For those of you who use text messaging as a form of communication with someone you're dating...

When asked, how did you meet your significant other, the most frequent response was "

In my ten years of coaching men and women on the perils of dating and relationships, the one jo

Approaching a woman who is a coworker must be done somewhat differently (and more carefully) than approaching women with whom you don't work. With that in mind, here are my five steps to determine whether to...

As someone who dated a jerk, whom I now refer to as my "learning experience," I admit to falling under the jerk spell. Here's how the jerk spell works: we meet the jerk and in some twisted way are seduced by his confidence, charm, and passion. We don't se

Last week I received an e-mail from a reader named Maria, who wrote that Valentine's Day made her "want to vomit." She and most of her friends were single, she explained, and they found it "gross how people try to have a boyfriend" just in time for this p

Whenever I do a dating boot camp, guys are always amazed that I seem to know everybody. The first time Yakub did a boot camp with me, he kept marveling at this. He started calling me "The Mayor of New York City."

Has rainy weather thrown a wrench in your date plans? Just because it's wet outside, doesn't mean the movie theater is your only alternative. Whether you're braving the outdoors or staying cozy at home, here are seven ideas for planning a memorable rainy-

Are you truly ready for Valentine's Day? You're not unless you're prepared to unleash your inner seductress and do it with confidence. Because you, my dear, are the woman he can't live without. He may not quite understand that yet. Take a few tips from t

As a love coach, I've heard the following question more times than I can remember: "What happened? I'm so confused. At first, he seemed to really like me. He made reservations, picked me up, and took me to a fabulous restaurant. But for some reason, over

This is a shout out to all the highly dateable men in the world who make the single worst mistake you can with a woman on a date: wearing bad shoes.

Politicians in Washington are like movie stars in Hollywood. They're everywhere, they're always shorter in person -- and yet, everyone is still totally impressed.

The truth is, I haven't been to the gym in over six months; my membership got cancelled in August, along with The (Ex) Boyfriend. And yet the number on the scale today is finally ¬-- FINALLY ¬-- the same as it was when I first moved to New York a little o

Given the choice, most people say they would much rather break up with someone than get broken up with. But if you've recently initiated a breakup, you know how tough it can be.

Is there a good way to dump someone? Probably not, but there are better ways. According to my very unscientific study with some friends in my living room last month, the worst way to deliver the news is via text message (extra points deducted if you have

One Christmas, almost a decade ago, my then-18-year-old boyfriend surprised me with a large, unwieldy package. Enthusiastically I tore off the crudely taped snowman wrapping paper and giant red bow to reveal...a mounted deer head. Yes. You read that corre

In late December, we are not only in the midst of the holiday season; we are in the middle of the "breakup season." According to research, more breakups occur at this time than at any other time of year.

To successfully survive and thrive after a breakup, savvy breakup survivors know that they can't heal and move on without a little help from their friends. And that's where the Boo-Hoo Crew comes in. Part cheerleader, part therapist, your Boo-Hoo Crew sho

I have a friend who claims to hibernate during the winter because all the couples she sees snuggling up and keeping each other warm make her want to crawl back into bed.

It's a familiar story -- the two of you meet, become inseparable and fall in love… but then the tables turn and one of you wants out. At that moment, things get complicated and questions begin to arise: How do I tell this person? What will happen after th

Ending it badly isn't just bad karma, it's an opportunity for your ex (and your family and friends) to badmouth you around town, at the office and all over cyberspace. Do it nicely and your ex may give you a good reference in the future. Do it poorly and

Few friends are as valued as those who have helped you survive heartbreak. If you are the shoulder your friend is crying on, keep these things in mind:

We've all heard that it's the thought that counts when it comes to giving someone a gift. Unfortunately, that's not always true in dating. At the beginning of dating a new person, there's a fine line between romantic and creepy. It's true that when the in

We asked Yahoo! Personals users what they should avoid giving to girlfriends or boyfriends. Here's what they told us.

How many times have you gone on what you thought was an amazing date only to find that the person never calls back or doesn't seem interested when you try to book another date?

This being my first holiday season spent single in several years, a thought occurred to me as I listened to Christmas music sans significant other last weekend. The thought was: "This sucks."

