

• "Through someone you already know."

Karen:

• "I think the best way to meet someone is at an event. The race is a great example, or if your into bowling, at the bowling alley. If your into fitness, the gym is a great place. If you like bird watching, join a local birdwatchers club."

Chrysa:

• “I think the best way to meet someone is through an organized group/charity. Habitat for Humanity is a great one because there is a large group of people and you are all working together on a project and you have time to interact with a lot of different people.”

Jacquie:

• “…the best place to meet someone is the laundry mat…This is a great way to meet a good man that does laundry.”

Carol:

• “Through friends”

Karen

• “The best way to meet someone today is at the grocery store!” (Side note: I’ve met people this way too, Karen!)

Gigi:

• “Singles group at church”

Tera

• “The best way to meet someone is through passion! Do something that you are excited to do and others will naturally be attracted to do it with you.”

Well said, Tera!

Thanks to all who entered the contest.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Every once in a while we hear of someone falling for their nanny, boss, or even one of their kid's friends and we think: this is wrong. People claim that they can't help who they fall in love with, but that's incorrect. While it's possible to have feelings for someone that you can't help, it doesn't mean you should go full speed ahead into a relationship.

Here are some examples of people you should avoid getting involved with.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Just a reminder I've got Meet Me at the Races t-shirts to give away in sizes small through extra large.

Simply send me an email at: dating@suite101.com if you'd like one along with a note on what you think is the best way in which to meet someone today. Don't forget to indicate your shirt size.

The first person with the best resonse in each size category will win a shirt. But hurry! The contest will only go through April 30th.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

NASCAR is the largest spectator sport around, and it was only a matter of time before someone thought of a great way to connect daters to racing enthusiasts.

Are you a NASCAR fan? Are you single? Then I've got a site for you to check out. It's called Meet Me at the Races and helps connect single racing fans. I had a chance to chat with the creator of Meet Me at the Races and find out more about this new service.

I also have Meet Me at the Races t-shirts to give away in sizes small through extra large. Simply send me an email at: dating@suite101.com if you'd like one along with a note on what you think is the best way in which to meet someone today. Don't forget to indicate your shirt size. The first person with the best resonse in each size category will win a shirt. But hurry! The contest will only go through April 30th.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I'm often asked about how to end a first date. And I can relate. Even under the best of circumstances, there comes that weird time of the night when you need to say goodbye.

Coffee dates are often easier to end, probably because there is usually an expectation set up beforehand on when the date will end. (That always helps.)

On a first date, however, things can get a big tricky. If you were set up by friends, you might be reluctant to end things until he does. And he, in turn, might be waiting for you…..

Yeah, awkward. But don’t fret. Ending a dates gracefully just take a little practice, along with some tried and true methods. That’s where I come in. Check out my latest article on “How to End a Date” before your next outing. Then, give me a shout and let me know how it went!

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Asking someone out can be one of the most difficult things a person can do. I think it's even harder to do that than speak in front of a room full of people? Why? The possibility of rejection, mostly. And of making a fool of oneself.

After all, when you see someone you like for the first or second time, it can make you a bit nervous. But it doesn't have to be that way. Here are some tips to help you start up a conversation with someone new.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Sometimes the signs are easy to spot. Obviously if someone hits you that's crossing the line. What about emotional abuse? What about someone that emails you constantly and won't let you see your friends?

Is that abuse?

It can be. Let me ask you, how does your partner make you feel? Scared? Nervous? Afraid of what they'll do? Perhaps the most important thing you have is your instinct. There are other signs, as well. Here are just a few.

If you have been in an abusive situation, how did you get out of it? Did you ever find yourself in such a relationship more than once? I'm interested in hearing more. Please email me and tell me your story.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I get a lot of questions from people that have problems because they or their partner had an emotional affair. And while these same people want to know the signs of an emotional affair, very few of them ask me how it could have been prevented. I suppose once it happens to you, you simply want to fix it.

The thing is, if you CAN avoid an inappropriate friendship you can also avoid a lot of hurt and bad feelings. Keeping your relationship on safe ground can provide happiness and security. So if you think you might be tempted to start an emotional affair, what should you do to prevent it? Here are a few tips.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

New relationships are the best, aren't they? That feeling when you first meet someone you suspect might be very special in your life.... wow.... there's nothing better.

