Ridin' solo

In high school, I had a goal to slow dance with one boy at every school dance. Given my paralyzing shyness toward members of the opposite sex, this was harder than it sounds.

Anyway, I always targeted a guy who was standing alone -- chiefly because I didn't want somebody who'd reject me in front of a group of friends.

That wasn't the best strategy.

There's a reason why certain people end up standing alone.

I'd wind up dancing with someone who had a body odor problem, or an affinity for talking about cartoons.

I remembered the scenario after reading a Glamour blog post, which asks if guys who go to bars alone are cute or creepy.

It's not a gender-specific issue. There's still some stigma surrounding a decision to hit a hot spot alone. Even if you look normal, people assume you must have done something to warrant an absence of friends.

Then again, it still seems easier to approach a solo partier than somebody surrounded by friends. The worst case scenario is much more pleasant: being rejected by one person, instead of a crowd.

Weigh in: Would you approach a partier sitting alone in a bar?

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt

This news might come as a total shock, but Heidi Montag called off her divorce to Spencer Pratt. Apparently, a recent trip to Costa Rica reminded her of Spencer's desirability.

My reaction to the news is simple: I told you so.

The pair has manipulated the media so much that I rolled my eyes when reports of their "divorce" initially surfaced.

I felt guilty about my lack of compassion. I mean, what if I knew these people in real life?

Wait, I kind of do.

I think everybody knows a couple surrounded by so much drama that it's hard to take any of their problems seriously.

You lend a sympathetic ear, give some nods of encouragement but think in the back of your mind that all the elaborate relationship renovation plans will never materialize.

After reaching their makeup/breakup quota, these couples somehow lose their right to relationship credibility.

Do they deserve it?

What's going on tonight?

Hey Thursday partiers! Flip Flops, 1111 Broadway, has $1 daiquiri night. I attended last week and I can confirm the deal is real. There's supposedly no cover for women, but I was charged $5. Bring cash just in case.

Here are some other Thursday night options:

The Uptown Vault: Starlight Karaoke, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Players: Girls’ Night Out with free pool on hourly tables, 6:30 p.m. until close. Free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Spicoli’s: Stereomonster, 9 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Johnny Konway, 10 p.m. free. 706-568-3316.

Scruffy Murphy’s: Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. free. 706-322-3460.

Fake bachelorette parties

You buy the naughty veil, grab some female friends and tell everyone you're celebrating your final fling before the ring.

There's just problem. You're not getting married.

In fact, you're not even engaged.

Sound silly? Think again. There's a trend of women having fake bachelorette parties -- well, at least according to one website.

I've never met anyone who's confessed to having a fake bachelorette party, but the concept seems entirely feasible.

It's hard not to be a little jealous when you see an entourage sporting inflatable body parts downtown.

My only problem? The setup risks turning into the boy who cried wolf. Or, um, the girl who cried suck for a buck.

Your fake bachelorette party could generate so much enthusiasm that when you celebrate a marriage for real, everybody's all drained out.

Thoughts?

(via Lemondrop)

National Coffee Day

Today is National Coffee Day. The first person who brings me a Pumpkin Spice Latte gets a hug.

Coffee dates are usually a major part of a relationship's early stages.

Unless, of course, you're dating somebody who only drinks milk and Coke. Not like I'm speaking from personal experience or anything.

It's easy to understand the coffee date's romantic appeal.

It's a low-pressure option that usually allows for good conversation. What's more, watching your date correctly pronounce "macchiato" is kind of a turn-on.

So go ahead, indulge in some extra caffeine today.

Also, see if your job made this list of professions that rely on coffee the most. Hint: Nurses took the No. 1 spot.

Thanks, Mom and Dad

Jezebel links to an interesting essay by a guy who's afraid to marry.

Has he witnessed too many examples of love gone wrong? Not exactly.

His ambivalence toward marriage is driven by the reverse scenario: a portrait of love that's so blissful, it's intimidating. That portrait of love comes courtesy of his parents.

