Friday, December 30, 2011

A Female Perspective - Fantasy Relationships: Knowing When To Quit!

(By guest female writer, Hanna B)

 At some point or another, all women are guilty of this; creating a "fantasy relationship" out of thin air. This may happen when you’re crushing on that cute guy at work, flirting with the smart guy in your sociology class, or while you’re seeing someone who is clearly not looking for anything serious.

Let’s face it -- we start by spending time with them even though we know they’re not the relationship type. We tell ourselves; “It’s okay if he doesn’t want anything serious. I just want to have a good time. He’s so cute!” We settle for a guy who just wants to mess around, instead of moving on and waiting for the guy who will treat us right. Why do we do this? Because we think we will ultimately change his mind and make him change his rules?

Men don’t change their minds or their rules. When they have made up their mind about something, you better believe they will stick to it. If he’s already pegged you as the “just for fun” type of girl, he won’t see you as anything different. We believe that our good nature, sweet smile, and fun-to-be-around personality will change their minds about a relationship. But the only person that can change his mind is himself.

By letting ourselves get carried away and putting our energy into a guy who is not planning on sticking around, we are selling ourselves short. We deserve a guy who is willing to put in the time and effort that we put in everyday. Stop yourself from trying to "read between the lines". Pay attention to his actions and what he’s really saying. Here are some signs that the guy, you’re seeing, does not want a relationship and it’s time to move on:

1. He tells you he’s "really busy right now" and doesn’t have time for anything serious.
2. He makes excuses for why he hasn’t texted you, called you, or communicated with you at all that day.
3. He usually doesn’t invite you on outings with his friends or family.
4. He is unwilling to show any signs of affection in public. (Some guys are not into PDA, but if he won’t even hold your hand when you're out ...come on!)
5. He wants to stay inside a lot and “cuddle” (aka not cuddling).
6. He has money but seems unwilling to pay for anything; including a dinner, movie ticket, or coffee (Doesn’t have to be much, even a simple coffee will suffice.)

Don’t ignore the signs, and don’t think that because he suddenly did something semi-romantic, such as took you out for dinner, that he has changed his mind about a relationship. Unless he takes action and actually asks you to be exclusive, don’t let yourself get carried away. It’s OK to casually date as long as you know that’s all it is.

If you want something more, don’t settle for less because you deserve to be happy. I recently read a book titled, “Why Men Love Bitches: From Doormat to Dreamgirl” by Sherry Argov. If you always seem to choose the wrong guy, give way too much of yourself (while receiving nothing in return), or just need some woman-empowerment, then I suggest you pick up this book.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

(Make-Out) Song Of The Week - "Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)" by As Tall As Lions

This week's song can fit a few different moods, depending on what your intentions are (that didn't sound right). Even though the title enforces a stern topic, the feel of this track is also very lustful. It may be one of the best 'make-out' songs unintentionally created to be. It's passionate yet seductively sexual. I hope I'm not the only one who feels this way. It makes me want to have the sloppiest kissing session ever, which would then lead to ripping each other's' clothes off. At the same time, I want to hold that person and ask her to runaway together ....even if I didn't mean it. This can't be healthy. As Tall As Lions needs to be prescribed with a lower dosage. Ah!


I advise you to only play this song with someone you really like. Otherwise, you may make a dumb mistake due to over-consumption of love, love, love, love, love ......get it?

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Dating Etiquette 101: New Year's Eve (Special Edition)

Sure, we all have (bullshit) resolutions for 2012 and we say we're going to abide by them. But what are your objectives for the evening in question? What are you looking to accomplish this coming evening?

If you're attending a party and planning on mingling with females, you better bring your A-game. Now is not the time for slobbery, on attire and manors. Do you want to be the douche of the evening or the suave gentleman that wasn't overlooked for your shit-like behavior?

If there's ever a time to dress to impress, now is time to pull out your good threads. Don't worry, you don't have to wear a suit. A collared shirt, and a pair of slacks or form-fitting jeans, will do just fine. Nothing baggy or sloppy. You will feel as confident as whatever you're wearing, so put some fucking effort in! K? Good. (If you still don't understand, see here: Dating Etiquette 101: Effective First Date Attire).

Next is your attitude. Most likely, everyone will be drinking and letting loose on NYE. There's a way to be the life of the party without being a tool. Play it cool and progressively delve into party-mode. Don't unbutton your shirt to "mid-drift status" and walk around with a Champagne bottle in your hand, like you're a rapper from the year 2000. Keep it together, man. Show the best side of yourself. Be charming, humorous, and delightful without being obnoxious and over'compensatory.