Every time I watched "King of Queens," I was confused. The husband, an overweight UPS delivery guy, is married to a certifiably hot brunette with a tight body, whom he regularly asks to strip (is this normal married couple behavior? I would ask my parents

Have you heard yourself saying things like "I should be thinking about my Sweetheart 24/7 or I must not be in love" or "I should know if he (or she) is the right one for me"? Or how about "We should have... (fill in the blank: the same sense of humor, a s

You're sitting across from a great guy you met on Yahoo! Personals. You can't remember the last time a first date went so well. You're attracted to the guy. He has all the qualities you're looking for in a mate. He would even get your mom's approval.

How do I get over this person? My friends tell me that he was the wrong person for me, as we broke up numerous times in our year-long relationship. I really do love him and can't get him out of my mind. Every day something reminds me of him. I was kind of

I get so many emails from men asking me this question: "How do I know if she is attracted to me on date?"

I remember being one of the first to arrive in math class in seventh grade because I wanted to snag a seat close to my crush, Jonathan. Jonathan was about 5 inches shorter than I was and much better at integers. Learning was more fun with him around.

I am an avid reader of self-help books, and by "avid" I mean, "completely obsessed." My bookshelves would scare away anyone NOT holding a master's degree in psychology with a minor in personal-development, and even then, it's dicey.

Esquire magazine has female celebrities telling us "10 Things Men Don't Know About Women." Here's my take on what they and their sisters don't know about men.

I am married with no kids and seeing a man who is married with three kids. I've been married for three years and he's been married for eight years. We met a year and a half ago at work and feel we are in love with each other. We did not start this relatio

Halloween being my favorite holiday, I've been mulling over The Costume for weeks now. So many microscopic outfits, so little time!

For over a month now I have been talking with this guy I met on a dating site. We have talked for hours every night. We finally met and we now see each other 2 or 3 times a week. He pulled his profile from the site and said he wants to date only me. I'm t

She wrote in her profile that she was the Marilyn Monroe type -- that in itself should have been a dead giveaway! When we finally met at a local restaurant, she told me how she felt she was a reincarnation of Marilyn, how she possessed ESP and was clairvo

My inbox gets flooded every single day with emails from women who ask me, "Your advice is great, but I've got kids. Will it work for me?" The answer is YES!

A few times I have met this woman who has two kids. I also have two kids. I am 30 and she is a little older, maybe 35. When I do see her, I make her laugh and her laugh makes me smile. I have been divorced for eight years and have rarely dated, but for so

Anyone who has done any online dating or listened to other singles knows that dating horror stories abound. You hear less about the successes, and there are plenty, believe me. I'm one of them -- I met my husband online. If people like me weren't findin

Have you gone out with more than one bad boy in the last year? Are you in an on-again off-again relationship with a bad boy? If so, you may have a bad-boy habit that needs to be broken. Set yourself free from that bad boy with these five steps.

I've been in an on-again, off-again relationship with a man for 3+ years. He had been married for 20+ years. I was close friends with him for three years before that. After his separation, we decided to start dating. He was very upfront with me about his

Last year, I met two women at a Halloween party. Both were in their mid-30s and were kind, passionate and intelligent. And yet I fear that they will remain single for a lot longer than they desire. Why? Because of all the arbitrary rules they've set up fo

I am a single parent of a 13-year-old boy and a 10-year-old girl. I would like to know how exactly I should handle dating with my kids and a mother who cops an attitude about watching my kids for me while I go out on a date. I don't have other family to k

So, you've broken up or divorced. It's OK. Who wants to be with a significant other who isn't right for you?

I am starting to date someone I have admired for a few years. When I finally approached this person romantically, they responded just as I had hoped. We had a little discussion to get each other's expectations clear, and I thought all was well. But the la

I recently got a call from a friend of mine who married right out of college, divorced ten years after that and now shares custody of his seven-year old with his ex. The call went something like this: "Can you remind me what a dating site is? You've told

That says it all, doesn't it? The mother of two hasn't had much success when it comes to dating. She's just 25, but her many men already include Justin Timberlake, Columbus Short, a record producer whose name I can't even remember, that recent manny-bodyg

Introducing their children to their dates is the toughest challenge single parents face as they get back into dating, according to a survey conducted for Yahoo! Personals by Harris Interactive. Survey results were announced in conjunction with National Si

Yes, dating as a celebrity is hard, but some stars do it better than others. Take (please, quickly) Britney Spears, who desperately needs a role model. Our nominee is Reese Witherspoon. Divorced from actor Ryan Phillippe, stylish Reese is now with all-

I asked out a man from my workplace and we went out that weekend. I asked him and yet he paid (impressive). This gentleman has two full-time jobs, and he had a bad breakup and has not dated in years. So again my surprise that he said yes (to me).