He's afraid he can't live up to his parents' happy marriage.

Naturally, the idea seems a little flawed. As children -- even as adult children -- we never have a truly accurate perception of the inner workings of our parents' union.

We often blind ourselves to flaws just because, well, it's mom and dad.

That said, amid the many people who say their parents destroyed their lives forever, it's nice to hear from someone whose chief complaint is simply too much love.

Weigh in: Are you ever intimidated by your parents' marriage?

More money, more problems

Recent research suggests that "the more a man depends on his female partner’s paycheck, the better the chances he will cheat," according to the NY Times.

Things get worse. Consider this tidbit from the article:

And, in a cruel twist for women, men who earn significantly more than their female partners are also more likely to cheat.

The safety zone, apparently, is when women make 75 percent of what men earn, which sounds suspiciously like the national average of women’s salaries relative to men’s.

The piece reminds readers that people aren't always completely honest even in anonymous surveys about sex and relationships.

Yet somehow, I've still resurrected my visions of living as a hermit in Belize.

Jim Carrey and Jenny McCarthy

Are relationships supposed to be fun?

I asked that question after reading Jenny McCarthy's explanation of her split with Jim Carrey. Here's what she said:

The first thing is, when it's not fun anymore, you need to start investigating and do an inquiry into the relationship.

The comment rubbed me the wrong way.

I think in both our personal lives and our professional lives, we place too much of an emphasis on things always being "fun." Or "happy."

When we hit a moment of unhappiness, we immediately think something's wrong. And at times, something is wrong. Both other times, it's just life.

Then again, so many aspects of our daily existence already exude a sense of dread.

Maybe it's only fair to make your relationship the one place where fun is a priority.

Monday power anthem

A variety of factors contributed to today's song choice. First, I wanted to party like it's 1998.

Second, there's Brandy's candidacy on "Dancing with the Stars." You can get live updates on the show tonight at ledger-enquirer.com

Third, after watching Sunday's premiere of "Sister Wives," I had a dream my boyfriend became a polygamist.

If you don't like the Brandy/Monica version, click here to check out the "Glee" cover of the song.

What's going on this weekend?

Fun Friday fact: The average couple makes it 22 minutes into a car trip before fighting, according to a recent survey. Keep that in mind as you navigate the weekend.

The action begins with Friday's free outdoor concert on Broadway. The Relics perform 7-10 p.m.

Saturday is your last chance to take advantage of the Exchange Club's famous foot-long hot dog sale. The hot dogs are available 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Shrine Club, 3202 Edgewood Road. Click here to watch me eat a hot dog.

The Greater Columbus Fair continues through Sunday. There's a "Survivor" casting call 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Details here.

Believe it or not, I have two really cool Sunday events for you.

Sunday Option No. 1: There's fundraiser at Picasso Pizza for a bartender raising money for a 60-mile breast cancer awareness walk. Action starts at 6 p.m. Details here.

Sunday Option No. 2: The Gourds and Whisky Bent perform 6:30 p.m. at The Loft, 1032 Broadway. Cover is $10. The Gourds made that popular bluegrass cover of "Gin and Juice," a cover song often falsely credited to Phish.

Still need something to do? Here are some more highlights:

FRIDAY

Players: Karaoke by BudAbby’s, 9 p.m. free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Spicoli’s: DJ music, 8 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

Flip Flops: Jason Coley, 9 p.m. $5.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Scruffy Murphy’s: Boneheadz, 10 p.m. $5. 706-322-3460.

Shanty Shack: Chad Bradford and the Darn Band, 7-11 p.m. $5. 706-507-3418.

The Loft: Peggy Jenkins and the Bizness, 9 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

The Uptown Vault: Almost Kings, 9 p.m. $5. 706-442-8370.

VFW Post 5228: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 334-297-6493.