Follow this simple advice and you may end up impressing some ladies that you didn't expect would even chat with you. Now is your time for fresh impressions and new beginnings in your dating life.

Dig that and pop some bubbly ....but keep your composure.

Top 5 Romantic Comedies for Modern Males

It's okay to love chick-flicks. We're here to give you our picks for, what we consider, the best ones around for guys (in touch with their sensitive side). Whether you're searching for a great date accompaniment or you prefer hiding this secret interest. Well then! Grab some tissues, pour some wine, and crack open the SunChips!:

#1 - 500 Days of Summer
A (not so) love story of a wise, emotional idealist male who falls for a confused, self-righteous female. It's a sincere roller coaster of heartache, from a true modern-male's view. It goes against everything Beyonce depicts men as, and shows women in a realistic light. Its sad and inspiring at the same time.

#2 - Going The Distance
Two lovers. trying to keep their relationship alive with 3,000 miles of distance in between. Its hysterical and tear-jerking. Believe it or not, I watched this film with 3 of my guy friends and we all shed tears at certain pivotal scenes. The chemistry between Justin Long and Drew Barrymore feels so real ....maybe because they dated in real life. It shows.

#3 - Definitely, Maybe

Quit hating on Ryan Reynolds. In this flick, he actually makes you feel bad for him. Telling his daughter the timeline of his love life, with lots of excitement and heartache in between. Plus, it doesn't hurt that all 3 main actresses, that are all objects of Reynolds' affection at some point, are all beautiful!

#4 - Vicky Cristina Barcelona
This may be the sexiest/wittiest movie ever made. 2 American women spend a summer in Spain. One is lost and promiscuous, 1 is uptight and engaged. Both fall romantically for a man I can only hope I emulate someday. Except Maria Lena makes the situation pretty crazy, which is also a great case study for mental illness. Weird ....but sexy.

#5  - You've Got Mail
Maybe its the chemistry. Maybe its the story. Maybe its the days of America Online. Whatever it is that makes this film so enjoyable, it succeeds, even after all these years. Quite possibly the most underrated romantic comedy out there. It also makes Manhattan look beautiful .....and ironically, makes me want to visit Barns & Noble right now!


Happy watching, laughing, crying, and spanking! :)

Saturday, December 24, 2011

(Make-Out) Song Of The Week: "The Christmas Waltz" by She & Him

When you think of Christmas music, I'm sure you don't to yourself; "Boy, I can sure go some sweet, sweet sexin'". And as we all the know, the holidays can tend to bring about serious loneliness if you're not dating anyone. But for argument sake (and my chipper holiday spirit), let's say you're at a Christmas party and you happen to be sipping on that "adult eggnog" a little too much. You strike up a conversation with a female, you sneak a little peck under the mistletoe (yeah, I'm full of corniness), and you take her back to your place to show off how big your tree is (holy crap). You can't put on naughty music because you don't want to be a Christmas Creep (I like that one) but you want something sensual with a hint of romance. I recommend "The Christmas Waltz" by She & Him (aka M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel). It has a vintage, pine-fresh, cozy feel.


Play this song and enjoy soft, sugarplum kisses. Make sure to say her lips taste like candy canes! (no, don't say that). But do have a Merry Christmas! And always stuff that stocking....whatever that means.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Placeholders: The "In-Between" Girlfriends

If you don't know what a placeholder is, to put it simply, they're girls you're not that interested in having a romantic future with but they'll do for the time being. They're glorified seat warmers. They keep you from getting rusty in the dating game. They're typically not someone you're head-over-heels for. Usually lacking something (or many things). They're either decently attractive with a tolerable personality, or pretty hot with a dull personality. In other words, they don't completely fulfill you. But hey! You're lonely and she's willing, so what the hell, right?

It's important to make sure that you don't let a placeholder become too attached. Know your goal and stick to it. Are you doing it for the sex? Is she good arm-candy? Is she just someone cool to hang and talk with? Don't forget why she's a placeholder to you -- she's filling the void of your ex-girlfriend, until you meet someone that's worth your full romantic future (aka your next legit girlfriend)

The sticky part about dating placeholders is you can easily come off as a douche bag .....and let's be honest, you pretty much are. But that's why its necessary to never verbally express your interest in her .....because you're not. She's already giving you what you need. You don't love her, so never say it. Now isn't the time to express your feelings.

