DEAR ADVICE DIVA:

My girlfriend is convinced that I have it in for her just because I make a few comments here and there about beautiful famous women like Jessica Simpson or Carmen Electra.

I figure that they are safe because they are on TV and in magazines, not at my office. How do I get her to stop being jealous?

— Jason

DEAR JASON:

With all respect, the real question is: How do we get you to start being more considerate?

Yes, there are plenty of men and women that see nothing wrong with being vocal about the physical attributes of others in front of their romantic partners, but the Advice Diva is not one of them. And, apparently, neither is your girlfriend so, for the sake of your relationship, zip thy lip.

FIRST DATE

Turn-ons:

1. He possesses the basic going-out skills, including being able to calculate a tip without acting like it's an extremely difficult task, and paying the check without any fuss.

2. He chooses an interesting restaurant or event in town to go to. Picking a chain restaurant shows a lack of imagination. Movies aren't good for first dates, either, since we won't be able to talk and get to know each other.

3. He lets me know he really likes me at the end of the night with a nice good-night kiss.

Turn-offs:

1. Roaming hands, the tongue or a weak handshake.

2. When you ask him if he has children and he responds with, "Not that I know of."

Ugh.

When you ask him if he wants children — and he's 38 or older — and he says, "I don't know." It shows a lack of self-knowledge and realism.

3. He displays rude behavior to wait staff, valets, ticket takers or other drivers.

—Laura F., Portland, Ore.



The Advice Diva welcomes your questions — particularly the more amusing ones. Reach her at advicediva@herald .com.