How Much Does Money Matter?

A recent story by columnist Michelle Singletary says that couples who argue about money once a week are 30 per cent more likely to get a divorce than couples who argue about money a few times a month.

This came from a study by Jeffrey Dew, a professor of family studies at Utah State University.

The columnist also recommends reading the "State of Our Unions'' report at www.virginia.edu/marriageproject.

She says that if you find a way to deal with financial issues that are keeping you apart, you'll have deeper intimacy -- emotionally and physically. And she says couples should have serious discussions about money before they get married.

I thought it would be interesting to get feedback from our readers on this issue. Is money an issue in your marriage? Do you fight about it much? Or are you on the same page on money issues?

Your thoughts?

FD

Cleavage

My last post on strapless dresses made me think that it would be interesting to discuss cleavage.

It seems to me that women tend to wear outfits that show a lot more cleavage than they used to -- even if they're at the grocery story.

So I thought it'd be interesting to ask our readers if they like to show cleavage or don't. Or are they self -conscious about showing it and what do they think when guys check them out or don't make eye contact because they're looking right at their chests? Are you flattered, annoyed or what?

And does your age affect your attitude? Were you more comforftable showing cleavage when you were younger. Or if you are young, what is your attitude?

And if you are well endowed -- or not -- does that affect your attitude about showing cleavage?

Your thoughts?

FD

Strapless Wedding Dresses

In today's Annie's Mailbox, there was a comment from a woman answering a wedding photographer who advises brides, especially well endowed ones, not to wear strapless dresses.

A woman replied, "I was a size 18 when I married and proudly wore a beautiful strapless gown. It all comes down to the fit. My dress was tailored beautifully and I wore the correct corset to support my cleavage. I agree that if you are not comfortable in a dress, it will come across in the pictures. So, ladies, choose a style that flatters your shape and makes you feel special.''

I can imagine everybody would agree with her second sentence. But what do you think about strapless wedding dresses -- and even strapless dresses in general -- and did you wear a strapless dress on your wedding day and do you like them on other brides?

Your thoughts?

FD

Flowers

I was buying a Valentine card at Walgreen's today and the woman at the counter was needling me and the guy in front of me for being last minute shoppers and asking if we were planning to get flowers.

I told her I was on the way to a flower shop. I often tell my guy friends that you can never go wrong with flowers. So I asked her what she was doing and she said she was being taken to the opera.

So I thought I'd ask our readers if you got flowers for Valentine's Day and if you like getting flowers and if you're doing anything special for the day like going out for dinner or a romantic getaway. I think that most women like flowers and wonder if the man in your life ever surprises you with flowers when it's not a special occasion just to show you he thinks you're special. Or are there any women out there who are not into flowers?

Your thoughts?

FD

Wearing High Heels

I was leaving a party last week and a young woman stumbled a bit in her high heels party shoes and eventually took them off and just walked barefoot in the street even though it was wet from rain.

Her date/boyfriend/husband (didn't check if she had a wedding ring) was playfully needling her about men would never wear such uncomfortable shoes and she said they were fine for a couple of hours.

So I thought it would be interesting to have a topic on high heels. Do you like wearing them because they make your legs look good? Do you not like them regardless and/or rarely wear them. And if you think you have nice legs, are you more likely to wear them? And if you do have nice legs, do you like to show them off.

Incidentally, at a press conference last week, Drew Brees' wife accepted an award for her husband and then sat on a stool with her dress hiked up all the way up her thighs. She has nice legs and obviously likes to show them off.

Anyway, thought it would be interesting to get some viewpoints on wearing high heels and showing off your legs.

Let us know what you think.

FD

Super Sunday

I saw some interesting replies to a survey from a dating service called It's Just Lunch about the Super Bowl.

It said that 74 per cent of men and 82 per cent of women would root against their date's team at a Super Bowl party.

And 67 per cent of single women and 70 per cent of single men would rather have lunch with Peyton Manning than Drew Brees.

And only 37 per cent of women and 46 per cent of men would invite a date to the game if they had tickets. They'd prefer to go with a best friend.

And 70 per cent of men and 68 per cent of women would accept a date to the game with someone they weren't crazy about.

And 17 women would ask their date to be quiet so they could focus on the game but only 9 per cent of the men would do the same.

I'm curious the reaction to these answers. And do you normally watch football and if not, will you watch the Super Bowl just because it's an event or ignore it? And will you attend or throw a Super Bowl party?

I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts on Super Sunday.

FD

Addicted to Stress?

There's a new book out called "Addicted to Stress'' that has the theory that women tend to have more problems dealing with stress than men. It says the husband is often asleep the minute his head hits the pillow while the wife is laying awake dealing with all kinds of things running through her head.

I'm curious what our bloggers think about this? Do you think it's true?d How do you do dealing with stress?

Your thoughts?

FD