What makes a football nut tick? In general, men seem to have an overzealous infatuation with sports. As football is the number-one spectator sport in America, it stands to reason that the love affair with sports is stronger than ever during the fall seaso

Although I'm rarely accused of "having good timing" (or tact, for that matter), it seems that my luck has finally turned: I've parted ways with the jerk, er, guy I was seeing today, just in time for the nonstop thrill ride that is National Singles Week.

There's a reason why fighter pilots are trained through computer simulation: life online may be virtual, but it's pretty good practice for the real thing.

Singles are more open to new experiences and in better physical shape to enjoy them, according to a survey conducted for Yahoo! Personals by Harris Interactive. Survey results were released in honor of National Singles Week, Sept. 16-22.

Singles often feel left out in our couple-driven society. Whenever you're tempted to feel down because of your singularity, remember these reasons why flying solo can be the best way to go

You may be feeling down about being single right now, thinking that you must have a partner beside you to go out and have some fun. But remember, you used to have fun before you ever started dating, so you know you are a fun person.

"I have been seeing my boyfriend, Brian, for 10 months now. I am the first woman he has dated since his divorce, whereas I have been divorced for 10 years and have dated numerous men. We get along great and have a really good relationship. He is 45, I am

Bad breath has ruined many a romantic and sexy mood. Yet, in the world of sex etiquette, who is responsible to take charge of said breath? Is it the smeller who is making an odor value judgment or the person with the halitosis?

Warm fall evenings are made for romance. These seven date ideas will make the nights seem cool while the romance gets hot.

Recently I was coaching a woman on how to write her profile for Yahoo! Personals. Before we wrote the profile, I asked her to send me her four best pictures.

My entire adult life, I have gone out to all the places you're told to go to meet someone special. Nothing. I never even get asked out. It's like I'm invisible, and my life has wasted away because there's not a damn thing I can to do to 'make' someone

I am dating a man I think I have fallen in love with quickly. He also seems to like me, but he's a busy man with three kids. He says he'll call or come by but often doesn't follow through with his promises and doesn't ever explain why he hasn't called o

Most men think there's a magic word they can say to get a woman to talk to them. While there is no such "magic word," there are three keys to communicating with a woman that work every single time.

I am dating two men. After being married for 25 years, I want to date for a while and see what's out there. I like them both very much. One I have unbelievable chemistry with. He is both good-looking and rich and totally turns me on. He likes me a lot, to

Sure, you could say "hello" ... but then what? Time and time again you come up with nothing and wind up alone, watching her leave.

"I've been interested in a guy for a few years, and our relationship is mainly through emails. We have met in person a number of times, talked on the phone a lot, and chatted online. I know he is interested too, but he is terribly shy (but I like it). Whe

All across America at this time of year, states are celebrating the bounty of their agricultural harvests and more at their annual state fairs.

Most guys know from the get-go whether or not they see potential in a woman. There's that inner voice that tells you this is someone worth pursuing.

Dating is a process a lot of us really can live without. It's an emotional rollercoaster that can drive you to drink four year-old bottles of Mike's Hard Lemonade from the back of your refrigerator.

I've been going with a guy for a couple years, and I think he may be the one. We've even been talking about marriage. But certain things have started to get on my nerves, and I'm worried that it will just get worse after we're married. Nothing major, just

Some men have absolutely NO sense of etiquette when they're trying to contact women online. During all my years of coaching, women have told me some amazing things men have written to them in emails.

So you went out with somebody and thought they were absolutely amazing. She was the hottest, sexiest woman of the moment. So, how do you capitalize on the success of a great first date?

If you want a dating life that's free from disaster, you need to invest in a little insurance. As hurricane victims know, it does no good to buy insurance after the storm has wreaked its damage.

My boyfriend and I have been together for about a year, and I would love to get him something awesome for his birthday. What do you suggest? (Aside from pantygrams and blowup dolls and NASCAR tickets.) Thanks!