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

SATURDAY

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Warm Springs Sports Pub: Wicked Dixie, 9:30 p.m. $5. 706-570-4936.

Shanty Shack: The M&M Band, 7-11 p.m. $5. 706-507-3418.

Flip Flops: Jason Coley, 9 p.m. $5.

Players: Players Club Bowling, 8-11 p.m. $3 per game, no cover. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Mindtrip, Leaderdog, Needless, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Scruffy Murphy’s: Boneheadz, 10 p.m. $5. 706-322-3460.

The Loft: Connor Christian and Southern Gothic, 9 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

Spicoli’s: Battle Cry, 9 p.m. $5. 706-221-5252.

VFW Post 5228: Donnie Thomas and band, 9 p.m. $5. 334-297-6493.

Victoria's Secret. Discuss.

Turns out those little pink bags make you feel sexy.

Well, at least if you believe the results of a recent study. After surveying women in a mall, researchers concluded women "felt more sensual and glamorous" simply by carrying a Victoria's Secret bag.

Confession: I've succumbed to the tendency.

There's something uplifting -- pun intended -- about carrying the lingerie store's bags. Yes, even when you're well aware the money you spent on frilly underwear means you'll be eating Easy Mac for a week.

It's worth it.

In fact, in my younger days, I dreamed of getting married inside a Victoria's Secret store. They just exude so much bliss.

And hey, the pink bags are definitely classier than telling the world you shop at Walmart.

Bugs are delicious

Watch me devour some pretty excellent crickets in this video. You'll learn about Insectival, a family-friendly festival that comes to Oxbow Meadows on Saturday.

The fried crickets were totally delicious. But now I can't complain when nobody wants to kiss me.

What's going on tonight?

Hey party people! Flip Flops, 1111 Broadway, has a new Thursday promotion that offers $1 daiquiris. No cover for women, $5 for guys. Doors open 9 p.m.

Some other highlights:

Players: Girls' Night Out with free pool on hourly tables, 6:30 p.m. until close. Free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

The Uptown Vault: Starlight Karaoke, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Spicoli's: Tony Baloney, 7:30-11:30 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Marathon crashers

Hey, guys: Want to meet fit, single females? Crash a women's marathon.

The Wall Street Journal discusses the trend in this piece, which has been picked up by a variety of women's websites.

The article notes that usually, women's races aren't entirely closed to men -- you know, to avoid legal issues.

But organizers of women's races try to build a single-sex atmosphere to promote races that "are kinder, cleaner, gentler and sweeter."

To that end, they sometimes offer "girly" goody bags to deter male interest. One race had bare-chested male firefighters award the medals.

Still, men occasionally crash the races -- sometimes to meet physically fit women.

Yes, I'm still training for a half marathon. I don't think my excitement level would be any different if I was running a single-sex race.

Although I certainly wouldn't turn down a pink goody bag.

Baby on board

Do you get uncomfortable when a couple tells you they're trying to have a baby?

I do.

Luckily, I'm not alone. In the comments section of this Lil Sugar post, plenty of people point to the awkward mental pictures that "we're trying" generates.

Shudder.

What's more, it's hard to appropriately respond to the comment. You can't really say "congratulations" because there isn't a baby, or even a pregnancy, yet.

You can't seem too excited because you'll seem like a voyeur obsessed with watching your friends get busy beside a soundtrack of Marvin Gaye.

So what's a girl to do?

Weigh in with your thoughts on the complexities of "we're trying."

National Singles Week

Is being single the new adultery?

That's the headline of this Marie Claire blog post, an item that made me do a mini version of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" dance in my cubicle.

What a coincidence! It's also National Unmarried & Single Americans Week! Woo hoo! Who's buying the keg?

Once I finished dancing, I contemplated the Marie Claire blogger's thesis.

She points to a 1968 novel in which a character says adultery "is a way of giving yourself adventures. Of getting out in the world and seeking knowledge."

