Hate blind dates? - Guys

Girls' Life, April, 2002

Why doesn't my BF ever notice when I get a new haircut or new clothes? Everyone else compliments me but he doesn't say a word.

DAVE: I doubt he means to be rude--he's probably just oblivious. Not all guys see that great stuff, like glitter polish, that we're not supposed to miss. If it's that important to get props about your clothes, hair and such, then point out your new bangs and butterfly pin to him. And be ready for his comment because it could be he doesn't totally dig your new pixie 'do. So rather than hurt your feelings, he figured he'd keep his trap shut. Can you go for a guy who doesn't get the subtlety of highlights? It's up to you.

BILL: He might just be a typical guy, who barely notices anything unless it's on TV. Get a bud to videotape a mock House of Style report about your new hair or clothes. I'm not kidding--add music, do the catwalk, the whole bit. Once it's on TV, he'll notice for sure.

My BF and I have been together on and off for two years. We've had a good relationship so far, but it doesn't seem the same as before. It's like he doesn't care as much.

DAVE: Relationships aren't meant to remain the same. They constantly evolve, which means after a while you might not feel exactly as you did during those floating-on-clouds days. Not good, not bad, just different. Can you deal with the way things feel? If not, go find another cloud to float on.

BILL: Let me go through my file of cliches....Let's see. "Out of sight out of mind..." No....Let's try, "Familiarity breeds contempt...." Too harsh. Ali, here it is: "Absence makes the heart grow fonder." Take a break from each other now and then. Spend some weekend nights with the gals, or take yoga classes with a new bud. Spend some time apart from your BF, and you should both seem more interesting to each other.

I am 15 pounds overweight, but I think I'm pretty. How do I get guys to notice me?

BILL: Work on being fun and interesting instead of worrying about the scale, and keep your eye out for a guy who's the same. And don't exclude guys with a few extra pounds from your potential list.

DAVE: Ever notice how you find the best stuff when you're not looking? That killer sweater just jumps off the rack and gives you the greatest thrill! Same concept when browsing for a BF--as soon as you quit shopping, he'll be standing in front of your locker with a 50%-off sticker on his forehead.

Do guys like girls who are dressy or casual?

BILL: Guys love it when girls dress up. The prob? A date for which a girl dresses up usually requires a dressed-up guy. Ugh. Still, part of what makes girls so great is their amazing ability to look fab for any occasion.

DAVE: Personally, I go for the simple, classic look--a cool suede jacket over a white tee with jeans. Of course, that doesn't mean I want my date to go to the prom in a pair of Levi's. Guys will appreciate your style if you appear confident in whatever you wear. So go for what makes you feel comfortable.

I can't get guys to like me because this one guy constantly tries to ruin my rep. He tells people my most embarrassing moments.

BILL: Wow! What could be so embarrassing that no guy would like you? You are not your past. If you shrug off the stories, others will too. And there's nothing more attractive than a girl who carries herself with confidence.

DAVE: Laugh at your own foibles. Hey, 'fessing to embarrassing stuff can make for great convos. Use it to your advantage by getting others to top your humiliating tales. That way, all the attention won't be focused on your mishaps.