He was tall with a full head of thick brown hair and blue eyes: good looking and toned. As many times as we’ve given each other the “look,” words were never said. One night while out in the city, I spotted my mystery guy, looking even hotter than he did when he was all sweaty and dripping in his mesh shorts and t shirt. Being that I don’t have a shy bone in my body, and he gave me the “look” as if to say, “I know…I know you from somewhere,” I slowly approached him. Yes, WOMEN, sometimes it’s ok to approach a guy. After all, if most guys want to act as if chivalry is dead or if they simply won’t take the leap, then I really don’t see the big problem in approaching. “Hey, you go to Equinox, right?” He laughed, “Yup! Can I get you a drink?” I smiled. Why when in certain atmospheres does conversation come so easy, but then in others seems next to impossible?

When speaking with a male friend of mine, Maverick about the type of girl he wants, likes, and is attracted to, he told me, “I can say anyone is nice, smart, and hardworking, would make a great mother, and friend. BUT, I cannot say that even if a girl has all these amazing qualities that I would want to jump all over her, wine, dine and 69 with her, or spend the rest of my life with her. Maven, I need the physical attraction, and if it’s not there, I don’t care how nice she is or if she’s the daughter of Bill Gates; I’m NOT interested.” WOW, I thought to myself; quite the bold statement.

Has society put such an emphasis on looks that it’s overpowering the way we go about choosing our mates? Are most single men so caught up in physical beauty that other characteristics in a woman are overlooked? And are men just picking a woman for the knockers she has? Will many women just settle for a guy who isn’t so good looking because what she’s really looking for is, to get married, have babies, and is mostly concerned with finding a good provider? But, why does it appear that looks are so important to so many men, but less important to many women (especially once they’ve started freaking about their biological clocks tick-talking away)? Are most men more superficial than women, or are women just as superficial, but in other ways?

Having experienced meeting and dating all types of men, where many were met online and totally lied about their physical appearance, I will say that physical attraction is critical from the get go, and throughout the whole relationship. As a modern-day woman, it’s apparent that MEN need SEX, but most WOMEN do too! However, men thrive off of it, salivate and talk constantly about it, and will tend to be that DOG in heat that humps at any given opportunity. And most men will put an emphasis on sex way more then most women. Unfortunately it’s apparent and quite sad that many women live, and lead their lives by their biological clock. Even though they may have envisioned landing that chic, stylish, full head of hair, tall and dark, sexy hung stallion, there comes a point where beauty or a large pecker isn’t as important to them. Does this mean women should settle if there is less physical attraction and the attraction of carrying a bun in the oven is factoring into their decisions? Or, if you do end up with the guy who only had ½ of what you really wanted but gave you a flawless ring and put your fertility qualms at ease, in the end will he make you truly happy and content? Or, will there always be that passion and heat missing, leaving you feeling lonely, sexually deprived, and unfulfilled inside?

Have men become the smarter of the single sexes? Do most men think their “equipment” allows them to be perpetual baby-makers? Since most aren’t looking for a woman to support them, do they have the advantage to remain single and be players? Are most women searching for their Freudian father-figure where they have the picturesque image of the nice house with the white picket fence? Is contentment always the way to go? To me, being content means one has settled, and this isn’t always the best direction to take.

As we back through time, we’ll tend to see and find the same things….wars had been started over beautiful women…look at the Helen of the Trojan War….kingdoms were broken up over attractive women…. Mark Anthony and Cleopatra…religion was discarded because of lust and attraction… Sampson and Delilah… Henry the VIII (who in the 14th century established his own church in England so he could be granted a divorce…(which of course still is affecting us today, as there is still religious strife in countries such as Ireland). Have we all forgotten what deep love and passion is all about? Is everything now just purely focused on doing the “deed” only to fulfill our raging sex drives? Have the values of yester-year been compleately warped, and most men are just focusing too much on the beauty that was obsessed way before Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet? Which way is the right way to go? Is there a right way?