But the blogger notes that since the aforementioned novel was written, divorce has become more acceptable. Now, you don't have to cheat to find adventures...you just embrace single life.

I've never understood the tendency to view single life only as a time of desperation. It's a great time to learn about yourself and embrace habits like 10-minute conversations with your pets.

However, some people are naturally more adventuresome in the company of a love interest.

Just as being single isn't your only chance for life exploration, entering a relationship doesn't make you resigned to a future of frozen dinners and TV movies.

Bottom line: If you only define ambition in terms of your romantic status -- or lack thereof -- you're bound to remain stagnant.

Got it? Good.

Now if you'll excuse me, there's a certain Beyonce dance move that needs fine-tuning.

Girly drinks: Cool or not?

I'll have a triple berry cosmotini with extra grenadine and cherry garnishes.

Sound appealing?

The Atlantic has an interesting piece about alcohol and gender-specific marketing.

The bottom line: There's an assumption among alcohol marketers that female drinkers are either obsessed with sugary greatness, or are trying to lose weight.

In many instances, this is true.

But somewhere between college graduation and your first wine tasting, you often hit a point where the smell of a sugary cosmo berrylicious flirtini makes you want to barf.

Been there, done that.

After resisting a neon pink daiquiri or a pineapple martini garnished with cotton candy, you're left wondering if a growing preference for red wine means you've betrayed your gender.

Tell me, readers: Where do you stand on the intoxicating Candyland of girly drinks?

(via Jezebel)

Hot dogs are awesome

I've already indulged in the Exchange Club of Columbus' annual hot dog sale. It's taking place all week, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily through Saturday. It's at the Shrine Club, 3202 Edgewood Road in Columbus.

For $7, you'll get a hot dog, chips and a drink. Call 706-225-9571 for to-go orders.

Watch the video to see what happened when I ordered a foot-long hot dog covered in "the works" -- ketchup, mustard, pickles, onions and chili. Mmm.

Since this is a dating blog, I'll try to relate my gluttony to the relationship world.

Weigh in: How long would you wait before devouring a chili dog in front of a new partner?

Monday power anthem

I'm especially psyched about today's song, which I discovered over the weekend. I'm also wearing some body lotion that promises to unleash my primal passions. Life is good.

All this anti-Monday hype is overrated.

Go seize the day!

What's going on this weekend?

Hey party people! Don't forget there's a free concert on Broadway in downtown Columbus 7-10 p.m. Friday. Big Woody and the Splinters perform.

Another highlight? Saturday's charity fundraiser at Daileys. Local acts Ophir Drive, Sol and Drop The Veil perform. Doors open 8 p.m., show starts 9 p.m. Cover is $8. Get more details here.

Some other options:

FRIDAY

Players: Karaoke by BudAbby’s, 9 p.m. free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Spicoli’s: DJ music, 8:30 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Shanty Shack: DJ music, 8 p.m. $5. 706-507-3418.

The Loft: Peggy Jenkins and the Bizness, 9 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

The Uptown Vault: SamRoc & GRD, 10 p.m. $5. 706-442-8370.

Scruffy Murphy’s: Sweet Lisa, 10 p.m. $5. 706-322-3460.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Two Finger Jester, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

Belloo’s: The Relics, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

VFW Post 5228: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 334-297-6493.

Flip Flops: Chris Collins Band, 9 p.m. $5.

SATURDAY

VFW Post 5228: Donnie Thomas and band, 9 p.m. $5. 334-297-6493.

The Loft: Back Row Baptists, 9 p.m. $5. 706-596-8141.

Spicoli’s: Mindblender, 9 p.m. $5. 706-221-5252.

Shanty Shack: DJ music, 8 p.m. $5. 706-507-3418.

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

SoHo Bar & Grill: No Promises, Neal Lucas Band, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Scruffy Murphy’s: Jasper Drive, 10 p.m. $5. 706-322-3460.

Ossahatchee Oyster Bar: Wicked Dixie, 7:30 p.m. free. 706-582-2629.