I've been divorced a few months and am starting to date again. But a strange thing has happened a couple of times already. The women bail out when I tell them I'm recently divorced. They don't want to be the "rebound" relationship, they say, or they quest

With great weather and a desire to be adventurous, there's no excuse for you and your partner not to go on a date. Don't have enough money, you say? Here are 20 ideas for memorable dates that won't set you back more than $20.

Getting angry at us for not reading your mind is like getting angry at yourself for not being able to fly. It's not just futile, it's physically impossible.

Can a long-distance relationship work? I am 53 (never married) and recently met a lovely woman, 44. I live in the Bay Area, and she lives in Southern California. We have been enjoying e-mailing and phoning each other, and I will visit her soon. However, h

Question: I've been out with a guy a few times but not really on dates. It's always been with a group of people. But we really seem to hit it off, and he pays a lot of attention to me during those get-togethers. After the last one, he emailed to say what

We got some interesting feedback when we wrote about whether a guy should be expected to pay for most everything in the initial phases of courtship. (Our position: The guy pays, especially if he does the asking, but we encourage even a halfheartedly mumbl

Now that it's summer time, it's time to get out of the house and get creative when planning a date with a woman. Enough with sitting at dinner watching each other chew, while exchanging resumes during a three course meal!

Follow these simple first-date etiquette tips and you'll greatly improve your chances for a second date.

Another weekend is approaching and while your friends are excitedly discussing their Friday and Saturday night plans, are you dreading another weekend alone, cuddled up on the couch in your sweats, watching a "Grey's Anatomy" rerun?

Most men think that they need a clever line to approach a woman. But through all my years of coaching men and women, I have found that it is not what you say that's important, but how you approach.

Don't look like your picture. Post an old picture from when you were thinner or had more hair. Or you could post a photo of someone else: your daughter (folks always say you could be twins, right?), a model you plucked from an online site (hey, didn't you

I'm a 44-year-old man from Illinois, and I have been working at the same job, which I love, for almost 12 years now. Is it wrong to be alone if a person chooses to be that way? The reason I ask is because I see on TV ads for a Web site devoted to matching

Should the guy pay for the date? I'm struggling with a money issue with a guy I've been dating a few months. We make similar money -- not much, but not minimum wage. We were splitting the bill when we first started dating.

Planning a great date will score you major relationship points. The key is to understand your personal style and preferences as well as those of your date. Here are some unique date ideas to cover a wide range of hobbies, activities, and interests.

Making it past the first date is always an important milestone. But what do you do now to keep the momentum going? Here are five novel ideas for a second date to ensure you make it to date #3 and beyond.

Over the last 10 years of coaching men, I have been asked time and time again to come up with a list of the best secrets for meeting, approaching and attracting great women.

Dear Steve and Lynelle, I used to be somewhat of a wild woman. I went through a two-year phase of partying, drinking, and irresponsibility. At the end of last year, I really turned my life around. Now I have a steady job and stopped drinking and I have my

Not high on life. If the man you are dating or married to needs an extra boost to get through the day (other than simply having you in his life), then your relationship is in jeopardy. Alcohol and substance abuse will always be more important to him than

I met a really great guy on Yahoo! Personals a few months ago. We see each other about once a week, or once every two weeks. He is always doing things for me like working on my car and helping me out in any way he can. However, I am not sure if I am consi

I'm brand new to the Internet scene as well as the whole dating scene itself. Not to brag but I get a lot of guys emailing me with the usual "You have a nice smile, let's chat, etc." I'm getting better at the initial encounters online, but it's the second

Wise people say that true beauty is more than skin deep. I agree. However, as a guy, I must confess that being physically attracted to a woman does make it easier to stick around and uncover her true beauty.

ow can you charm a woman? Do they like a daily check-in phone call? Does she secretly wish you'd text her in the middle of the day for no reason but to make her smile? Do they prefer expensive dinners to home-cooked meals? Rock-hard abs? Flowers for no re

If you're fresh on the online dating scene, here are some tips to soothe first-timer anxiety. Remember to take things slow, and keep a positive outlook. This way you'll appear more confident and interesting to other searching singles!