Well, Miss Maven would like to clue all of you in. Whether your attraction is found because of looks, money, materialistic possessions, or intellect, the two most important and obvious pieces of a person are looks and personality. They both go hand and hand, and are equally necessarily to make for a dynamic relationship. Women should try holding out for that special one, and not settling just because their biological alarm clocks are about to go off, or because they feel pressure from everyone surrounding them. And guys, let your eyes wonder, and if you happen to be fortunate enough to meet a unique person with character, who’s sexy and fun, and great in bed, DON’T FUCK IT UP and DO NOT let her slip away!

Oftentimes when in a relationship you may automatically assume that just because it’s a weekend, you’re doing something together. But, when plans are casually mentioned and not confirmed, the assumption of having plans with miscommunication often will lead to disappointments, arguments, and let downs when one isn’t on the same page as the other. WHY do so MANY men have trouble making definite plans, communicating them, and worse, following up? Why do they sometimes say, or hint, “Oh, let’s plan to meet up later that night or in the week,” and usually never end up coming through and leave a woman guessing. Don’t men understand that most women, when liking a guy, look forward to seeing him? Why do men even suggest plans when they can’t seem to follow through? Why are men so lackadaisical? Don’t men know most women get SO pissed off and irritated by this behavior? Many women may start to think a man is just all talk…. and anyone smart knows talk is cheap! Why often will men enthusiastically mention meeting up, and then completely blow off plans, never follow up, and worse, if you the girl, take the initiative to confirm so you don’t have to keep wondering what lingerie to where, he’ll say, “going out with my “boys” and doesn’t even invite you to join. Women just don’t understand how a man can’t follow through. When chemistry, connection, friendship, and attraction are all there, and it’s quite obvious that both of you are clicking, then one would think that as a man wouldn’t you want to try and snag and get to know this seemingly great woman, and at the very least see her enough to see if your feelings will remain the same after getting to know her? Why imply that you wanted to do something and then pull out, was it cold feet, or something else? WHY can men make and keep plans with their “boys” and not us women? Don’t they know finding a girl isn’t easy, and if you are lucky to find one you connect with on many levels then it’s time to ditch the stupid high school games? Why constantly wait until the LAST minute to ask to someone to do something and worse if have a set date, cancel and disappoint? Don’t most men realize contacting someone last minute for a date, or to cancel, is RUDE? Don’t men understand by acting like this it may leave most women and/or friends feeling slightly ticked off? Why can’t most man wake up and stop acting like morons, cut the shit, and stop behaving this way?

Well, I sympathized with Chase. Her situation with Kevin totally sucked! I know how much she cares about Kevin, and this is only the real issue she has but, as we ALL know…ISSUES that don’t get resolved and nipped in the bud usually will escalate into unneeded tension.

“Chase, my close and spectacular friend, I hate to be the bearer of bad news. But, let me clue you in on this, truth be told, for one reason or another MOST MEN CANNOT make plans or commit. It’s a HUGE problem, and sadly there are VERY few men that are perfect and have impeccable ‘Ritz Carlton’ manners along with exquisite taste. I learned a LONG time ago from my ex boyfriend, Marc, NEVER assume you are doing something with someone unless asked and confirmed. Even if and when a guy hints, asks, or says to you to “let’s meet up,” or invites you on a date, NEVER set your expectations, or hopes so high because that day or night may possibly come where you may never hear from him, or he ends up contacting you and, flaking out. But when you do have feelings for someone, but something is holding you back or interfering like, age, timing, distance, finances, baggage, or possibly all your other friends are single, and all of this maybe causing you to be wishy washy: Then, maybe you should try taking a risk to find, and figure out where this relationship could go, and stop making excuses and being cowardly. After all there’s really nothing to lose, and who knows, you may end up being pleasantly surprised!”

Chase fully agreed with my theory and diagnosis even though she was still annoyed which, I COMPLETELY understood. After all, this wasn’t the first time Kevin pulled this crap. Being that she’s repeatedly discussed her feelings with him, of how doing things last minute without informing her bothers her, it still keeps happening. We both shrugged our shoulders and laughed, and kept on repeating, “We just don’t understand what’s so hard about guys making plans.”

