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Dear Poll: Do You Eavesdrop?

DearSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Whenever the opportunity presents itself, I'll eavesdrop. On the bus, the airplane, in line — I just love overhearing what other people are talking about! Since I'm so fascinated by people, it's a perfect way to get a glimpse inside the lives of others without being creepy or stalkerish. I'm of the mindset that if you're having a conversation in any public place, it can't be all that confidential. Perhaps I'm invading, but it sure is entertaining! Are you the same way? Do you like to eavesdrop, too?

Dear Poll: Do You Eavesdrop?

Yes, I'm with you Dear. It just so interested, especially when I'm alone!

No, I tend to zone out other people's conversations.

Other — Please explain below.

Dear Poll: Do You Drink to Feel More Comfortable in Social Settings?

DearSugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Although I do enjoy a drink out with my girlfriends, I definitely know that there’s a difference between drinking socially and drinking to be social. However, many people suffer from anxiety when presented with certain social situations, and the natural effects of alcohol often curb those worries. Though it can lead to more problems than it's worth, it's not surprising to find that some people feel they have to drink to be comfortable among others. Do you drink in order to feel more comfortable socializing? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Drink to Feel More Comfortable in Social Settings?

I drink in a social setting, but I don’t drink to be social.

I’ve done this on occasion.

Yes, I always need a little bit of alcohol to loosen me up.

I don’t drink.

Other — I'll explain

Dear Poll: Do You Give Good Advice?

DearSugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Giving good advice isn't an easy task sometimes. In order to be unbiased, one has to really listen and offer suggestions for what's best for the person in need, not what's best for you. Without realizing it, it's easy for listeners to turn situations back onto themselves as a way to make other people feel better, but that can come off as selfish or uninterested.

I have certain friends I go to for advice over and over again because they are fair. They understand my thought process and give me sound advice that I take to heart each and every time. While I enjoy giving my friends advice, I know playing therapist isn't easy for everyone so tell me, do you think you give good advice? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Give Good Advice?

Yes, I think I give great advice!

To be honest, I'm not the best advice giver. Sometimes I think too irrationally.

Other — Please explain below.

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Snooped?

DearSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Snooping is usually a pretty bad idea. Not only is it a violation of privacy, but it’s very rare that the snooper actually feels better after the misdeed. But still, many of us are prone to fits of curiosity and an open email account or unmanned cell phone can be too tempting. I’m not one to judge, so ladies, tell me, have you ever snooped? Source

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Snooped?

Yes, hasn’t everyone at one point or another?

I did, but it was totally called for!

I’ve been tempted, but never gone through with it.

Not me. It's a true invasion of privacy.

Other — Please share below.

Dear Poll: Who Do You Turn to First?

DearSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Since life isn't always wine and roses, we all need someone to turn to when the going gets tough. Sixty percent of you still turn to your mom, like me, but I'm sure a lot of you also turn to your significant other when you need comfort, support, or even just a voice of reason. Of course, our moms are irreplaceable, but when you're in a relationship that special someone can easily become your new go-to person during a time of crisis. I know it's a tough question and it depends on the circumstance, but generally speaking, who do you turn to first: your mom or your significant other? Source

Dear Poll: Who Do You Turn to First?

My Mom

My Significant Other

Other — Please explain below.

Which Movie Is the Biggest Tearjerker?

DearSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

The Movies That Make You Cry

DearSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

As it turns out, we're all a bunch of saps when it comes to just about anything emotional in a movie. But among the movies you mentioned, a few seemed to really stand out. So check out my compilation of the six movies that make you pull out the tissue box, and cast your vote to decide which is the absolute most likely to make your eyes red rimmed and your nose run. Source

Dear Poll: Sleeping in Separate Beds

DearSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

All relationships are different and things that work for some couples don't for others. Sleeping in separate beds is one of those things. Growing up, I never realized that my grandparents having separate bedrooms was out of the norm, but as an adult, I realize that they clearly just weren't compatible bedmates. Maybe one of them snored or hogged the bed. Whatever the reason, it worked for them; they were married for over 50 years! I personally think one of the best parts about a relationship is sleeping together. You have an instant bed warmer, someone to cuddle with throughout the night, and someone to wake up next to in the mornings. That's just me, so what about you? Would you ever consider sleeping in separate beds from your significant other? Source

Dear Poll: Sleeping in Separate Beds

Yes, I need my own space so I think separate beds is a genius idea!