But sometimes... you can get a little too eager. Sometimes you can expect too much at the beginning. Sometimes.... a good thing can quickly turn into something negative, and then fall apart.

It happens. But it doesn't have to. Here are a few tips to make sure you give your new relationship the care and treatment it needs.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Is your partnership a safe place?

What I mean is: Do you feel that its the one place you can be entirely yourself? That your secrets will be kept? Your partner won't embarass you or lie to you? That when the world is getting you down, its the one place you can seek shelter?

One of the many benefits of having a great relationship is that is gives you a sense of peace in your life. Sure, life gets crazy, sometimes. But it's nice to know there is someone out there in the world who will be there for you when everyone else seems to let you down.

Is your relationship like that? It can be, you know. It's not too much to ask. Here's how to make your relationship a safe haven.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

St. Patrick's Day is actually one of my favorite holidays. Who knows if it's the happy vibe people seem to have or the fact that I look great in green (ha!) or maybe even the fact that I claim to be a tiny little bit Irish. (Well on St. Patty's Day, aren't we all?)

St. Patrick's Day is also a great time to get out and have some fun with your date. Whether you're just meeting someone or going out with your long-time honey, there are lots of ways to spend a fun and interesting night. Here are just a few.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Are you dating now? If you are, WHY?

What I mean is: Do you hope to get married? Just want to find someone fun to do things with? Haven't given it much thought?

Some people have a goal in mind with dating, others not so much. In the latest Suite poll, I'm asking people why they date. Click on over and give me your opinion.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I'm always interested to find out how singles spend their Valentine's Day. After all, the holiday can put a lot of pressure on people, whether they are in relationships or not.

In a recent poll, I asked readers how they planned on spending their Valentine's Day. Here's what they said:

10% you felt it was just a greeting card holiday. What did these folks do? Nothing!

20% said they were going to dinner and then seeing a movie.

15% said they were going all out: flowers, candy, the works!

And the largest percentage (55%) said:

Partner? What partner??

Hey - I'm here to tell you that no matter HOW you spent Valentine's Day, it's okay. Don't ever let others pressure you into believing that you SHOULD be with someone or you SHOULD go out or you SHOULD buy flowers.

You know what you should do? Exactly what you want.

And if you didn't have someone to spend Valentine's Day with and would like to find a great guy or girl? Here are a few tips on how to approach people.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Planning a wedding? Want some eco-friendly ideas? Or how about tips to make your event unique without wasting resources? You can get all this and more at the upcoming Eco-Friendly Wedding & Lifestyles Show this weekend at the Design Exchange in Canada.

But best of all, you can go free. A pair of tickets is being given away by the Tree Hugging Family blog, who says:

"At the show, eco-conscious couples, and families searching for green options for their special day will be able to learn about companies that will help them create a beautiful wedding, and keep the environmental footprint small. The show is sponsored by Absolute Tent & Event Rentals and Weddingbells, and will be featuring a large and diverse collection of amazing wedding and lifestyles vendors, all of them committed to green living."

You've got to hurry to register for the free pair of tickets, tho, as the drawing will be held on Thursday,

February 28th. Click here for more info.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

No one likes to argue, and that includes me. But sometimes, it's necessary. Especially when you're in a relationship.

This seems to be a hard concept for women in particular to realize. Some of us were raised to believe that airing our opinions was a bad thing. It wasn't "ladylike."

But I have a few friends that bottle up all their negativity with their partner because they don't want to appear angry. The thing is? They ARE angry. So what they do instead (probably without even realizing it) is nitpick quietly, thinking that's a better option. They actually believe this helps them "keep the peace."

It doesn't. All they're doing is sabotaging their relationship in a different way. And men don't understand this arguing style AT ALL.

Every seen guys argue? They're direct, they spit out what's on their mind and then they're over it. So imagine when a woman starts acting passive/aggressive toward their man and the guy doesn’t understand why. Since she never brought up her issue directly, he thinks everything’s fine.

Meanwhile, the woman resents the fact that the man doesn’t get it. That he can’t read her mind.

Well, ladies, he can’t. And what may seem obvious to you is not at all obvious to him. That’s why you’ve got to embrace healthy conflict in your relationship. Doing so will make both of you a lot happier.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I always love hearing about how people meet. Some of my friends, for example, got set up with their spouses and boyfriends. Some met by coincidence. Some, like me, met the love of their lives online.