Dear Steve and Lynelle, I am a young man in college. In the past few years I've had several girlfriends, but they seem to be more girls who are friends. Maybe I'm just unlucky in love, but girls seem to have no interest in being girlfriends. I've caught t

Good relationships tend to have some element of surprise and the unexpected in them. The key ingredient? Tension.

If you are like most of my romance clients, worries about rejection top your "What keeps me from finding the love of my life?" list. If you step out into the dating world at all, you are almost certainly going to hear some "no's." And you'll be saying a f

What is up with women? When they say something, should we take them literally? Ever since there have been men and women, men have been trying to answer these questions. Relax! I am here to give you the key to interpreting women.

What do you do when you see a woman you are attracted to? Do you run and hide? Do you use some canned line that you read on the Internet? Do you stand there in fear trying to think of the right thing to say? What is the right thing to do?

For many of you, communicating for the first time with someone you have not yet met can be a stressful and confusing proposition. Others may actually find this easier than flirting in the offline world. Whichever camp you fall in, we hope that the followi

When talking to men I meet for the first time on Personals, I find they often ask extremely personal questions about my sexual and dating past, like how many sexual partners I've had and what I like. How do I object to answering these questions without ma

Throughout the years, men have always asked me, "How do I make that first date as perfect as she expects it to be?" I've come up with a checklist of some of my favorite first-date tactics that will leave her glowing at the end of the night. In fact, these

You'll do anything other than look for a partner online -- watch TV reruns, clean the bathroom, even call your mother. You freeze up and question yourself repeatedly when it's time to meet someone for coffee, make the next call, or move on to the first ki

Know what you want. Your looks change and fade, character does not. While a certain amount of "chemistry" is nice, don't rely solely on lust. What qualities are you looking for in a mate? My book "Find a Sweetheart Soon! Your Love Trip Planner for Women

I've been with someone for two years and have a feeling he's not over his ex. We have both been divorced for eight years. How do I get that out of my mind or take it for what it is? -- Shea H., 29, Guntersville, Alabama

I have been seeing one guy for about eight months now. My sons (15 and 20) find his personality irritating. They don't like his humor or his strong opinions. Should I end the relationship? -- Marge G., 48, Schenectady, New York

I found someone from my past who I hadn't seen in 15 years but have thought about often and hoped that one day we would meet again. We have both recently divorced (in the past year). Since we already have a past, the normal dating scenario doesn't really

I feel that I have been very honest in my profile about just wanting friends and/or an occasional date. However, almost every man who emails me seems to be looking for a serious, monogamous relationship. I want to get out, meet new people and date more th

I've run into many people who feel that there is an unwritten rule about how soon you should date after a separation or divorce. How soon is too soon? -- Robert L., 40, Poulsbo, Washington

Have you ever read an article in which a wealthy entrepreneur from Slurfenburg says, "Gee, I just sort of kicked my car one day and the next thing I know I'm running this fantastic business?" Success does not simply happen on its own or by luck. It happen

There's a big difference between the right gift for a casual couple versus a monogamous couple. Learn the different relationship stages and the right gift for each stage. Here are some tips for success

Sun, sand, women in swimsuits, and you're still sitting on your towel downing beer after beer? Stop drinking and start meeting -- pronto!

Want to start and email conversation with someone who flirted back when you sent them an Icebreaker?

Of all the things that clients (especially men) ask me to help them with, the most common query involves assistance with writing introductory emails. And while I never write emails for others, the request makes perfect sense. After all, most people's prof

You've seen someone in your search results or Matches by Mail and you think you might want to meet them. How should you proceed? Anyone who has tried online dating knows about the progression from emails to phone calls to real-life dates. But what exactly

You've exchanged emails, maybe had a couple of sessions with Instant Messenger and then, after your hands were aching from all the typing, you exchanged phone numbers. Maybe you talked for hours. Now you're wondering about getting together. Just like a pi

I am a 62-year-old female looking to meet men between the ages 55-65. I look 10 years younger and don't lie about my age, but most of the men in this age range are looking for women younger than 62. I used my latest photo taken two weeks ago. I know I can

Are there actually women looking for older men, or is there an unwritten rule that says older than 55 need not apply?? I don't know if it's my profile or not (I cannot afford profile help), but I do not get too many responses. The ones who do reply say, "

I have met a darling man on the Internet. We have corresponded for 11 days. Numerous romantic cards have been sent, he has mailed me pictures of his family, and we seem to have a good match going. However, after not hearing from him for two days, I was qu

You've met someone online. What do you really know about them? Or, what if you've met them offline? Increasingly people are "cybersleuthing" for answers, using the power of the Internet to give them insights into the people they've met. Here are three of

To be successful in the dating world, you must approach it like you would any other goal. That means more than writing it down in your journal. Goals don't get accomplished without a list of things you can actually DO that will help you to reach the goal.