No, I love to cuddle way too much for separate beds.

It depends on so many factors — I'll have to wait and see.

Other — Please share!

Dear Poll: Have You Been in a Long-Distance Relationship?

DearSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Long-distance relationships, or LDRs, seem to come up a lot around here. If you’ve been in one before, are currently in one now, or would never even consider one, it seems like everyone has some very specific feelings on the matter. I for one think long-distance relationships are very feasible, at least temporarily, but always challenging, too. With all the insight you ladies seem to have, I’ve never directly asked: Have you ever been in a long-distance relationship?Source

Dear Poll: Have You Been in a Long-Distance Relationship?

I have, and it ended up working out!

I’ve done it, but I’m no longer in it.

Yes, I’m currently in one right now!

No, I’ve never been in a LDR, but I would be for the right person.

I’d never even consider it!

Dear Poll: Is Bad Sex a Dealbreaker?

DearSugar — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Now, I know we don’t love to admit that we have dealbreakers, but some things just don’t work for everyone, especially those things that seriously impact a relationship like sex. Sex is a fundamental part of any relationship, and can both bring people together or pull them apart, which is why sexual compatibility is so important. But what happens if the person you care about doesn’t do it for you? I’m sure it depends on individual needs, but is bad sex a dealbreaker for you? Source

Dear Poll: Is Bad Sex a Dealbreaker?

Definitely, I need the sexual chemistry.

Only if there are other things that bother me, too.

No way. Sex is something you can work on.

Other — I'll explain.

Relationship Protocol: Who Is More of a Slob?

DearSugar — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

When you're in a relationship and either living together or spending significant amounts of time together, it's easy to get comfortable and revert to your single woman habits — bras on the doorknob, piles of clothes on your armchair, and excess hair in your bush. Of course the same thing goes with men — gym shorts on the bathroom floor and wet towels on the bed — but I think the notion that men are bigger slobs than women isn't always the case. In fact, most guys I know are complete neat freaks whereas I, admittedly, am not! So to all you coupled up women out there, be honest, who's more of slob, you or your significant other? Source

Relationship Protocol: Who Is More of a Slob?

He is!

I am!

We both are, unfortunately.

Neither one of us. We are both neat freaks.

Relationship Protocol: Do You Hide Purchases From Your Significant Other?

DearSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Even if you don't have joint bank accounts, certain couples still have quite an opinion as to where and how their significant other spends money. Generally speaking, women like to spend on material goods and even if they aren't shopping beyond their means, some men just don't understand the importance of a new pair of shoes or flattering new jeans. But what is a woman to do if that's the case? Well hide her purchases, of course! So to all you shopaholics out there, tell me, do you hide the evidence of your shopping sprees from your significant other?Source

Relationship Protocol: Do You Hide Purchases From Your Significant Other?

Yes, I throw away all the bags so he doesn't know I've been shopping. What he won't know won't hurt him!

It depends on what it is I bought!

No, we usually shop together so there's no need.

Other — Please share below.

Dear Poll: Do You Tend to Get Nostalgic?

DearSugar — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

I have about a dozen shoeboxes jammed in the farthest corners of my closet just stuffed to the brim with old letters, cards, ticket stubs, and other random things that carry serious sentimental value for me. Every time I move, I carefully pack up all these boxes and place them lovingly in my new closet, where they sit for the most part untouched. Every once in a while though, when I'm feeling down or just contemplative, I open up the boxes and let the nostalgic feeling wash over me — it's like a trip down memory lane!Now I know everyone collects things that matter to them over the years, but tell me, do you often find yourself longing for the past?Source

Dear Poll: Do You Tend to Get Nostalgic?

Yes, I'm often nostalgic.

There are some things in my past I long for, but I'm happy to be where I am now.

Not really. I like to keep my mind in the present.

Other — I'll explain.

Dear Poll: Do You Talk to People in Elevators?

DearSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

I'm not sure why, but it seems to be an unspoken rule to keep to yourself while in an elevator. It's always an awkward silence, especially when you're traveling 15 plus stories up or down, yet no one breaks the ice with a friendly hello, smile, or "have a nice day"! I'm guilty of this myself, but what about you? Do you ever talk to strangers in the elevator? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Talk to People in Elevators?