From speaking with many women about why men can’t commit to plans, even if something feels so right they still don’t try. The majority have all agreed based on their varied experiences that most men are all talk and usually no follow through even if at one time or another a hole in one was shot. After all, if you can get in the hole once, then what’s the problem with being consistent–especially when deep down you know and feels that connection?

However, whether or not single, dating, or in a relationship, having plans with friends, mates, parents, or spouses, if plans are made, or tentatively mentioned, they should never be “assumed.” They should though ALWAYS be confirmed, and marked down so there is no disappointment, overlap, or miscommunication. It’s always better to ask, than to wonder, unless of course you are scared of the truth, and the possibility of not seeing this person leaves you to wonder what he, or she is really thinking, and doing. “Is he, or isn’t he into you?” Why do most men send mixed signals? Why can’t they wise up and go back to the way things were in the Victorian era of acting, looking, and being like respectable polished ladies and gents?

I hung up the phone and thought to myself…..Hmmm….Most women will agree that “CHICKS” can almost always get the calendar out and make a clear-cut plan when asked to do something and are likely to confirm hours before meeting. However, if they’re going to be late, most women will usually call or text to let you know they’re going to be tardy. Why though is it that MOST MEN have problems making definite plans? Is it because often some men get scared and may think that if they make, and keep plans they’ll automatically assume the woman is SO into them that she’s thinking about the wedding before even going on a second date? Do men ever take the time to actually think that maybe she’s just looking forward to a fun night with someone she recently met, felt a connection and chemistry with, and just wants to casually see where things may go? After all, finding someone where almost everything fits isn’t always an easy task and no matter at what stage of life you are in, as long as each person has stability, why not test the waters — do you really have anything to lose? HOWEVER, what’s really horrible is when some men do make plans, and more often than not, they think it’s ok to confirm 30 to 60 minutes before meeting as opposed to confirming before 2pm and being considerate and polite! Men, SMARTEN UP, advanced confirmation is preferred!

Since Chase and I can and did make plans, we met at Starbucks, got a quick tea, and both looked at each other and said, “You up for some shopping and schmeying around?” We both smiled and nodded, hell ya, always up for a trip to Saks!

Chase is in a relationship and contemplating whether or not to pull the trigger and move in with Kevin. I thought to myself, they’ve been dating long enough that if she’s being indecisive about moving in with him there must be some issue. As we were catching up, I was giving her “Jewish guilt” about not being able to do a girl’s night out.

“Ok, spill it, enough of the bull shit. Let the ‘Maven’ hear what’s going on and WHY you can’t do a girl’s night and what’s really holding you back from moving in with Kevin? Why are you being so iffy and indecisive? This isn’t like you!” This unintentionally opened up a can of worms and Chase began to vent.

“Ha! You are funny and VERY perceptive, too. You can always tell when I’m annoyed! Bottom line is, it’s how Kevin goes about making plans, and the fact that he can’t make definite plans is really annoying and bothersome to me. It’s gotten to the point that it’s getting under my skin worse than a frustrating, un-popable blemish!” I laughed!

“What? What do you mean he can’t make plans? But…you said you two had plans tonight.”
“Yes, we do, BUT we spoke briefly on Thursday about Saturday night, and he told me he spoke to his cousins who asked to get together with us but he never ‘set it in stone’ and instead left the plans up in the air. Why he does this, I don’t know. I told him you were coming into town and that Saturday night I wanted to do something with you if we weren’t going to do something with them. But the reason why I couldn’t tell you until today is because yesterday when I told him I was going to do something with you tomorrow night, he freaked and blurted out, “WHAT, we have plans with my cousins.”

“Well, this started a whole argument and boy did we have words! I reiterated the conversation we had THURSDAY morning about the POSIBILITY of doing something with his cousins Saturday night, but he never bothered to let me know that he did in fact make definite plans with them. I scorned him for not confirming the plans with me or checking to see if I was still free. I’m pissed because this is a reoccurring pattern with him. I’m starting to question whether I want to consistently keep being annoyed and frustrated by him. It’s not that I cared if we were doing something; it’s the FACT that he always waits until last minute to tell me he’s made plans. You’ve know me forever; I can make a plan the day before, follow through, or tell anyone in advance giving ample notice that I’m not free. BUT, for some reason, and like the majority of men, HE CAN’T make, confirm, and inform me of any plans he’s made…it’s driving me NUTS! I just don’t know what to do.”

