Call me abnormal: I have absolutely no interest in the royal wedding.
Maybe I'm not alone. This article suggests magazine covers featuring the "Teen Mom" girls sell more copies than covers featuring Kate Middleton.
I believe it. I've never been fascinated with royalty, and I'm hardly addicted to wedding news. Then again, I'm not planning a wedding right now.
My concerns aside, the royal wedding certainly has a following.
Need proof? Consider the rise of DateBritishGuys.com, a dating site that pairs British men with American women.
Here's an interesting interview with the site's founders, a husband and wife team. Unsurprisingly, they were inspired by their own romance.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
'Boyfriend' phobia
No, I'm not talking about a fear of having a boyfriend.
Instead, I'm referring to a fear of saying the word "boyfriend."
That's the subject of this week's nightlife column, which describes how may women have imposed a verbal block against the popular relationship label.
When viewed in isolation, the term often generates images of passing notes and holding hands in the park.
Instead, I'm referring to a fear of saying the word "boyfriend."
That's the subject of this week's nightlife column, which describes how may women have imposed a verbal block against the popular relationship label.
When viewed in isolation, the term often generates images of passing notes and holding hands in the park.
Which is great -- if you’re savoring your first fifth-grade crush. The label seems a little out of place if you’re in a relationship that’s endured annoying exes, career drama and 30th birthday parties.
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Does adultery have a double standard?
Is our culture surprisingly tolerant of women who cheat?
I asked that question after reading a male writer's essay that recently appeared on Jezebel. Short summary: There's a double standard when it comes to adultery, and we don't judge female cheaters as harshly as male cheaters.
An excerpt:
Just imagine, for instance, if Mark Sanford, the former governor of South Carolina, decided to write a tell-all book about leaving his wife in favor of his South American mistress, including his trips to Argentina to enjoy the cultural delights and the food of the faraway land.
That book might, in fact, sell -- but not for the same reasons that "Eat, Pray, Love" spent 57 weeks atop The New York Times bestseller list.
Mark Sanford as memoirist wouldn't be celebrated as the guy who has reached into our collective souls and spoken to our deepest desires as men. No, Sanford would still be in the headlines as yet another example of manhood gone desperately wrong.
Some aspects of the essay are flawed, mainly the fact that the writer repeatedly cites "Eat, Pray, Love" as an example of female infidelity. But as the commenters note, I believe the writer was divorced -- or at least separated -- when she embarked on her international journey.
The aforementioned essay raises some interesting questions. I think our culture is strangely accepting of the female quest for adventure, even when it hampers personal relationships.
Then again, I'd imagine you could find just as many essays saying we're too critical of women who divorce their husbands and leave their families.
The answer is that there is no answer. Sorry.
I asked that question after reading a male writer's essay that recently appeared on Jezebel. Short summary: There's a double standard when it comes to adultery, and we don't judge female cheaters as harshly as male cheaters.
An excerpt:
Just imagine, for instance, if Mark Sanford, the former governor of South Carolina, decided to write a tell-all book about leaving his wife in favor of his South American mistress, including his trips to Argentina to enjoy the cultural delights and the food of the faraway land.
That book might, in fact, sell -- but not for the same reasons that "Eat, Pray, Love" spent 57 weeks atop The New York Times bestseller list.
Mark Sanford as memoirist wouldn't be celebrated as the guy who has reached into our collective souls and spoken to our deepest desires as men. No, Sanford would still be in the headlines as yet another example of manhood gone desperately wrong.
Some aspects of the essay are flawed, mainly the fact that the writer repeatedly cites "Eat, Pray, Love" as an example of female infidelity. But as the commenters note, I believe the writer was divorced -- or at least separated -- when she embarked on her international journey.
The aforementioned essay raises some interesting questions. I think our culture is strangely accepting of the female quest for adventure, even when it hampers personal relationships.
Then again, I'd imagine you could find just as many essays saying we're too critical of women who divorce their husbands and leave their families.
The answer is that there is no answer. Sorry.
Lent and relationships
Are you giving up bad dating habits for Lent?
TresSugar has a list of relationship-related items to give up for Lent. Among the options? Snooping, fakeness and your ex.
I'm so bad at devising Lenten resolutions. I don't have a specific vice when it comes to food, and food-related items always seem like the most popular things to give up.
This year, I'm really making an effort to be a better person during Lent. Calm down, I'm not going all "Eat, Pray, Love" on you.
I'm focusing on the simple things, like not being so critical and appreciating the good things rather than dwelling on the bad stuff.
Do you use Lent as a time to reflect on your relationships?
TresSugar has a list of relationship-related items to give up for Lent. Among the options? Snooping, fakeness and your ex.
I'm so bad at devising Lenten resolutions. I don't have a specific vice when it comes to food, and food-related items always seem like the most popular things to give up.
This year, I'm really making an effort to be a better person during Lent. Calm down, I'm not going all "Eat, Pray, Love" on you.
I'm focusing on the simple things, like not being so critical and appreciating the good things rather than dwelling on the bad stuff.
Do you use Lent as a time to reflect on your relationships?
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Mardi Gras 2011
Want some beads?
If you're hitting the town for Mardi Gras tonight, check out this roundup of local party options. I'm totally craving some king cake right now.
Also, check out Glamour's list of cheap date ideas inspired by Mardi Gras.
Have fun!
If you're hitting the town for Mardi Gras tonight, check out this roundup of local party options. I'm totally craving some king cake right now.
Also, check out Glamour's list of cheap date ideas inspired by Mardi Gras.
Have fun!
Monday, March 7, 2011
Best face forward
Apparently, it's cool if you and your significant other look like brother and sister.
Don't believe me? Check out New York Magazine's article about a new dating site that aims to match people with similar faces.
I tried to peruse the site, Findyourfacemate.com, but it's not up and running yet.
The theory? Facial matches can help ignite initial attraction. However, the dating site's founder says face matching is only the first step and doesn't ensure long-term compatibility.
Weigh in: Is this cool or creepy?
Don't believe me? Check out New York Magazine's article about a new dating site that aims to match people with similar faces.
I tried to peruse the site, Findyourfacemate.com, but it's not up and running yet.
The theory? Facial matches can help ignite initial attraction. However, the dating site's founder says face matching is only the first step and doesn't ensure long-term compatibility.
Weigh in: Is this cool or creepy?
Monday power anthem
On this day in history, Alexander Graham Bell was issued a patent for his telephone.
So naturally, today's power anthem is Lady Gaga's "Telephone" -- with a twist. I found a pretty awesome classical cover of the dance floor anthem.
The performers have all sorts of cool classical covers. Learn more here.
I love discovering new music!
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