Friday, May 29, 2026
“The Sex Teaser,” an Excerpt
Thursday, May 28, 2026
80/20 Listening Rule
Dear Readers. Well, really, this is for the men, so hand it to someone who could benefit. Many women complain about dating men who don't seem curious about them. That's a polite summary; they feel unappreciated, placated, and pissed off.
Dating, life, most everything that's important is better if equal and balanced with the one you love. The 80/20 rule asks men to listen (not pretending to listen while you’re figuring out what to say next) 80% of the time, initially, until you both get a rhythm, before the conversation naturally glides to 50/50. Like a tennis match -your turn, her turn, your turn to speak. Ask follow-up questions, how and why, share your vulnerabilities, your passions, your story, thoughts and dreams. Check yourself after each date -do you know as much new info about her as she learned about you? -SQ
Wednesday, May 27, 2026
Core Of A Relationship
Dear Suze Q. Dating apps ask for specifics about myself and my dreams. I can answer facts, -religion, deal breakers, hobbies. When they want a summary of what I want, I’m overwhelmed. I don’t trust other’s bios or pictures. Somedays, I just give up looking for a companion.
Dear Frustrated, Take a step back and breathe. You’ve nailed the specifics of what you want (and don’t want, I assume), now let’s find your person whose core values align. Some call it the 5 Cs. 1) Communication-critical to respecting each other, and endurance of the relationship. Follow “fair fighting” rules, see issues from the other’s POV, and resolve disputes; 2) Compassion-truly has the ability to feel and share feelings; 3) Character-the grit, the soul, summed up as all that makes a person their best; 4) Chemistry or magnetism-attraction beginning with the brain, includes all 5 senses, and even though it’s hard to define, you know if it’s there or not; 5) Compatible companionship-a comfortable fit, things are in-synch, it feels right. -SQ
Tuesday, May 26, 2026
She Sends Him Underwear!
Dear S.Q. My boyfriend’s old female roommate sends him underwear and shirts that she finds on sale. He sends her money and a thank you. He says they were never romantic though she wanted to be, and they’ve known each other since childhood. Is there a problem I’m missing?
Dear Gf, On the surface, it seems odd and very intimate. But it may not be a problem unless you make it into one, or a missing piece comes to light. Wait and watch. -SQ
Monday, May 25, 2026
Performance Anxiety
Sunday, May 24, 2026
First Impressions: Eye Contact and a Smile
Dear Suze Q. I’m a healthy, social guy in my 60s living in a big city so you’d think my dating record would be better than it is. I sometimes see attractive women in public places but fearful to talk to them.
Dear City Guy, You’re on the right track. You like them, they live close. 3 steps: 1) You look at them, they look at you, and you both hold eye contact long enough to smile or say something; 2) say something; 3) if it feels right, keep saying something for 5 minutes. By then you’ll know if it’s ok to see them again (contact info exchange), maybe see them again (they frequent that public place often), or never see them again. Tip: Rehearse on strangers, store employees, in the mirror…-SQ
Saturday, May 23, 2026
The Rose