Now is the time to have fun and f*ck around a bit. Got it?!

Cheers.

The Art of "Hooking Up" at House Parties

Whichever your reason is for finding a little action, house parties & get-togethers seem to be a great spot for gettin' some. But why? Social engagements at someone's household presents a more-relaxed environment, free alcohol, comfortable seating, mutual friends (which means- easier introductions), and for god sakes -- it's a home, where most sexual activity takes place (i.e. in bedrooms)!

If you're not a typical Johnny Playboy, who can go up to females in loud, crowded bars/clubs, and strike up a conversation (aka screaming match) until you're able to get her number or creepily go home with her -- don't worry! House parties provide the same materials, except you're already inside a house (get it?).

Striking up a conversation with a female feels easier at a house party because you're (usually) surrounded by mutual friends. This means you have a better shot at striking up a conversation with someone because your friend is there to vouch for you. If you're not looking to get your socks rocked, at least you have a decent shot at getting a female's number.

Let's Get Physical:
If you are looking for some tonsil hockey (or more), doing so in someone's home seems quite easier. There are a few things to consider:

1) Alcohol consumption of you and your target female - This depends on how big of a douche you are).
2) The other guests - Make sure you don't come off as a creep. If you're feeling good vibes, let it happen. She's not your public Playdough).
3) Waiting it out - You may have to wait till toward the end of the party. You're not going to just pull her into an empty bedroom and go at it ....well, unless she's down for that.
4) Consider a car - If she's all over you and is figuratively spelling out that she "wants a piece", suggest to her how you have a new album of some artist she likes and go have a listen in your vehicle. Believe it or not, it works sometimes.

If these steps haven't made me seem like a total tool yet, I hope you learn how to spot douchy guy at the next party you go to. If anything, maybe you'll be her saviour and then you'll get some unexpected action.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

(Make-Out) Song Of The Week - "Edge Of Desire" by John Mayer

Say what you will about John Mayer. You can't, however, deny the sexual aroma that "Edge Of Desire" has, only equivalent to spraying an entire FeBreze bottle all over your apartment ...seriously, I've tried. This song can quite possibly produce the best make-out session you've ever had. It's seductive and dirty all at the same time. It's also vulnerable yet assuring. It can have you fall in love with whoever you lock lips with, even if that female is nowhere close to your heart (and possibly closer to another organ (you whore!)).


Mayer's tunes are usually great for melancholy moods and lonely wine drinking (hey! who said I do that?), but if anyone knows how to get a girl's lips wet (....you're a creep for misinterpreting that), then this track should compliment the room nicely.

My Parents Are Cooler Than Me!

It's Friday night. My mom is getting dressed, getting ready for her date, while humming the Mike Posner song; "It's probably because you think you're cooler than me...". I'm in a t-shirt and boxer shorts, eating an Apple with a knife; carelessly carving off slices like Crocodile Dundee. Suddenly, it dawns on me .....my mom has a more enjoyable social life than I do. Holy crap.

It's not that I don't have the option to go out on a weekend evening. Maybe I'm jaded? When I play a potential night-out in my head, it proceeds as such: Go out with friends, have a few drinks, talk to tacky girls who are of no interest in me, get home late, and fall asleep to Craig Ferguson on my DVR. It's the feeling of an unsatisfactory chain of events. Ironically, whenever I'm in a relationship, anything we do always turns out to be so goddamn fulfilling! Even laying in bed, watching movie with a mate, is more entertaining than standing in a crowded bar while loud thumps of shitty pop music causing damage to my ear drums.

This leads me to conclude that all of my friends, who say they love going out and partying are either: 1) Lying, or 2) "Going through a phase" ...because anyone who says they love being single has either been put through the rinse-cycle too many times in the relationship department, or they've gotten so used to their way of life that loneliness and empty sex has become their norm.

My mom goes out because she spent far too many years under the oppression of my father. This makes me optimistic for my romantic future, because if she can truly live her life again, so can I. But this doesn't mean I'll find it sitting at a bar-stool.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Age Discrimination Doesn't Exist When it Comes to Partying

So, my friend asked me try out a new bar after work last night and I figured it couldn't be too bad. Well, hot damn! I was very wrong! See, it wasn't the atmosphere of the place that distorted my vision. It was the demographic of bar-goers. I've never seen so many creepy, horny, promiscuous middle-aged adults in one setting. All of which seemed to have been making desperate attempts to hold onto their youth.