I dropped my head down, rolled my eyes and saw Chase was quite frustrated and disturbed by the lack of communication with her Beau, like any woman would be.

Since text messaging and emails are today the preferred forms of communication for singles and couples, is this new fad overpowering the ability for meaningful communication? Oftentimes, when writing and sending messages via email or text, things that are written and were intended to be interpreted one way are often misinterpreted. Why is this? Is it because you don’t hear the tone, or perhaps the wording is unclear? Perhaps the text was interpreted negatively, or is it the fact that a text or email is so informal that sometimes what is written is often perceived differently as opposed to face-to-face “speech.” When you’re talking to someone, it’s usually pretty clear from their tone and the progression of the conversation what the person is saying, how they’re coming across, and there is less of a chance of miscommunication. Perhaps we’re blaming modern conveniences for an age old problem and we’re using texts and emails as scapegoats, when in reality it’s merely a tool utilized by a person who just does not want to commit. Is this the underlying truth: People have forgotten how to make the effort?

Since I was coming home for the weekend, and I wanted to see my spunky sisterly-like friend, Chase on Monday, I shot her a text to see if she wanted to grab a bite or a few drinks Saturday night. She responded, “I need to get back to you because Kevin [the boyfriend] mentioned something to me about doing something Saturday night, but he hasn’t confirmed with me yet.” I told Chase to let me know, (it’s no biggie either way), and that I’d ring her Thursday on my way back to Boston to confirm. “Ok, sounds great, can’t wait to see you!”

While waiting for the plane to leave on Thursday, I phoned Chase.

“Yo!”
“Hey!”
“I’m at the airport heading in. What’s your deal for Saturday night; are we on?”
“I still don’t know. Kevin hasn’t firmed up with me, which I’m SO annoyed about because I want to see you. He mentioned having plans with his cousins Saturday night, but I haven’t gotten a solid answer whether or not we are seeing them.”
“Well Chase, for heaven’s sake, when the fuck is he going to inform you, or are you just going to sit like a duck and wait? Oye, give a sista a break, I’m dying to see you!”
Chase laughed in the phone…“I know, I know…You have no idea what a constant battle it is for him to commit to plans, and on those rare occasions he does make them, he neglects to inform me ahead of time. It’s a real issue! We’ll discuss it more when I see you! How’s Saturday during the day, can I pencil you in?”
“Yup, sounds great.”
“How about we meet 1pm, Starbucks on Newbury?”
“Ok, sounds delectable!…The plane door is shutting; I need to shut off my phone. Can’t wait to see you Saturday, Bye.”

When do you grow up, see that your tastes in men or women have changed, and realize that those qualities you used like and be attracted to have changed? What made them change? Did you change? Did your habits, outlook on yourself and your life all change? Well, looking back to high school, then college, and now into my adulthood years, I start to see that not only are the things that I’m looking for in a mate different form what they once were, but it seems as if many other people’s tastes in men and women have also changed. Thinking back to your college days, remembering the hot Mr. GQ frat boy who ran the door at one of the hottest spots, and was also was someone who you once dreamt about naked, if met today, wouldn’t be someone you’d even consider dating, and the only thing you’d make sure of would be politely introducing yourself (and bat your eyelashes) so you’ll never have to wait in any peasant lines again, but instead be privileged enough to slip past that annoying velvet, red rope!