Yes, I at least say hello. I'm too uncomfortable with the awkward silence.

No, I just keep to myself.

It completely depends on the mood I'm in.

Other — Please explain.

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Awkward Telling Your Friends You Want Alone Time With Your Man?

DearSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Being in a new relationship can require a reorganization of your time. It doesn’t mean that you have to stop doing any of the things you used to do; you might just need to do a little more balancing, which means every once and a while you might have to disappoint your friends in an effort to spend some one-on-one time with your boyfriend. Unfortunately, even if our friends are supportive of our relationship, there still seems to be a stigma around “choosing” a man over the ladies. So do you ever feel uncomfortable telling your friends you need alone time with your boyfriend? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Awkward Telling Your Friends You Want Alone Time With Your Man?

No — It’s totally normal to want to be alone with your boyfriend.

Yes — I don’t want them to ever feel like I don’t value their friendship as much as my relationship.

It depends on the circumstances and the friends, but I have felt like this on occasion.

Other — Please share below.

Dear Poll: Do You Buy Clothes For Your Boyfriend?

DearSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

With most couples I know, the woman usually has a big say when it comes to the man's wardrobe. While this certainly isn’t true for everyone, it’s not surprising that many women in long-term relationships actually do most of the shopping for the man. Though I do know many men with serious fashion sense, I know even more guys who would gladly wear the same tennis shoes and worn out T-shirt for 20 years if they could. So do you buy clothes for your boyfriend or do you trust him to hit the stores solo? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Buy Clothes For Your Boyfriend?

Yea, but only as gifts.

Yes. I do the majority of his shopping.

I just make him go with me.

Nope. It’s his responsibility.

I would, but he likes to do it on his own.

Other — I'll explain.

Relationship Protocol: Who Puts Dinner on the Table?

DearSugar — Fri, 15 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Sexual stereotypes in relationships are still alive and kicking no matter how hard we try to fight them. Although it's getting more common for men to help with the housework, it's usually the women who end up picking up after their men. But when it comes to cooking, I think the playing field is a bit more even. My best friend, for instance, is a great cook so she's the one who's always in the kitchen, but another good friend of mine doesn't even know how to boil water! Luckily for her, her husband knows a thing or two about food, so he's the one who plays chef in their house. What about you? Who is the one that usually puts dinner on the table in your relationship? Source

Relationship Protocol: Who Puts Dinner on the Table?

Me, I do all the cooking!

He does. I don't know a thing about cooking!

We both cook, so we either take turns or cook together, which makes it fun.

Neither one of us cooks, so we eat out most of the time.

Other — Tell us below.

Dear Poll: Do You Play Wing Woman?

DearSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

On a recent adventure out into the bar scene with a friend, I had the delight of playing wing woman for the evening. And let me just say I was a success — she already has a second date lined up! But it made me realize just how much practice I have at playing that particular role in my friends' dating lives. In fact, sometimes it seems like I can’t go out without making an assist of some sort. So what about you? Are you like me? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Play Wing Woman?

I play wing woman all the time, too!

I only do it if the situation absolutely requires it or if my friend begs me.

No. I’m not into the whole wing-woman thing.

Other — I'll explain.

This or That: He Puts on Weight or You Do?

DearSugar — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

You and your boyfriend have been dating for over a year now, and while you both prided yourself on working out prior to your relationship, after changes at work, and a decrease in free time, life has gotten in the way of your usual routines. After months it’s finally showing. Would it be worse if . . . This: Your boyfriend’s packed on the pounds big time? He’s eating healthier, but he’s not enthusiastic about putting in the effort to actually lose the weight. Or . . .That: You’ve put on some weight in your mid-section, and though your boyfriend hasn’t said anything, you know he’s noticed? The worst part is that it's definitely your problem area, and it's going to be a huge pain to lose. Source

This or That: He Puts on Weight or You Do?

This — He’s a bit heavier than before.

That — You’ve put on a few pounds.

Dear Poll: Did You Lie About the Weight on Your Driver's License?

DearSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Whether we like it or not, body image plays a role in our life. In fact, weight problems can bring out cattiness among friends and reveal our deepest insecurities, which is why it’s not uncommon to learn that so many women lie about their weight on their driver’s license. I guess we feel better when the real number isn’t staring us in the face. So is the weight on your driver’s license what the scale says it is?Source

Dear Poll: Did You Lie About the Weight on Your Driver's License?

I admit it, I made the number less than what I actually weigh.

I didn’t lie about it at the time, but my body has since changed, so it’s no longer correct.

No, I just don’t care enough to lie!

Other — I'll explain.

True Confession — I'm Addicted to Chat Rooms!

DearSugar — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Weigh in and tell us if you forgive or not forgive this True Confession."I'm addicted to chat rooms. I know I should be ashamed of myself — after all, my hubby is more than loving — but the whole 'stranger' aspect is such a turn on! I'm not sure if this crosses the cheating line so tell me, is talking to other men over the Internet forgivable?"Source

True Confession — I'm Addicted to Chat Rooms!

Forgive?

Not Forgive?

Undecided — Please explain!

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Had a Rumor Spread About You?

DearSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Although it would be nice to think that the world of rumors and talking behind someone’s back is left in the halls of our high schools, I think we all know that’s just not the case. In fact, most workplaces are rife with gossip as are many circles of friends. That said, not all gossip is bad; some rumors are simply a matter of misinformation. Either way, they can hurt so tell me, have you ever had one spread about you?Source

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Had a Rumor Spread About You?

I have, and it was a very negative experience.

Yea, but it wasn’t a big deal.

Not that I know of!

Other — I'll explain.

Turn On or Turn Off? Stay-at-Home Dads

DearSugar — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

There's something incredibly sexy about a man that's good with kids. Perhaps that quality just pulls on my maternal heart strings, but I have a feeling I'm not alone on this one. Though they're not set in stone, many of the roles we play are dictated by society, and women being the ones who stay at home is one of them. But what about when the roles are reversed and Dad is the one who wants to stay at home with the kids while Mom focuses on her career? Of course every family dynamic is different, so tell me, are stay-at-home dads a turn on or a turn off?Source

Turn On or Turn Off? Stay-at-Home Dads

Turn On — There's nothing sexier than a man who's dedicated to his kids.

Turn Off — While being good with kids is sexy, I'm actually turned off by men who don't work.

Other — Please explain.

Dear Poll: Do You Follow the Three-Day Rule?

DearSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

When it comes to dating, I think it's fair to say we all follow our own quirky rules, but the three-day rule seems to be universal. I hear scenarios like this all the time: girl meets guy, guys wait a few days to call, but when he does, she sends him to voicemail and purposely waits another few days to call him back. Since many women complain that the guy took too long to call in the first place, why do we do the same thing right back? While I understand eagerness can be unattractive, waiting for the sake of playing the game seems equally silly. I'll admit that I've been guilty of this offense myself, but tell me, do you follow the three-day rule even though you hate it when he does?Source

Dear Poll: Do You Follow the Three-Day Rule?

It's a double standard because I get upset when guys do it, but yes, I follow the three-day rule.

No, why beat around the bush? I like to be forward from the get-go.

Other — Please explain.

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Down If You Don't Have Weekend Plans?

DearSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 15:00:00 -0700

My girlfriend just called to ask me what I was doing tonight and I excitedly said nothing! She couldn't have been more shocked and told me that if she didn't have plans on a Friday night, she'd automatically be depressed. Of course, she was exaggerating, but her reaction got me thinking. Truth be told, there have been times that I've gone out of my way to find a partner in crime to paint the town red with, but other times, the couch and a long bath is what takes precedent. Of course, it depends on my mood, but overall, tell me, do you feel blue if you don't have weekend night plans? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Down If You Don't Have Weekend Plans?

Yes, I do actually. I need a good night out to blow off steam from the work week.

No, I don't care either way.

It totally depends on the mood I'm in, but I usually don't have a hard time coercing a friend to go out with me!

Other — I'll explain.

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Had a Wedding Hookup?

