don't call me "hot"

Why do men feel women only seek to be complimented on their looks? When's the last time you heard a guy say: "you're funny", "you're smart", "you're kind", "you're driven", etc? I'm getting tired of hearing "you're hot." It's not all that sweet. I'm not one of those girls who cares more about looks than other attributes. In fact, I care more about the other stuff. Do men really think we're that shallow?

Then there are guys who don't compliment you at all. It's quite strange when they're obviously really into you, but apparently don't think making the girl feel good about herself is an important part of the courting phase. I think it's a huge part. Now, I don't need to be fawned over. In fact, that's a turn off. But just simple comments like, "You look really nice tonight" (which is quite different from "you're hot), or "I really enjoy talking to you." Maybe I'm being hypocritical; I know I don't go out of my way to compliment guys. But, maybe that's because I feel that is traditionally the man's role. And if he complimented me, I'd be sure to throw a few back his way.

I've just had it up to here with the lack of chivalry in some guys. Isn't anyone sweet anymore?

Stephania is determined to succeed. However many times she falls down, she will pick herself up again. Every hurdle, every impediment...only serves to strengthen her, to keep her in check, and to push her to work even harder. For if it came easy to her, she would not do it. Her path will be abounding with challenges. The day she wins will be the day she dies...

stupid question

Can coughing up a lung for a week actually make you thinner? My tummy looks a little smaller. I definitely did not eat any less than usual. Perhaps coughing causes the abdominal muscles to contract, in turn burning fat and gaining muscle? Yes? Who knew being sick had its perks!

"Five sure-fire ways to ask out a complete stranger"

Ok so I realize I should stop ripping off Nerve's Miss Information, but it's just too entertaining. And hey, I'm giving credit where credit is due, right? This week someone asked her advice about how to ask out a local cashier girl, a.k.a a complete stranger. Here are 5 different tactics she suggests using (and not using) when attempting to ask out a stranger:

1) Self-Effacing
GOOD: "So I hope this doesn't prevent me from ever showing my face here again, but I was wondering if you'd like to go out with me?"
BAD: "I know a beautiful girl like you would never go out with a complete jerkface like myself, but would you let me take you out for frozen yogurt next Tuesday?"


2) Honest Abe
GOOD: "I've been trying to come up with a graceful, non-awkward way to say this, but to be honest, I got nothing. Do you want to go out for a drink this weekend?"
BAD: "I like your hair. And your face. I wrote a sex advice columnist about asking you out and I was wondering…"

3) The Smart Aleck
GOOD: "Can I get your email or phone number, just in case something proves faulty with these mangoes? Stop laughing, this is a serious customer inquiry."
BAD: "Can I take you out for a drink? Obviously, I'll cover you, as I'm sure they don't pay you a livable wage. You'll also have to lose the smock. It's really unflattering."

4) The Propmaster
GOOD: [Puts fancy brand of beer/wine/coffee on conveyor belt]. "Is this a good XYZ? I was thinking of trying the little XYZ place down the street, want to join me?"
BAD: "You know what they say about a man who buys organic chocolate sauce and vegan whipped cream…"

5) The Event Planner
GOOD: "I was thinking of checking out that radish festival you guys have posted over there on the Community Bulletin Board. Want to come with?"
BAD: I've made reservations at Fancy Von Upscales and purchased tickets to Pricey! The Broadway Show. Now all you have to do is say yes, m'lady."

I thought Miss Info's 5 tactics were cute. I especially like #3; I'd totally say yes to a guy who tried to win me over with his sense of humor. Actually asking someone out myself, though...never gonna happen. I can honestly say I've never asked a guy out, unless it was already kind of established that something was going on between us. Any of you girls ever make the first move? I'm not so sure asking a guy out would be in my best interest, even if I somehow mustered up the courage. The way I understand it is guys like a chase and they like to do the work. Therefore, we should shy away from asking them out. Yes? Maybe? Share some experiences/opinions!

make your own someecards!

So instead of studying, I've decided to channel my creativity into this new, life-altering program: create your own someecards! Here are most of the cards I've made so far. Disclaimer: the innocent should not proceed.

that's what friends are for?

I used to pride myself on being a forgiving person. But nowadays I feel like I just don't have the patience or humility. I'm feeling slightly bad about throwing away two friendships recently based on the fact that these friends became overly needy and testy with me. I use the term 'throwing away' very loosely, because it's not that I directly severed ties but that I just stopped calling and let things dissipate. The way I see it is, if a friend feels the need to test me then they're not a real friend. Obviously you don't know me if you feel like you can't trust me. Also, acting inappropriately jealous and controlling does not help. So when I noticed that this behavior was becoming a trend, I just stopped calling. Not gonna lie, it felt good--not having to tip toe around them because they are so 'sensitive' and would get 'hurt' if I don't call them to let them know I'm taking a piss. Jesus fucking Christ, let me breathe. And I'm pretty sure it's not me being a bitch, because I've asked several people's opinions and they've all agreed with me. Also, I've noticed a trend with these girls and their friendships over the years: the majority of their close friendships have ended, largely due to confrontation. In the beginning, I took their side. But now I believe that they are the crazy ones. I'm sorry, but it can't always be somebody else's fault.

The one thing that makes me feel a bit disappointed in myself is that I'm not really willing to sit down and talk to them about it; at least not yet. I wonder what makes me want to give up and stop trying so easily? I know that they probably have some deep-seated issues that could very possibly have nothing to do with me. A friend is supposed to care enough to find out what those are, right? Is friendship an obligation or is it akin to a romantic relationship in that if you're just not feelin' it, you have every right to end it?

Anyone have any similar experiences with friends? How did you handle it?

He gets me high, so I keep him around. Just like I always keep a stash of ice cream in my freezer for when I'm having a bad day, or a simple craving. But there's no nutritional value, no substance, nothing to sustain me in the long run. Nevertheless, the the sugar keeps the blood pumping from my heart, out through my arteries, and back up through my veins; I am alive. More alive than ever. I taste the sweetness. The sugar molecules, in the form of crystalline structures, bind to each papilla and dissolve. In this heated environment, nothing structured or rigid can remain. I taste some salt, too, which reminds me he is human. The chemical signal turns into electricity. My brain awakens. My body is set ablaze. The activation spreads, and I want more and more until I am saturated. I collapse and exhale. I feel an overwhelming calm. I look around for evidence--clothes scattered about, wrinkled sheets, dripping bodies, molten candles, track 14. I lick my lips and taste him again. Swallow it down. I look to my right and see him, gazing out the window. A blank look on his face. I rest my chin on the bottom of his shoulder, but it does not stir him. In this moment, I know. It was all for nothing.