It was a minefield of men, dressed in flashy suits and fashionable H&M'esc attire, thinking they're the hottest shit since Mad Men. However, in New York, the suit can't buy you class. They still had extreme 'New Yawwwwk' accents, acted in low-class manors, groped female drink servers, and looked like statutory rapists. As for the women, it was disturbing to see caked-on make-up and tight dresses on the deteriorating bodies that only comes with years of gravity. Who approved this?

All of them acting like drunken teenagers, as the same shitty top 40 radio tunes pound the back of one's head like an excessive twitch. Everyone in the bar, fondling each other and acting like they were still in high school ....except the drinks are wildly expensive and the concept of "sophistication" appears very warped. Are they looking for casual hook-ups? Are they cheating on their partners? Are they divorcees and emotional wrecks, trying to regain freedom?

Listen,  I'm not hating on anyone looking to get their kicks off. But it makes me worry. Are these adults in their 2nd childhood or has immature behavior never left their mind frame? What happened to the days of a quiet cocktail lounge? Or am I living in an unrealistic fantasy world? Young or old -- nightlife has become a perfect mess of rowdy, trashy, and pathetic endeavors of people who just want to let loose and party. This leads me to ask- does anyone grow up anymore? Or are there no more boundaries between ages? Are we all just smearing generations together like the shitty people we've become?

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

(Make-Out) Song Of The Week - "Velvet Elvis" by Alex Winston

In the mood for a classy, yet wild-like, smooch session? Put the lipstick-stained martini glass down, bask in your buzz, and cozy up on the plush couch. "Velvet Elvis" may not sound like a seductive song at first, but Alex Winston manages to create a sexual tension, through her heart-pounding, subtle eroticism for the King himself. Her retro, new school sound sets the mood of a sophisticated evening. This isn't "frat party" music by any means. This is shirt & tie/cocktail dress attire-music. This is "Can I fix you a nightcap?" music.


WARNING: Your evening-wear may look disheveled after this song is complete.
Visit http://www.alexwinstonofficial.com/ to download this single.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Are The Best Girls Already Taken?

I probably sound like a whiner but I feel like every lovely girl I meet is already taken. See, it's not like I don't meet great girls -- there are plenty! But unfortunately, some other chump has always beat me to the punch ...usually years before I ever meet her. I'd say about 70% of the 'already-taken' girls I meet, have been with their boyfriend for over a year or two. The others usually just started dating their mates within a few months' time. Then I give myself the same rant; "Son of a b*tch! They're always f*cking taken! If I had only met them sooner!"  The most annoying part is, this happens way too often. I can think of a few females, within the last week, whom I've met and found out they're already spoken for.

What's funnier is, the single girls I meet are always single for an obvious reason: outer appearance, emotionally distraught from previous relationships, daddy issues, alcohol problems, going through 'slutty period', or just an overall crappy personality.

Believe me, I'm not one of those guys who wants what he can't have. Rather, I feel like a guy who has sh*t luck. I try to tell myself; "She won't be with that guy forever. Eventually, they'll break up...", but I don't want to be a post-relationship 'rebound'. I also don't want to pick up the mess that her ex left her with. In other words, when a girl mentions her boyfriend, I block her out of my (potential-for-dating) mind.

I'm also realizing not to take certain opportunities for granted. If I meet a female who I have a crush on and she's also single, there's no time to pussyfoot around and "let romance unfold naturally" -- That's bullsh*t. I have to take action. No more of this laissez-faire attitude!

Easier said than done, I know.

We'll see......

Text Message Snooping On Your Lover's Phone

So, you are spending time with your partner and at some point they walk away for whatever reason (in a case of marriage it could be to shower, etc.) All of a sudden you hear his or her phone receive a text message… do you look at who it’s from? A survey in suggests that one in three people with a cell phone are text message snoops AND the consequences are often irreversible.

Once you give in to snooping once, you most likely won’t hesitate to do it again whenever the next opportunity arises. 73 percent of text message checkers have found out about things they wish they hadn’t and 10 percent ended the relationship because of it. “Flirting is age old, but the fact that it can now be tracked on your phone makes a nervous partner a paranoid text-checker,” Virgin Mobile author and relationship expert Samantha Brett said. She also advised that if you already snoop, to stop. Something I couldn’t agree more with; if you have suspicions about your partner’s actions, the best thing is to talk about it. Otherwise you may find something out of context and lose trust or cause problems over nothing. Real trust can take years to build up and only seconds to destroy.