VFW Post 665: The Last Rodeo Band, 9 p.m. $5. 706-687-6656.

Belloo’s: The Good Doctor, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

Players: Players Club Bowling, 8-11 p.m. $3 per game, no cover. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Flip Flops: Chris Collins Band, 9 p.m. $5.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt on Friday

This video makes everything all better, right? Well, unless your crush on Joseph Gordon-Levitt isn't as massive as mine.

But let's pretend that's not the case.

Happy Friday!

Get boyfriend, lose friends

Remember how every other beginning comes from some other beginning's end? The late '90s song lyric applies to relationships, too.

Falling in love costs you two close friends, according to research from Oxford University.

Researchers say your core circle of five buddies drops two members once you enter a serious relationship.

The conclusion seems logical, given the amount of time you spend with a new partner at a romance's onset.

In fact, I think two might even be a little low...especially if you choose a love interest who's not exactly a social butterfly.

How many friends -- if any -- do you usually lose when you enter a relationship?

(via Washington Post)

New Ledger Lounge!

Watch what happened when I flew solo in Cameraman's absence this week. You'll get an inside look at our Ledger Lounge studio, also known as where the magic takes place.

Special thanks to Cameraguy for filling in with the production work.

What's going on tonight?

If you need Thursday night plans, check out tonight's free outdoor screening of "Date Night."

The guys from the Good Doctor perform at 6 p.m. and movie starts at 7:30 p.m. It's near the CSU RiverPark Campus at the corner of Bay Avenue and 10th Street in downtown Columbus. Details here.

Some other nightlife highlights:

Players: Girls’ Night Out with free pool on hourly tables, 6:30 p.m. until close. Free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

The Uptown Vault: Starlight Karaoke, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Scruffy Murphy’s: Whisky Bent, 10 p.m. free. 706-322-3460.

Spicoli’s: Cole Taylor, 8 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Joey Allcorn, 10 p.m. free. 706-568-3316.

Wife stuff

Turns out a pretty face only gets you so far.

Jezebel details some research suggesting guys "will only study a woman's face if they are looking for a wife, rather than a short-term partner."

Go ahead, grab the Kleenex and cue up that Alanis CD.

But I agree with the writer's biggest takeaway from the research. She explains:

Far more upsetting than any face/body dichotomy is the implication that men categorize women into wives or hookups within seconds of meeting them.

The idea surfaced during a recent episode of "Jersey Shore," she notes.

I think it's interesting, since I've never had the experience of immediately dubbing a guy "husband material" and thus approaching our relationship differently.

Weigh in, male readers: How long does it take you to imagine a woman as your potential wife?

Romy and Michele's High School Reunion

I skipped my 10-year high school reunion last weekend, and I'm embarrassed to say I regret it.

In my defense, a cross-country plane ride to hang out with people who have visual evidence of your awkward phase is a tough sell.

My geographical limitations gave me a real excuse, as opposed to less tangible explanations like fear and bitterness.

Plus, I expected I wouldn't have too large of a fan club lining up to buy me drinks at the bar. I stayed under the radar during most of high school, opting for a small circle of friends with whom I associated very cautiously.

Arguments against the necessity of high school reunions are growing.

There's the daunting prospect of associating with people who are either trying too hard to impress or not trying hard enough. Check out this photo gallery for examples.

What's more, the rise of social media sites like Facebook means we must longer brave an overpriced catered meal to see if life's former prom queens got as ugly as we hoped they would.

So why do I regret skipping my reunion?

I've never been one to retain a big group of friends from "back in the day." The thought of spending four years with people and now only interacting through impersonal Facebook greetings is a little frightening.

And now, as I peruse the post-reunion photos on Facebook, it seems like maybe I would've found a classmate or two to chat with at the bar.

But just like Facebook's portrayal of our former prom queens, I'll never know how much those candid reunion shots reflected life's realities.