However, if met later in life–if you weren’t of similar backgrounds—even though he may have been hot with a decent job, this wouldn’t ever be someone you’d even give a second thought to about wanting to date. But why is this? Is it because as we grow up and we view people differently, depending on theirs and our various circumstances? Is that club guy with the hot bod and looks who’s only making $20 an hour plus the cash earned from being “duked” on a good Thursday, Friday, or Saturday night going to be able to pay for your child’s private school tuition to Philips Exeter? Seeing the whole picture of someone and separating and seeing what long term issues could arise, isn’t always easy to do. But as your tastes change, you start to realize that the characteristics which used to be an automatic turn on have now quickly switched to dim or just turned off. What you thought you had liked and found so attractive in your earlier years becomes less and less appealing as you’ve gotten older and interacted with many types of people and different personalities. When reality hits, and starts kicking and biting at you along with that little voice inside that doesn’t stop reminding you that even though he may have seemed sexy back in the day, today your perspective has changed, and you clearly see and know that he’s actually not right for you. Thinking long term, you ask yourself: “Do you really want your spouse or significant other to be “checking ID’s” and working a door?” As you move into your mid 20’s and 30’s, and think back upon all the men or women who have walked into and out of your life, all with various backgrounds and qualities, you think if only you could take something that you liked from each person you dated or met, and piece each ingredient into a full recipe, you would have the perfect man. Unfortunately though, this is MUCH easier thought and said than done!

Being out a few weeks ago with some of my single girl and guy friends, where the only thing they all had in common was me, it was very entertaining watching them interact with each other. Of course though, before they had all met, each friend constantly kept asking, are your friends “hot,” good bods…any blonde? And I must admit, it wasn’t so much the girls questioning or asking about looks as it was the guys…..WHY? Why were my “boys” so worried about my “girls” looks when, for once, I wasn’t even trying to play “matchmaker?” The night was just supposed to be a fun meet-up for drinks, possibly ending up with some newly-formed friendships, and maybe even a date for the lucky ones. I thought to myself, “Can’t my guys just go out with little or no expectations, and maybe an unexpected surprise will occur and they’ll be attracted to some chick with a brain, or other positive attribute, even if she’s not their normal type, a typical, dumb “blonde”? Why can’t they just go out, not ask so many questions, and look forward to a chill, fun night with no planned or intended marriages to take place? Well, easier thought than DONE!

Several drinks later when the alcohol was quickly entering the horny blood streams of my friends, no more questions were being asked, such as if one was carrying an extra few pounds, had thinning hair, was tall or short, or brunette or blonde. Instead, it was obvious moves were being made and several friends were being hit on. Quite amusing it was and also very mind boggling to see how after a few pops and being surrounded by too much testosterone and estrogen, minds let loose, vision became blurred, and cheeks started to blush! Being friends with them all and knowing how sexually frustrated most of my boys were, what wasn’t supposed to be an evening of matchmaking was slowly starting to turn, and the boys were putting on their moves! But, what most girls are able to figure out and see real quick is, if some guy that she is “in to,” takes her bait, and is actually into her. BUT, why is it that some men, after persistently trying to rub their hard dicks up against a girl on the dance floor and shove some tongue down her throat, just don’t realize and “get” when a woman is, or is not, sexually “in to you?” Just because a guy may get so turned on and hard from all the innocent dancing doesn’t in any way mean her feelings are the same or she is as turned on and wet for you. Why don’t some men understand or get this, when it all seems quite obvious? Are they just too drunk, stupid, and horny to see that a woman may just be using them for their slick dance moves and their paid-for table and bottles?

That night it was quite clear to me, even after drinking, that a couple of my girls were NOT into my boys and they made this VERY clear. Though, as clear as it was to ME and some others watching, WHY didn’t the guy stop pushing himself on the girl, lighten up, have fun, and get the vibe that she’s just not “into you” like that? Why though, even when the woman makes it perfectly clear that she’s just hanging out and having fun, certain men just don’t “get it?” And, why do most women seem to “get it” while most men, don’t, or so it appeared that night!

Colby and I couldn’t get out of bed quick enough and race down to the brunch. Not only were we dying for carbs to soak up all the booze from the night before, but we were also dying to find out how Alex’s night really “ended!”

I threw on my Juicy suit quicker than Colby could put on his sox.

“U Ready?”
“Yup!”
Great, let’s go. I need coffee and food, BAD!