While I feel that snooping is very wrong and will lead to issues in the relationship, I also feel that being protective about your own phone would be suspicious to your partner. A phone is very different than something like a journal or diary. A diary is personal thoughts and should never be intruded on by anyone. A phone however is used to communicate with people and because of that, by definition it is not a private thing. There is nothing I do and no one I talk to on my phone that I need to hide from my girlfriend, and that’s the way it should be. For this reason, I generally don’t keep a password on my phone and if I do, I have no problem with her knowing what it is.

This does not mean I agree with the idea or act of snooping, quite honestly I am very much against it, but having a secret password on your phone would display a lack of trust to your partner just as much as snooping itself. So, if you ever have thoughts about looking through your significant other’s phone, computer, etc., think about the consequences first. Personally, I would strongly advise against not to, it just isn’t healthy for you or the relationship.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

How Many People Have You Slept With? Why Does It Matter?

The Number -- One way or another, you'll be asked how many people you've slept with. But why does it matter to some people and what does it say about you? If girls sleep with a bunch of guys, they're considered sluts ...but why? To me, I see a deeper issue here. When a female has a high number of guys she's slept with, I start to question her emotional (in)stability. I think this is also is true for guys. Guys are stereo-typically not in touch with their emotions, yet many males I know are quite the opposite of what they're expected to be. On the other hand, girls seem to be evolving into what men used to be - less emotion and "casual" is no big deal.

Today, it's not uncommon for a female, in her early 20's, to have slept with 10-20 guys. This could either mean she's emotionally damaged and needs to force intimacy in order to boost her own self-esteem. Or it could also mean that a modern female is more in-tuned to her own sexual desires. And since women can get casual sex way easier than men can (don't try to dispute or challenge that proven theory), they might be secure enough to take advantage of those sexual opportunities.

But as a person's number continues to grow, I begin to wonder how they'd manage a one-on-one relationship. Would they get bored? Or would they be satisfied enough from their retired single-hood that they're ready for monogamy, more so than someone who has had significantly less partners. There are also those people who bounce around from one relationship to the next (aka "relationship hoppers"), which is transparently unhealthy and co-dependent.

So, what does this all mean? Are we becoming a culture who views sex as leisure fun? And if so, does this make a monogamous future difficult or easier to maintain? It seems many couples get divorced because they want to be free and explore their suppressed sexuality. I try not to judge a girl on her number but the truth is, my own insecurities and masculinity still comes into play on a subconscious level ...I wish I could change that! Sometimes I think sleeping with a bunch of females would help me feel better, but it never does. It wears off.

So the question still remains: is it in our blood to be promiscuous or are we having a lot of casual sex to combat a deeper issue?

(A response from guest writer, Spyro - 12/5/11)
Evolutionary biology suggests that men are hard-wired for promiscuity, and women for choosiness (see here:http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sexual_selection). But the standards by which we judge sexual behavior may be based on a set of presumptions that were either false from the start or are artifacts from a much earlier period of human existence. For example, the notion that men think much more frequently about sex than do women seems to be false (see herehttp://www.slate.com/blogs/xx_factor/2011/11/28/do_men_really_think_about_sex_more_often_than_women_.html). My guess is that this piece of hearsay probably reflects more about each sex's stereotype of the other than about reality. The 20th century emancipation of women from subservience simply allowed the not-so-insignificant female sexuality to come to the forefront. Moreover, the concurrent destigmatization of sexual desire let humanity acknowledge what it has known to be true all along: humans are pleasure-seekers, and will always enthusiastically seek a good romp.

(Make-Out) Song Of The Week - "If You Run" by The Boxer Rebellion

If you're looking for a passionate make-out session that you'd like to share with a female who means something to you (In order words: more than a girl who only meets your casual, selfish, and physical needs), then you're in for a romantic treat with; "If You Run". UK indie-rock act, The Boxer Rebellion, have been around for many years, creating music for the thought-provoking soul.......


Their biggest US notoriety was in the 2010 romantic-comedy; Going The Distance, starring Justin Long & Drew Barrymore. The film was as hilarious as it was quite emotional. This song was played at a pivotal point of the film, where the main stars' characters reunited after breaking up 6 months prior to this scene. 

Aside from the movie, TBR have always been good at showing their mature, emotional side through their lyrics and ambient riffs. If you're looking for a truly intense vibe while you're locking lips with your gal, then this song should set the mood tenfold.