Because I wasn't there.

Magic number is 12

I couldn't resist clicking on YourTango's list of seven scientifically proven relationship truths.

The "truth" that stuck with me most? Have 12 romances before settling down.

Yes, apparently 12 is the magic number. Here's how the article explains it:

Settle down with your first or second sweetheart, and the fact that you have so few points of comparison means the odds are high that you may be selling yourself short.

Mow through thirty potential soul mates, though, and you likely have passed over someone who could actually make you happy were you to drop your pickiness.

The right balance, it seems, is to carry on a romance with twelve people, then settle down with the very next person who floats your boat.

Is it just me, or does 12 seem a little high?

Then again, I guess everybody's definition of "romance" is a little different, especially if you count those ambiguous junior high relationships.

Tell me what you think.

Would you say something?

I've surrendered to the lure of a "Jersey Shore" addiction, thanks to the show's recent chain of events involving Sammi "Sweetheart" and a not-so-anonymous note detailing her boyfriend's infidelities.

Quick recap: Ronnie cheated on Sammi. Snooki and JWoww knew about it and wrote Sammi an "anonymous" note explaining things. Conflict ensued.

I can't help wondering what I would've done if faced with a similar situation.

I suppose you're supposed to put yourself in your friend's shoes and ask, "Would I want a friend to break the news to me?"

In theory, yes.

But if that scenario really played out, I know my first instinct would be to get defensive and convince myself that my good-intentioned friend had ulterior motives.

If your significant other is cheating, you probably have at least a slight suspicion in the back of your mind. The challenge is accepting that suspicion as a possible reality.

And sometimes even the most trustworthy friend can't help you make that move.

That doesn't mean it's best to stay mum, however. You risk subjecting your friend to even more emotional pain.

Weigh in: Would you say something?

Monday power anthem

Trust me: You're amazing just the way you are...even if you skipped your Monday morning shower this week.

Hey, I'm right there with you.

Make it a week to remember.

What's going on this weekend?

Like many of you, I got emotional while listening to Friday afternoon's tribute to Heath Jackson on Q107.3. Let's make this recent chain of events a reminder to cherish our friendships.

This weekend's big event? Bikes on Broadway, when motorcycle enthusiasts will gather in downtown Columbus. The free event is Friday and Saturday on the 1000 and 1100 blocks of Broadway. Get more details here.

You can also try these nightlife highlights:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 5228: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 334-297-6493.

Shanty Shack: Fourplay, 7-11 p.m. $5. 706-507-3418.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Stellate, Uncrowned, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Flip Flops: Sweet Lisa, 9 p.m. $5.

Spicoli’s: DJ music, 8:30 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Mix Ultra Lounge: Hell on Air Band, 7-10 p.m. $5 after 9 p.m. 706-221-2112.

Players: Karaoke by BudAbby’s, 9 p.m. free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SATURDAY

VFW Post 5228: Donnie Thomas and band, 9 p.m. $5. 334-297-6493.

Shanty Shack: Surgestone, 7-11 p.m. $5. 706-507-3418.

Spicoli’s: Hudson Road, $5 cover starts at 9 p.m. 706-221-5252.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Broken Rail, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Flip Flops: Sweet Lisa, 9 p.m. $5.

The Uptown Vault: DJ KamaKazi, music videos and bar games, 8 p.m. free. 706-442-8370.

Players: Players Club Bowling, 8-11 p.m. $3 per game, no cover. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

Keeping Up with the Kardashians

Still not in the weekend spirit? Waste some valuable company time by watching cute kids reenact "Keeping Up with the Kardashians."

Warning: This is somehow more interesting than the real show.

(via TresSugar)

The truth hurts?

Can a relationship survive when the initial attraction is rooted in a lie?

Jezebel links to an interesting essay about compulsive liars who say they've found romantic bliss together.

Thanks to an era of online profiles, more of us have stumbled into a relationship where honesty isn't the dominant policy.

