You savor the new carefree nature of the hair atop your head.
The pixie cut -- very Michelle Williams, in fact -- means no more detanglers, no more intensive conditioners, no more $100 monthly hairspray budget.
You're on top of the world -- until you realize you'll soon have to ask the dreaded question:
"What do you think?"
Insert uncomfortable silence here.
Do you ask your significant other's opinion before getting a dramatic haircut?
The question seems silly, and it brings to mind all sorts of cautionary tales about submissiveness.
Still, with articles suggesting short hair reduces sex drive in women, personal grooming is frequently prefaced with a request for permission.
That's not necessarily a bad thing. It's always nice to get a second opinion, right?
Tell me what you think.
(This post was inspired by an item on Double X's list of 40 reasons why single life is great. Read it, and then proudly yell, "I am single...hear me roar!")
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Engagement rings
Over at The Frisky, there's an interesting discussion going on about the necessity of engagement rings.
It all started with a post from the NY Times Freakonomics Blog, where one guy suggested the whole engagement ring ritual is irrational. The economist's response? "I tend to agree with you."
I'm pretty much the stingiest person when it comes to traditional wedding rituals.
Since childhood, I've fantasized about a courthouse wedding and a fast-food catered reception.
When friends tell me about their over-the-top wedding expenses, I smile, but inside I'm thinking about how many trips to Vegas that same amount of money could buy.
So no, I don't really think engagement rings are necessary.
Then again, it's easy for me to say that when I'm not engaged.
If somebody I loved proposed to me sans ring, I'd still say yes. But things would definitely feel a little off. And honestly, I'd be mad.
Would you get engaged without a ring?
It all started with a post from the NY Times Freakonomics Blog, where one guy suggested the whole engagement ring ritual is irrational. The economist's response? "I tend to agree with you."
I'm pretty much the stingiest person when it comes to traditional wedding rituals.
Since childhood, I've fantasized about a courthouse wedding and a fast-food catered reception.
When friends tell me about their over-the-top wedding expenses, I smile, but inside I'm thinking about how many trips to Vegas that same amount of money could buy.
So no, I don't really think engagement rings are necessary.
Then again, it's easy for me to say that when I'm not engaged.
If somebody I loved proposed to me sans ring, I'd still say yes. But things would definitely feel a little off. And honestly, I'd be mad.
Would you get engaged without a ring?
Tufts University sex policy
A central part of college is your first "oh my gosh, I'm so sorry" moment.
The line isn't uttered after a family death. Nor is it said within the context of academic dishonesty.
No, "oh my gosh, I'm so sorry" is a response to the sheer terror of walking in on your roommate mid-nookie.
It's a character-building experience.
Doors are never again opened nonchalantly. You turn each knob with a cautious suspicion you could be entering a danger zone.
You also learn a conventional bed is totally overrated.
Granted, that lesson comes somewhat forcibly. You stake out a comfortable spot on the study lounge's couch -- you know, to avoid a repeat brush with nighttime awkwardness.
At the very least, you first nookie walk-in is a necessary right of passage.
Which is why I wonder what will happen now that Tufts University has instituted a policy prohibiting couples from having sex when a roommate is in the room.
There are obvious questions about enforcement.
More importantly, the rule will dampen the entertainment value of stories from the dorm room war zone.
Because even amid midterms and research papers, one of college's best lessons comes in learning to ignore a set of bodies moving all too suspiciously in the bed beside you.
The line isn't uttered after a family death. Nor is it said within the context of academic dishonesty.
No, "oh my gosh, I'm so sorry" is a response to the sheer terror of walking in on your roommate mid-nookie.
It's a character-building experience.
Doors are never again opened nonchalantly. You turn each knob with a cautious suspicion you could be entering a danger zone.
You also learn a conventional bed is totally overrated.
Granted, that lesson comes somewhat forcibly. You stake out a comfortable spot on the study lounge's couch -- you know, to avoid a repeat brush with nighttime awkwardness.
At the very least, you first nookie walk-in is a necessary right of passage.
Which is why I wonder what will happen now that Tufts University has instituted a policy prohibiting couples from having sex when a roommate is in the room.
There are obvious questions about enforcement.
More importantly, the rule will dampen the entertainment value of stories from the dorm room war zone.
Because even amid midterms and research papers, one of college's best lessons comes in learning to ignore a set of bodies moving all too suspiciously in the bed beside you.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Relationship trend: Blogging together
The couple that blogs together...stays together?
I'm not convinced.
But tons of twosomes tackle the cyber world together -- and some even say it strengthens their relationship.
The concept crossed my mind when I recently spotted a link to My Married Life, a blog penned by lifestyle writer Holly and her "better half" Jack.
They share blogging duties, individually writing posts that cover topics ranging from household chores to male fashion.
I've seen a good share of newlyweds embark on a "we" blog project.
Unfortunately, the endeavor frequently results in the female half of the relationship writing the entire blog. Or penning entries under her husband's name. (Dead giveaway: A headline that reads "I have the best wife ever!")
Something else that annoys me in the couples blogging universe?
When people set up their posts with a byline that includes both of their names. You know, like "by Sarah and Matt."
That is also a giveaway that the woman wrote the entire thing.
But maybe I'm being too cynical.
