Cosmopolitan articles from August 2003

Cosmopolitan archives from August 2003

Get a fun and fabulous daily dose of Cosmo by clicking on cosmopolitan.com.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... The Modern Girl's Guide to Life Cosmo contributor Jane Buckingham hosts a new TV show, The Modern Girl's Guide to Life, on the Style Network. And now you can visit the Experts section of our site to ask her for advice on making your days...

Alluring Angelina. (The Cosmo Cover Look).(Angelina Jolie)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... COVER-STAR STATS Name: Angelina Jolie Age: 28 Hometown: Los Angeles Current homes: London and Cambodia Lip shtick: "I use Blistex, but because my mouth is naturally red, I also subdue the color with a nude lipstick. I...

Be hot and healthy.(Cosmopolitan teams with The Society for Women's Health Research)(Editorial)
August 1, 2003... * August, as you know by now, is Cosmo's annual Hot Issue, and this edition is almost too sizzling to touch. Pop it into your tote bag for a day at the pool or beach, and that way, you can cool off with a splash of water after reading articles...

This month's fun fearless females: the reasons these Cosmo readers live up to the title.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Arnetta Yardbourgh, 31 Small business owner Sugar Land, Texas Fearless factor: An old article in Cosmo about getting along with college roommates gave me the idea for a line of greeting cards that would help roomies communicate...

Pickup prop. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... "On a recent vacation, your magazine was the icebreaker that let me and my friends hang out with the coolest, most beautiful women around. Little did we know when we said hello that soon we'd all be in the pool together, huddled around a...

Bride's bible. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... "The Cosmo Bride issue (June) was incredible! All the info you gave has really helped me out. I recently got engaged and was looking for something special like this. Only Cosmo knows how to do it right. I trust you with my style and beauty; now...

Brittany debate. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... "I love your magazine! And I must say that you did a particularly fantab job on the June issue of Cosmo. The article about Brittany Murphy was so refreshing to read. It's nice that, unlike some magazines, you guys actually do interviews. Keep...

What a girl wants. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... "I just read 'How to Tell Him What You Need in Bed' (June), and I'm gonna use every word of it. I'm sure it'll work as well as all of your past sex advice has." Do you have a comment for any of the departments in Cosmo? E-mail us at...

Guy test-drive: one man mouths off about June's issue of Cosmo. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
August 1, 2003... "I appreciate how Cosmo encourages women to take the sexual reins--like the 'Break the Rules' section of 'Add Oomph to Newlywed Nooky.' It's very cool when a girl wants to get down and she goes after it. I also liked 'Calm His New-Couple...

Web poll. (You Tell Us).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... June's "Women Who Pursue Sex With No Strings" explained why some gals go after guys for one thing only. Then we asked: Do you ever bed boys just for the fun of it? 67% do. "I won't deprive myself just because I don't have a...

Cosmo readers share their most shocking stories and steamiest secrets. (Cosmo Confessions).
August 1, 2003... lost cause "A few months after I had gone through the 'it's not you, it's me' breakup with Alex, I found out that the real reason he ended things was be cause he had been cheating on me during most of our relationship. He was now engaged...

Men admit to their dirtiest deeds and most shameless scams ever. (Guy Confession).
August 1, 2003... full frontal fixation "I arrived early for my blind date at a Greek restaurant, so I had a few drinks. After a while, I had to use the bathroom, but I couldn't tell which was the men's room because the signs were written in Greek. I went...

The making of a hottie. (stargazing).(Adrien Brody)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Since winning a Best Actor Oscar, Adrien Brody has transformed from ho-hum to yum-yum. Maybe his new fashionista buddy Nicole Kidman has inspired him to take on a sexier style--newly tousled hair and designer suits. Too bad he's off the...

Demi's body of work? (stargazing).(Demi Moore gets smaller breast implants)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... It's been reported that stunner Demi Moore has downsized her chest by getting smaller breast implants. (Guess that means a sequel to her infamous movie Striptease isn't in the cards.) The star has yet to confirm or deny the claim, leaving you...

Q: Lately, Nicole Kidman seems to be at every party and event. Isn't she supposed to be all about hanging out with her kids? (Cosmo informer).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Q: Lately, Nicole Kidman seems to be at every party and event. Isn't she supposed to be all about hanging out with her kids? A: Nicole's picture was splashed all over magazines last winter because she was out promoting The Hours and...

Matt Damon's mystery girlfriend. (celebs in love).(Odessa Whitmire)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Little has been revealed about the ordinary chick Matt's been dating for almost two years. Until now. Name: Odessa Whitmire Age: 28 Hometown: Asheville, North Carolina Occupation: Vintage-clothing boutique owner At the...

V is for Vixen: how low can you go? With the help of some double-sided tape, as far down as you want! These seven celebs willingly took the plunge. (what hollywood's wearing).
August 1, 2003... Oh, golly, Miss Molly! Molly Sims is striking in her belted halter style. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Courteney Cox Arquette often opts for black--but her dresses are never basic. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Milla Jovovich upstages the...