There are major lies -- thinks like failing to mention a divorce or a child.

But things get trickier when you find out your partner has lied about a salary or a job. He or she will likely say the lie was designed to impress you...and it probably was.

So do you dismiss the lie, or dismiss the relationship?

Bikes on Broadway

I had to resist buying this underwear when I recently rode with a group of local motorcycle enthusiasts.

I took my first-ever motorcycle ride to prepare for Bikes on Broadway, which comes to downtown Columbus Friday and Saturday.

I spotted the underwear during our trip to the Warm Springs leather shop, where I fought an urge to overhaul my entire wardrobe in the name of black vests.

Here's a full recap of my motorcycle experience. And remember: Bikers stay on longer.

Yes, you can buy underwear displaying that phrase.

Are you stressed?

While one report names Detroit the nation's most-stressed city, I'm sure people from across the country would beg to differ.

In Columbus, a recent crime wave has put many people on edge.

I occasionally corresponded with the fourth homicide victim, local musician Heath Jackson, regarding items for our To Do section. I saw him in passing at local nightclubs.

When an acquaintance like that disappears from life, it's one of the most jarring feelings ever.

You're not armed with an arsenal of memories. It's just a name that was a relative constant in your inbox, or a face that sometimes shared your bar space.

Yet even in the absence of concrete ties to that life, you're left with a void.

Living across the country from my immediate family, one of my biggest fears is that one of them will suffer a sudden tragedy and distance alone will prevent me from finding some sort of emotional resolution.

But I know life doesn't accommodate factors like geography -- in the face of tragedy, it doesn't cut you an emotional break just because you're physically close to the ones you love.

There's not a secret advice manual for navigating life and securing the fewest emotional wounds.

Know that, and abide by the next best thing: a heart strong enough to know the presence of today, and the possible absence of tomorrow.

Don't call me daughter

Here's some interesting research concluding that couples with a daughter are 5 percent more likely to divorce than couples with a boy.

Unfortunately, science hasn't attributed the number to Bieber fever.

In fact, explanations for the statistic still vary. Many people say 5 percent isn't even a statistically relevant figure.

A more interesting element in the post? Research that suggests the woman is leaving the man in 73 percent of divorces.

Single person cred

Relationships also require some sacrifice.

You often have to surrender your weekend calendar, your Facebook password and your side of the bed.

One of the hardest things to lose is your single person cred.

You don't realize you've lost it until a single friend meets your wisdom with this critical line:

"You're in a relationship. You don't understand."

It stings.

Surely, a couple days/months/years of coupledom couldn't erase your ability to dish out "Sex and the City"-inspired relationship advice. Right?

Well, maybe.

As hard as you try to understand, the truth is you're not there in the trenches, receiving awkward pickup lines that involve phrases like "lil mama."

At the same time, singletons are often too quick to dismiss their coupled friends' advice.

After all, as odd as it sounds, the best relationship wisdom often comes from the sources that appear least poised to dish it out.

So if you're reading this while coupled, have faith in the integrity of your single person cred.

It might be rusty, but it's hardly expired.

Tuesday power anthem

Warning: This four-day work week will inevitably move slower than a standard week at work. Cruel, I know. But that's just how the universe rolls.

Your best defense? Smile and rock out to some Boston.

What's going on this weekend?

Hey party people! Don't forget about the First Friday Block Party in downtown Columbus, when one $10 cover gets you into most Broadway hot spots.

Also, Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane performs 7 p.m. Friday at the Columbus Civic Center. Details here.

Some other nightlife highlights:

FRIDAY

VFW Post 5228: DJ music, 9 p.m. free. 334-297-6493.

Shanty Shack: Haywire, 7-11 p.m. $5. 706-507-3418.

Spicoli’s: DJ music, 8:30 p.m. free. 706-221-5252.

Mix Ultra Lounge: Labor Day Super Party featuring DJ Roonie G, 9 p.m. cover is usually $5-$10. 706-221-2112.