Weigh in with your stories about couples blogging.
I'm not convinced.
But tons of twosomes tackle the cyber world together -- and some even say it strengthens their relationship.
The concept crossed my mind when I recently spotted a link to My Married Life, a blog penned by lifestyle writer Holly and her "better half" Jack.
They share blogging duties, individually writing posts that cover topics ranging from household chores to male fashion.
I've seen a good share of newlyweds embark on a "we" blog project.
Unfortunately, the endeavor frequently results in the female half of the relationship writing the entire blog. Or penning entries under her husband's name. (Dead giveaway: A headline that reads "I have the best wife ever!")
Something else that annoys me in the couples blogging universe?
When people set up their posts with a byline that includes both of their names. You know, like "by Sarah and Matt."
That is also a giveaway that the woman wrote the entire thing.
But maybe I'm being too cynical.
Weigh in with your stories about couples blogging.
Kim Kardashian and Reggie Bush
You leave the wedding under a spell.
It's not caused by eating bland reception dinner chicken, or dancing to mid-'90s throwback tunes.
Nonetheless, you are disoriented. Your symptoms are clear.
They include calling your most recent ex, tearfully putting your differences aside and mumbling incoherently about the power of true love.
That's what happens when you witness marital bliss.
Even celebrities suffer from post-wedding stress syndrome.
Just ask Kim Kardashian. She reportedly got back together with ex Reggie Bush after seeing her sister Khloe tie the knot over the weekend.
It's an understandable condition.
When you're single, going to a wedding often brings a new sense of urgency to your own relationship status.
Hearing your formerly unattached comrade say "I do" might refresh your fears of being the only single person left -- IN THE WORLD.
What's more, the bright smiles and flowery adjectives that accompany weddings can simplify the real work that goes into a partnership.
So you enter a hazy mindset, convinced that you WILL make your failed relationship work. Because you want to dance the Macarena in a ball gown, dammit.
Fortunately, post-wedding stress syndrome often subsides once you leave the reception hall's color-coordinated bubble.
And if still can't shake your symptoms, pick up a gossip magazine -- a reminder that marriage is best defined as a two-week ordeal.
It's not caused by eating bland reception dinner chicken, or dancing to mid-'90s throwback tunes.
Nonetheless, you are disoriented. Your symptoms are clear.
They include calling your most recent ex, tearfully putting your differences aside and mumbling incoherently about the power of true love.
That's what happens when you witness marital bliss.
Even celebrities suffer from post-wedding stress syndrome.
Just ask Kim Kardashian. She reportedly got back together with ex Reggie Bush after seeing her sister Khloe tie the knot over the weekend.
It's an understandable condition.
When you're single, going to a wedding often brings a new sense of urgency to your own relationship status.
Hearing your formerly unattached comrade say "I do" might refresh your fears of being the only single person left -- IN THE WORLD.
What's more, the bright smiles and flowery adjectives that accompany weddings can simplify the real work that goes into a partnership.
So you enter a hazy mindset, convinced that you WILL make your failed relationship work. Because you want to dance the Macarena in a ball gown, dammit.
Fortunately, post-wedding stress syndrome often subsides once you leave the reception hall's color-coordinated bubble.
And if still can't shake your symptoms, pick up a gossip magazine -- a reminder that marriage is best defined as a two-week ordeal.
Free Tuesday shows!
Two cool -- and FREE -- options for Tuesday night partiers:
The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, hosts a performance by local party band Haywire. Music starts at 7 p.m. Call 706-507-3418.
The Shanty Shack, 4475 Warm Springs Road, hosts a performance by local party band Haywire. Music starts at 7 p.m. Call 706-507-3418.
Also, the local rockers from Poanna entertain at SoHo Bar & Grill, 5751 Milgen Road. Music starts at 9 p.m. Call 706-568-3316.
Both shows are open to guests 21 and older.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Secret meet markets
You've heard about bars. Restaurants. Even the local bowling alley.
But when it comes to local meet markets, what's Columbus' best kept secret?
The question hit me after reading this YourTango piece, which lists six secret places to meet men. Among the offerings: conventions, weddings and -- brace yourself -- recovery programs.
I always get e-mails from local singletons who expect me to know about some hidden grotto where all the eligible bachelors/bachelorettes hide.
Sorry, you're out of luck.
But if you're single and ready to mingle, you're hardly restricted to the bar scene.
Has anyone else noticed the meet market potential of Barnes & Noble in Columbus Park Crossing? It's remarkable.
Also, adult sports -- from kickball to soccer -- have grown in popularity recently. Most offer coed leagues.
Other recommendations?
But when it comes to local meet markets, what's Columbus' best kept secret?
The question hit me after reading this YourTango piece, which lists six secret places to meet men. Among the offerings: conventions, weddings and -- brace yourself -- recovery programs.
I always get e-mails from local singletons who expect me to know about some hidden grotto where all the eligible bachelors/bachelorettes hide.
Sorry, you're out of luck.
But if you're single and ready to mingle, you're hardly restricted to the bar scene.
Has anyone else noticed the meet market potential of Barnes & Noble in Columbus Park Crossing? It's remarkable.
Also, adult sports -- from kickball to soccer -- have grown in popularity recently. Most offer coed leagues.
Other recommendations?
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