Well this woman's love came to her door every day: to deliver her mail! For years they only made small talk and then one day she happened to tell her mailman she was moving because she'd just gotten a divorce. Turns out, he was suddenly single too.

Need some help in figuring out how to approach someone you see like the woman in this article? Look no further than here.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Valentine's Day is a popular time around Suite101. After all, we've got great ideas on how to spend Valentine's Day, what to get for a gift, what to make for that romantic meal, and how to create just the right vibe with some romantic music.

But it doesn't stop there! Here are five essentials you must have to plan the perfect Valentine's Day.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

I've heard it said many times that movies are not a good date idea. I'm here to tell you that's absolutely NOT TRUE. Movies are a great date activity, but you should allow time afterward to chat, reflect, and bond with your date.

The best types of movies will inspire conversations no matter how long the two of you have been dating. The key is choosing the right one.

Need some suggestions? Contributing writer Michelle Strozykowski gives you ten great suggestions for Valentine's Day movies. The list is diverse and enchanting. Why not make it a movie marathon and see how many you can watch back to back?

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Valetine's Day is one of those holidays you either look forward to, or you hate! There's no doubt there is a lot of pressure put on the holiday, both to singles and those in relationships.

But I like to look at Valentine's Day this way: It's simply another reason to tell someone you care about them. I also believe that candy and flowers are copouts... there are MUCH better ways to celebrate than that!

To that end, here are some Valentine's Day date ideas as well as gift ideas. See if they spark an idea or two or your own.

Also, don't forget to weigh in on the poll which asks, "What are YOU doing for Valentine's Day?"

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Coffee dates have made it much easier for daters to meet. Before then, you'd perhaps sit through a long dinner and both come up with excuses for leaving when you knew five minutes into the date that it just wasn't going to work out.

Coffee dates also make dating safer, because you can meet in a public place, leave when you want, and drive with your own car.

But what about after? How long should you wait to follow up? Is it okay to call the person? Should you wait for them to contact you? Here are some answers to these questions. Feel free to email me with more.

AND HAPPY DATING!

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Remember having FUN with dating?

**** crickets chirp *****

Right. Some of us (me included) when through a period of time where dating suddenly became a chore. It went on a long time, certainly longer than any of our friends.

Perhaps some of us even wondered if we would ever find the right person.

But it doesn't have to be that way. A slight change in attitude and approach can entirely alter your success... and remind you why dating should be fun in the first place. Here's more.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

In a recent survey, I asked about your plans for the holidays, and if you’d be spending them alone or with your partner.

A whopping 33% of you said:

“No, I never know what’s going on in our relationship!”

This actually doesn’t surprise me, as there are a lot of relationships with murky boundaries. Sometimes it’s just that your partner doesn’t seem to be on the same page as you. Sometimes, you’re in one of those “friends with benefits” situations. And sometimes, you have a good old-fashioned case of “unbalanced love.”

I was happy to see almost 40% of you said you were spending the holidays together. That’s great! Hope yours were happy!

The last section of people (over 16%) said “Partner, what partner?” Ooooh… not to fret, folks, there are plenty of ways to meet new people.

Thanks to everyone who participated in this fun survey. Don’t forget to vote in the current survey which asks about Valentine’s Day.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Every once in a while I get an email from someone that asks me about a murky love problem. Often, the problem arises from a "friend with benefits" situation.

Sometimes the problem is that the person involved with their friend has just found love and doesn't quite know what to do with their friend now. The friendship has been transformed from something supportive and positive to something else. Now, it's a burden.

Once in a while people are not sure how to handle their new relationship, AND the relationship with their friend. Sometimes the friend acts like anything but out of feeling of jealousy that this supposedly casual relationship felt like more. At least to them.

If you've ever considered a temporary sex only arrangement with a friend, read on for more on how to proceed.

Posted by Cherie Burbach

Everyone seems to make resolutions this time of the year. Losing weight, getting healthy, and staying organized are popular ones. (Mine is to drink more water. Boring, I know.)

But in considering other parts of your life that might need some adjusting, don't forget to include your dating life. Remember, YOU are the one in charge of it. You're the one that can turn it around if it's bad, or take some time to appreciate it if it's good.

If you seem to be in a dating slump, or you've settled for a friends with benefits situation because you don't think you'll get anything else, here are some tips to help you set the new year off on the right track.