Quite to our surprise, Alex and Jordan were already at brunch, laughing and feasting away. I didn’t know whose plate was fuller! Colby and I looked at each other, smirked, and in our under-breath voices murmured, “Guess those two woke up with quite the appetites!” We wondered, did all the arguing lead to them having a make up and hook up ending? Hmmm…..

We made our plates and joined them at the table. I sat next to Alex, and my nephew and the boys sat on the opposite side.

“So, guess you’re back to ‘speaking’ and voices and smiles instead of bitterness.” Alex and Jordan both glanced at each other–yes, the problem was resolved prior to our “nite, nites!” Alex kicked me hard under the table and pushed her hand into my leg. YUP, that was the sign I needed and was waiting for…THEY HOOKED UP! I looked at Colby and smirked and gave him a quick nod with my head to settle his curiosity; he smiled back. To say the least, it was definitely an interesting brunch!

After we all stuffed our faces and popped some Advil, we hung in the lobby to say all our “good byes” to all of the out of town guests. The boys went off to catch a glimpse of the Pats game, and I was about to have the “talk” with Alex to find out in DETAIL how the night really ended.

Men, let me clue you in. MOST women talk like most of you MEN! However, always know when it comes to sisters or best girlfriends, they will ALWAYS confide in each other. Word to the wise, be careful who you tell what to, because even though you may THINK someone will keep their mouth shut, sometimes unforeseen repercussions may happen. Being that Alex was my sister, telling me wasn’t going to be an issue!

“So? Do tell sista!”
“Well, we argued a little more, sat in 10 minutes of silence while we both got changed in to our jamies, and washed up and brushed, and then I sparked a J which broke the tension and silence. Jordan kept apologizing and admitting he was wrong and said even though we fought, he was happy he got to be my date and was extremely sorry. “Then, we both were ravenous and thirsty, so we picked up and dialed room service for burgers and water!

“After we stuffed our faces, laughed and gossiped a little about the party and some of the guest’s outrageous outfits, we hit the King-sized bed. Needless to say, he’s a great kisser and very cuddly.”

“Alex, SHUT UP. Did you or did you not do the deed? I want to know. NOW, YES OR NO? I could care less if you two spoon well together, how was the SEX?”

She screamed and turned blushing red, “IT WAS OUTSTANDING, and I slept like a baby afterwards.”

Haha, we both started to laugh! “Good, Good for you. You were WAY overdue! And we both know that having sex with a friend usually makes for a great night!”

That night between Alex and Jordan was never discussed or brought up again. No real relationship ever came other than several long weeks of not seeing or hearing from Jordan. After about a month of not speaking, which was starting to bother Alex more and more, she kept wondering if he was weirded out or may think they can’t go back to the way things were before they slept together. Alex decided that she had nothing to lose, so she shot Jordan a “what’s up” email. This started their dialogue again, which made her happy.

October 12th came and went, along with their night that got buried at the Copley Fairmont. Months and years have gone by, and each now has moved on to new relationships and endeavors, but they’re still friends today.

Why though, when friends sometimes end up hooking up, whether once or several times, and nothing more becomes of it, why isn’t what happened discussed ever again? Is leaving it alone with the possibility of asking yourself, WHY, and leaving your mind to wonder a good thing? If you can be intimate together, then why doesn’t something more get entertained? Or, does it just all revert back to maybe you two are just in lust and only sexually compatible? Or, is the real reason, that you are just scared to take that next step?

As the years go on, there may be days that pass by when you ask yourself, why didn’t you mention anything back then? Could it have been more, and you lost your chance by not taking that risk and throwing it out there for discussion? Looking back, maybe that person was your perfect mate, and because you let your timidness stand in your way for whatever reason you had, you now sit, still single and with unanswered questions and probably will never know his or her real thoughts. Is taking a risk and possibly being rejected such a bad thing when you really had nothing to begin with? In the end, I guess if you have unanswered questions, which aren’t much, as we know feelings really don’t know right from wrong, then I suppose there really isn’t anything to lose by having the chat and finding out the truth.