What’s In a Name? A Chance for Success
By Katherine Sharma Several young couples in my circle recently welcomed babies, and their struggles with name choices reminded me of my own deliberations over naming of fictional characters–because the answer to Juliet’s famous question “What’s in a name?” can affect social (or publishing) success. For example, a 2003 study of resumés identical except for fake names divided between those …
Read MoreWhen Your Best Friend Is Dating a Loser. . .
By Mary Cope We’ve all been there, your friend has been dating a guy and they are becoming serious. She is ready for you to meet him. She wants your approval. She wants you to like him…so, finally you meet – but there is something about this guy you just don’t like. You can’t quite put your finger on why …
Read MoreJust Say NO! To These Movie Breakup Lines
Breakups are the worst. But nothing compares to the breakups we’ve seen in movies. Now those are harsh. After re-watching Forgetting Sarah Marshall on a plane, we were reminded of that fact and inspired (believe it or not) to find some of the roughest lines screenwriters have dreamed up. Why? Sometimes it helps to know things could be worse, and that even …
Read MoreAnd Baby Makes 4: A Different Kind of Love
(Back in the 1980’s, True Love Magazine had a monthly essay contest for its readers. The theme was, The Life I Live. Here is the winner of the April 1980 issue.) When my husband and I were just married, I had the most wonderful feeling of everything being brand new. Together, we found a new apartment in a new neighborhood. …
Read MoreMen Tell Us What They DON’T Like In Bed
Do men EVER hate having sex? It may be shocking to hear, but it turns out that there are some sexual positionsthat even the most sex-crazed dudes would like to avoid if at all possible. Be aware that your man has sexual fears and hang ups just like you do, and you may be forcing him into something he’s just …
Read MoreDystopian Fiction: There’s No End To It
By Katherine Sharma Dystopian fiction is thriving as news stories about global warming, world pandemics, and violent human intolerance of every kind–racial, religious and sexual–inspire tales of a terrifying future for humanity. It’s no fluke that The Hunger Games series sells books and movie tickets. My book club is naturally tapping into the trend, recently reading Station Eleven by Emily …
Read MoreCinderella vs. Beyoncé: What Would They Do If He’s Still Friends with His Ex?
From Never Liked It Anyway Know how to ruin the perfect lazy Sunday? This sounds pretty damn close to me: you’re spending some good quality time on the couch with your beau, watching the latest Kristen Wiig masterpiece and enjoying that Seamless dinner when his phone rings. No, it’s not his mum or mate or boss, but surprise surprise, his ex-girlfriend! He gives …
Read MoreThe Life I Live: Her Love Is NOT Blind
(Back in the 1980’s, True Love Magazine had a monthly essay contest for its readers. The theme was, The Life I Live. Here is the winner of the February 1980 issue. ) The past few weeks have been the happiest ones of my life. They have been filled with the joy of my engagement to Jim, a man I love …
Read MoreHow To Nail Your Online Dating Profile
From Never Liked It Anyway Yeah, you’re on an online dating site… Now what? In the spirit of sisterhood, here are some tips to ensure he’ll swipe right! Let’s be honest, looks spark his interest. Overexposure is never cool. Unless you’re looking for a “hit and split” situation, (if you are though, rock on, Sister!) think twice about posting pics …
Read MoreThe Alchemist: A Best Seller With Life Lessons
By Katherine Sharma I must admit that I had not read The Alchemist, an allegorical novel by Brazilian-born Paulo Coelho, until this year. First published in the U.S. in 1993, the novel is celebrating over 20 years of international popularity. It has been translated into at least 56 languages and is in its 345th week on The New York Times …
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