Remember eighth-grade science lab, when you mixed a little of this with a little of that to come up with who knows what? Dating is like that -- one continuous experiment.

I have been dating on the Internet for three years, and I've had almost 200 dates. The problem is that I hardly ever get a second date. I'm also finding that every guy I go out with has no interest in me at all, even friendship. I am confused because I am

I was in a beautiful meaningful relationship that led to a too brief but wonderful marriage until tragedy struck and my husband died two years ago. I rejoined the dating world nine months ago and am having a difficult time finding someone who can measure

How realistic is it for a woman over 40 to expect a personal ad date to lead to marriage? -- Sabrina M., 43, Corvallis, Oregon

I have been having mixed success with Internet dating. I have posted attractive pictures of myself on several dating sites. I am truthful about my wants. Why do I keep finding men who are satisfied using emails to continue communication? I have talked wit

Does it ever get any easier? I've been married three times and am the proud parent of two beautiful girls, ages 23 and 25. It's almost as though they consider me a joke for wanting companionship. They're running around and having fun -- why shouldn't I? T

Two years ago I lost my 21-year-old son, the joy of my life, my only child. I don't want to deny the fact that I have a child, yet I don't want to tell anyone that I lost my son, then have to answer many personal questions from someone I have met through

I am a cancer survivor. I am also an honest, upfront person. I just went through a divorce, and I'm cautiously starting to date again. Do you think I should list my health history in my profile, or wait and discuss it after, say, a first email? I don't wa

I'm new to online dating and do not know the protocol. What is the usual way of indicating to someone that you are no longer interested? Most people just seem to disappear, no longer responding to contacts. This seems so impersonal and rather mean. Yet, w

How do I get over extreme anger at my previous close friend and lover who, as it turned out, betrayed me? -- Anne S., 60, Houston, Texas

What can you say in an email to entice someone to get to coffee talk? You are trying to get to the first date level. So what are the tricks to flirting online? A 38-year-old female comedian told me, " I don't think it is hard to flirt via email at all. I

When writing your profile description or sending a reply to a personal profile, think about some of the following questions to get the juices flowing. Remember, it's the small, telling details that expose your most unique (and attractive!) qualities.

I'm a Twentysomething. Many of my guy friends are about the same age and single. For a few of them, their lack of a significant other is absolutely unbearable -- and not just on Valentine's Day. These guys are constantly falling in love with women they ba

The dating game is no walk in the park for women these days. As if the babe competition isn't tough enough and Mr. Right more elusive than ever, there are few operating instructions. What love advice, if any, can we get from the seductresses of the past?

So you've finally gotten past the old relationship, licked your wounds, and sworn you've learned your lessons. You've starting dating again and you're even taking it slowly. And then, suddenly, there he or she is! There's just something about this person

At what point in dating someone should you tell them whether you would like to get remarried? I always think marriage talk could scare someone away, but it's important to be honest about what you want, right? -- Karen K., 55, Rutherford, New Jersey

How soon after my divorce can I start dating and not be considered on the rebound? After my ex-husband's multiple infidelities, I find it hard to trust another man. How can I overcome this feeling? I am beginning to feel that no man can be trusted. -- Kat

I'm recently divorced after 20 years of marriage. My daughter, who is 16 and lives with me, has a problem with me dating. What should I do to help her understand I need adult time? -- James W., 45, Marietta, Georgia

Nowadays, when do most people think it's the right time to begin having a sexual relationship? As an older person on the dating scene, I find it hard to understand what men want. It seems like you're damned if you do and damned if you don't! -- Peggy L.,

I was married seven and a half years and never really dated before my marriage. How do I avoid the rebound trap that people talk about? How will I know whether it's genuine or whether I'm using them to get over my last relationship and find solace? Will I

All of you must be acquainted with at least one woman who is a guy magnet. She's the one