DearSugar — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

For single guys and gals, weddings have a reputation for matchmaking — even if that match is sometimes for just one night. After all, you're surrounded by friends, love is in the air, and booze and bad dancing are plentiful. It's no wonder that for some wedding guests, the night ends with a little bit of making out or hooking up with a fellow wedding goer. Some couples even try to seat their single friends next to each other in hopes of making a connection. I've seen it work a few times so have you ever indulged in a wedding hookup?Source

Dear Poll: Have You Ever Had a Wedding Hookup?

Guilty! I've actually done it several times.

Sure, I've had a wedding hookup or two.

No, but it's not for lack of trying!

Sorry, I'm just not the wedding hookup type.

Other — Tell us below.

Dear Poll: Does PDA Make You Uncomfortable?

DearSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Even if you think PDA is a good idea, there's a time and a place for it. When you're the touchy-feely couple in question, chances are you're too smitten to even notice, but you could indeed be offending those around you. I, for one, am totally OK with witnessing a couple embrace or share a passionate kiss, but anything beyond that just makes me uncomfortable; like I shouldn't be looking! Sure, I could just turn away, but sometimes there's no where to run! I have a feeling we've all been there so how do you feel about PDA? Are you usually guilty of this crime, or does it make you feel awkward, too? Source

Dear Poll: Does PDA Make You Uncomfortable?

Yes, I feel extremely uncomfortable witnessing PDA. Get a room for crying out loud!

A little goes a long way. I'm OK with a kiss here and there, but full on making out is a big no-no.

No, I don't really mind it actually.

Other — Please share below.

Dear Poll: Are You Good at Apologizing?

DearSugar — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Pride is a stronger force in most people's lives than they recognize. Admitting when you’re wrong is an incredibly difficult thing to do, and it sometimes requires swallowing (or choking down) your pride, which is especially challenging if you're used to being right. But saying sorry is an incredibly noble act and you almost always end up on top if you're honest and own up to your mistakes. Of course knowing that doesn’t make it any easier so let’s be honest here, are you good at apologizing? Source

Dear Poll: Are You Good at Apologizing?

Yes, if I've made a mistake or hurt someone, I will always say sorry.

It’s not easy for me, but if I need to apologize I will.

No. I’m terrible with this. I have a hard time swallowing my pride.

Other — Please share below.

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Like an Adult?

DearSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

There was a time not long ago when it felt like the word "adult" shouldn't be applied to me but only used for real grown-ups like my parents. Then suddenly I woke up and realized that if I have all the responsibilities of an adult, I must actually be one, too! Truth be told, I may not be a kid anymore, but some days I don’t feel much like an adult either. What about you? Source

Dear Poll: Do You Feel Like an Adult?

Not only do I not feel like an adult, but I don’t consider myself one either.

Sure, I’m an adult by definition, but I don’t always feel like a grown-up.

I am an adult through and through!

Other — Please share below.

True Confession — Why Is He Still With Me?

DearSugar — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 07:00:00 -0700

Weigh in and tell us if you forgive this True Confession or not."I have no idea why my partner is still with me. He's more attractive than I am and I doubt I'm the only woman out there crazy enough to put up with him. He's going to realize this any day now. I know I shouldn't think so negatively about myself, but sometimes I can't help it. Do any of you ever feel the same way? Please say yes so I can forgive myself for having such low self-esteem!"Source

True Confession — Why Is He Still With Me?

Forgive?

Not forgive?

Undecided — Please explain!

Dear Poll: Are You a Pack Rat?

DearSugar — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

I decided to do a little Summer cleaning this weekend and I realized something about myself — I'm a pack rat! I have no idea why I was holding onto this stuff, but I finally gave away clothes I've had since high school, old receipts, even a few mix tapes! I guess I've always been too afraid to give anything away in case I'll want it months from now. Are you the same way? Do you tend to hold onto unnecessary clutter?
Source

Dear Poll: Are You a Pack Rat?

Yes, I'm a total pack rat, but it's only because I have the room to be.

No, I like to purge anything I don't really need. It makes me feel lighter.

Other — Please explain.

Dear Poll: Are You an Optimist or a Pessimist?

DearSugar — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 16:00:00 -0700

It's an eternal question and one of the most telling adjectives you can use to describe someone's personality. So tell me, are you a glass half full or a glass half empty kind of gal?Source

Dear Poll: Are You an Optimist or a Pessimist?

Optimist

Pessimist

Neither — I'm just a realist.

A little of both.

Other — tell us below