Scruffy Murphy’s: Boneheadz, 10 p.m. block party cover. 706-322-3460.

The Uptown Vault: DJ music with bar games and music videos, 8 p.m. block party cover. 706-442-8370.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Stellate, A Love Not Lost, BPM, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Flip Flops: T3IO, 9 p.m. block party cover.

Players: Karaoke by BudAbby’s, 9 p.m. free. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

SATURDAY

VFW Post 5228: Donnie Thomas and band, 9 p.m. $5. 334-297-6493.

Eighty-Five: Stereomonster, 10 p.m. $5 cover starts at 9 p.m. 706-324-1500.

Mix Ultra Lounge: Labor Day Super Party featuring DJ Roonie G, 9 p.m. cover is usually $5-$10. 706-221-2112.

Shanty Shack: DJ Tim, 8 p.m. free. 706-507-3418.

Flip Flops: DJ A.I., 9 p.m. $5.

The Uptown Vault: DJ music with bar games and music videos, 8 p.m. $5 cover starts at 11 p.m. 706-442-8370.

Scruffy Murphy’s: The Brotherland, 10 p.m. $5. 706-322-3460.

Spicoli’s: Pistoltown, 10 p.m. $5 cover starts at 9 p.m. 706-221-5252.

SoHo Bar & Grill: Downsiid, Bearhead, 10 p.m. $5. 706-568-3316.

Players: Players Club Bowling, 8-11 p.m. $3 per game, no cover. 706-653-0106. (18 and older)

Belloo’s: Claiborne & Friends, 9 p.m. $5. 706-494-1584.

New Ledger Lounge!

The newest Ledger Lounge video covers "Dancing with the Stars," DragonCon and more. You'll also get an exclusive look at a Ledger-Enquirer fire drill.

Watch earlier Ledger Lounge episodes here.

Also, amid the excitement of 90210 Day, I created this little quiz. It might make you feel smart.

Small packages

The NY Times bravely addresses a topic often overlooked amid bigger matters: small boobs.

That's right, there's an entire article devoted to how the Internet has become a survival guide/pride rally for people outside the realm of Heidi Montag proportions.

The piece points to a variety of Facebook groups and blogs geared toward the AA set.

Consider Small Bust, Big Heart -- a blog that offers bra reviews, lingerie news and more for small-chested readers.

In my own bit of investigative work, I just discovered a Facebook page entitled "I'm not flat-chested, I just have ninja boobs."

Good to know.

(via Double X)

Happy 90210 Day!

Donna Martin graduates! Today's date, 9/02/10, means we're celebrating 90210 Day.

I learned about the holiday yesterday, thanks to an observant co-worker. It prompted me to brainstorm my favorite "90210" episodes.

In the show's early days, I was especially intrigued with the mystery surrounding West Beverly's school newspaper adviser, Gil Meyers.

After West Beverly, I loved Kelly Taylor/Valerie Malone frenemy plot lines.

Side note: Remember when Brian Austin Green and Tiffani Thiessen dated in real life?

In terms of "90210" couples, I was strangely smitten with the Steve Sanders/Clare Arnold romance. Go ahead, judge me.

If you want to waste some valuable company time today, check out the 90210pedia.

Come on, you know you need a refresher on Nikki Witt.

Need new handcuffs?

If you just ran out of edible body oil, you're in luck.

Flip Flops on Thursday (Sept. 2) will host a Pure Romance party filled with, um, passionate adult toys and treasures.

The bar's at 1111 Broadway and action starts at 9 p.m.

Show up, have fun and check for allergic reactions before applying anything that promises to tingle or glow in the dark. Just saying.

I don't need a man?

The earning power of young, single, childless women exceeds that of their male peers in national metropolitan areas, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Believe it or not, the greatest wage disparity is in Atlanta -- where young, childless women were paid 121% the level of their male counterparts, according to research cited in the article.