Question of the Day: Do you think having a significant other makes you fat?

We've all heard the phrase, "Fat, dumb and happy"; do you ever wonder if it was coined from having a romantic interest and becoming contented with each other? I always find that when I'm in a relationship, my eating patterns change a lot as there are usually late night dinners, trips to the local ice cream parlor, picnics in the park, Sunday brunches, etc. Some people, however, claim to actually lose weight when they're in-love because of the butterflies and excitement they feel. I'd have to say, though, that on the whole I find that most people gain weight when they've found a love interest as they settle into a carefree, sleepy little zone. In the past, how has having a significant other changed your eating habits?

Question of the Day: What is your favorite way to flirt?

Flirting is not only a way to show a person that you're attracted to them, it's a dance! It's fun, seductive and at times, requires well thought-out steps and choreography between you and your dallying counterpart. You don't want to be too coy or shy as this might send off a signal that you're immature or not interested; however, you also don't want to be overtly seductive because this may demonstrate that you're overzealous, desperate and unsophisticated. It takes practice.

Making eye contact is critical when it comes to flirting and it's something you can easily brush up on when you're at home, out with friends or running up to your local grocery store! I always love catching someone's eye from across a crowded room, ever-so slightly turning my head to the left while maintaining my stare, then slowly lowering my gaze down to my hands, then looking back up again to catch his eye. This works like a charm EVERY time!! In a matter of mere minutes, if not seconds, he'll be strolling by your way asking what it is you're drinking and can he buy you another one?

Another one of my all-time fav's is during an intense and engaging conversation, I lightly touch the side of his arm with my hand, hold it there very briefly and then ever-so softly and slowly lower it back to my side. This definitely sends out the, "Gentleman, start your engine! This girl's diggin' you!" smoke signal! At this point, we're past the cocktail hour and onto last minute dining across the street at a romantic french bistro!

So, on this Flirty Friday, do tell...what's your favorite way of casting out the bait and alerting that hot little sea urchin that you're interested in reeling 'em in?

Question of the Day: What's your biggest pet peeve while on a date?

Well, I can certainly come up with several dating pet peeves, but my number one complaint would have to be when my date drones on and on, talking incessantly about himself! Ugh...enough already with the narcissism. I get it! You're great...wonderful...terrific...everyone should want to date you and be with you. In fact, what are you doing here with the likes of me when clearly you could be out with Megan Fox? And, it's just the icing on the cake when they add, "Oh listen to me go on and on. I don't want to talk about myself and my situation. Tell me about you?" And when you manage to eek out a mere tête-à-tête, he barrels right back in only to dominate the conversation yet again! Then adding insult to injury, afterwards when he drops me off and says, "Gee, I really like you and would like to see you again!" LIKE me?? Say whaaaat?? How do you even know because I don't recall uttering 5 words about myself all evening? Like me? Do you even know my name??

Eh em...hmm, thanks for letting me get that off my chest...

Question of the Day: You're meeting a date for the first time and they are running late. How long do you give them before leaving?

Perhaps I'm not the best person to answer this question as I have very low tolerance for tardiness; however, I do realize that sometimes lateness can't be helped. I say if it's a first date and the person has shown a sense of responsibility in all other aspects, give 'em a good 30 minutes. If it's past that and you haven't received any communicable updates, this is just rude behavior and should not be rewarded by your willingness to partake in it. Your time is just as valuable for gods-sakes!

Maybe I'm bitter because this actually happened on my first date with my ex-husband. After 30 minutes of sitting alone at a dinner table while all the servers stared at me, I decided it was time to leave. I should have read the signs then, when he called and was shocked and actually acted insulted that I would leave before gracing me with his uber-important presence. As if I had nothing better to do than sit there alone in a restaurant because he was tied up at work and didn't manage his time well enough to get to our date promptly!

Obviously we rescheduled the date, but I have often thought about how this rudeness was a big warning sign of things to come in our relationship. He was chronically late throughout our entire courtship and marriage no matter how much I professed that it was a nonverbal message to me that shouted, "My time is more important than yours!!!" He even showed up 20 minutes late to our "last ditch" marriage counseling appointment with the therapist reminding him of how a partner can glean information from such behavior. Alas, it never seemed to get through.

So again, there are the exceptions and flexibility always needs to be adhered to when navigating the, sometimes intimidating, dating scene, but I remind you to stay alert and look for other cues from potential mates. It's often said that actions speak louder than words and to this, I couldn't agree more. We live in a pressure filled world these days, but if you would like to be in a respectful and equitable relationship, punctuality and consideration of your time plays a very important role in that. At least in my oh-so, and ON TIME, humble opinion!

Question of the Day: What do you think of coffee meetings for 1st dates?

Okay, I admit it, I'm not a big fan of this concept. I think if someone suggests this option for a first time meet up, it lacks sincerity and imagination. Not only that, if it's the man's suggestion, in some ways it's like saying, "Well, gee, I'm not sure if I'm really going to like you or not, so just in case I don't, I'm only obligated to shell out cash for a coupla' lattes." There are always exceptions to every rule, but I just don't care for the overall message that it sends to someone you would like to get to know better. Call me old fashioned, but I enjoy the pomp and circumstance of someone formally asking me out for a nice dinner and the anticipation that builds throughout the day as I await the evening. It builds intrigue and makes a girl feel giddy to think about what she's going to wear that will perfectly highlight her pale blue eyes in the hopes that Mr. Wonderful will stare across the table at her with adoration. So, next time you consider suggesting this before meeting your potential future mate, get back to the drawing board and see if that overbooked Italian bistro down the street has had any last minute dinner cancellations! You've been meaning to try their famous cappuccino for months now anyways!

Question of the Day: Do you know anybody who married their "back-up"?

Many of us have met people who have a BFF of the opposite sex where they've both agreed that if they're not married by a certain point, they will just marry each other. I wonder how many of these agreements come to fruition? And if so, do the marriages have a higher or lower chance for success?

Question of the Day: What intimidates you about the opposite sex?

I consider myself fairly confident in my dating abilities; however, there are a few things that, admittedly, intimidate me about the opposite sex. If I'm sitting across the table from an attractive, intelligent and engaging man and he flashes me a smile full of keyboard-white teeth, I go weak in the knees. I don't know what it is about a confident man that has a pearly white grimace that makes me all aquiver, but it's definitely enough to shake up my game. I've also noticed the tendency to get a little nervous when a man has a piercing stare, especially after asking me an intense or probing question. And if that stare happens to behold crystal blue eyes, forggetaboutid!! I'm done! Next thing I know, I'm stumbling over my words, dropping forks, spilling my water and giggling like a neurotic schoolgirl!

So, what characteristics intimidate you about the opposite sex?