Party page. (informer).
August 1, 2003... Gisele is partying (with P. Diddy) at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, but there's no sign of her Leonardo. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Looks like costars Elisha Cuthbert and Sarah Wynter literally hang out 24 hours a day. [ILLUSTRATION...

Come skinny dipping! (Man Manual).
August 1, 2003... Need some relief from the heat? You won't find it here. A bunch of buff babes stripped down for us--by the pool, Jacuzzi-side, and in the ocean. Warning: You'll have to plant yourself under Niagara Falls to cool off. NICHOLAS, 21 ...

Decode his vacation style: you can tell tons about a stud based on his holiday of choice. These getaways hold giveaway clues about your man. (guy spy).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... * The road warrior. If he's mapping out a cross-country car trek, he's a hands-on hunk who craves control. This trip lets him take detours, so he's probably spontaneous. But if you're a material girl, a union with this low-maintenance man might...

If we ring you out of the blue, it's not always a booty call. (the secret he wants to spill).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... So you went on a date with a guy and then didn't hear from him again. When he dials your digits weeks later, you might assume he has less than innocent intentions. True--if your phone rings at 3 A.M., Bozo has been pulling an all-nighter with...

Men this minute. (guy spy).(workplace dating)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Cupid is losing his aim in cubicle land. Only 45% of guys would date a coworker, down 14% in the past 10 years. Blue-collar babes are more likely to mix business with pleasure. SOURCE: AJILON FINANCE AND OPINION RESEARCH

Fearless moves he's wild for: wow your guy with these confident, take-no-crap maneuvers. (his point of view).
August 1, 2003... If you ask a dude what type of chick blows his mind, he's unlikely to say the mousy, timid variety. But a bold babe--now that's sexy. Women who ooze self-assurance are more challenging and exciting in and out of the bedroom. Plus, they aren't...

"Her bold move blew me away." (guys speak out).(men comment on female attitudes and daring)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... "This girl I dated had a fear of water, but she tried surfing because she wanted to take an active part in my interests. That was very brave and very cool."--Dan Park "One day, my girl came over dressed in her college cheerleader outfit...

Guy without his shirt: check out this month's half-naked hunk. (Man Manual).
August 1, 2003... Name: Gerad Albers Age: 26 Height: 6 feet Weight: 170 pounds Sign: Aries Hometown: Minneapolis Favorite thing: "I love reading, especially when I can learn something from it and expand my mind."

Would you get a boob job for your boyfriend? Readers weigh in on whether going larger for a guy is a gutsy move or a major misstep. (Dating And Relating Debate).
August 1, 2003... * Almost a quarter of a million women bolstered their bust size last year, making breast augmentation the top procedure among 19- to 34-year-olds, according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Celebs such as Carmen Electra,...

Bite off more than you can chew: thirty-two-year-old Samantha Power dared to tackle a global issue and was awarded a Pulitzer prize. She explains to deputy editor Ruth Davis how she rose to such a challenge. (On My Mind).(Interview)
August 1, 2003... * As a little girl, Samantha Power dreamed of becoming a sportscaster, not a human-rights activist. But then one day when she was 18, she saw footage of Chinese student demonstrators being crushed by tanks in Tiananmen Square, and ever since...

Breast case scenario. (Ask Cosmo Anything).(reader shares about her boyfriend's obsession with her breasts)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... My boyfriend is obsessed with my large breasts. He's always grabbing them or sticking his face in my cleavage. He even gropes me when we're out in public. I've told him to stop, but he keeps doing it. How do I wean him off? Strictly...

Loose-lipped lover. (Ask Cosmo Anything).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... My boyfriend and I are into very kinky sexual stuff, which I always thought was our little secret. But recently, I walked into a party and heard my guy with a group of his friends making fun of our freaky sex life and laughing at me. When I...

Talking heads. (Guy Question).(reader shares that he finds comfort in talking to his penis)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... I'm a well-educated, mentally stable, fairly good-looking guy, but I talk to my penis all the time. I'll tell it my problems if I'm home alone, and before I have sex, I always give it a little pep talk. I know it sounds strange, but for some...

Beyond-disturbing download. (Ask Cosmo Anything).(reader finds child pornography on boyfriend's computer)
August 1, 2003... My boyfriend and I have been together for two years and have talked about getting married. But the other day, I was searching through the songs on his computer and found tons of porn. This wouldn't strike me as strange, except that he had about...

A hairy situation. (Guy Question).(reader share his obession)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... I get really turned on by shaving women's private parts and have done it with every girlfriend I've had. I'm really careful with them, so they usually don't mind. But my current girlfriend recently told me she's getting annoyed with my...

What a Cosmo girl needs in August.(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... * Girlie bows: Sweet and feminine are totally in right now, and you can give any outfit that effect by adding some sort of bow--whether it's a bow-bedecked shoe, a ribbon belt, or a silk scarf you tie around your wrist or the handle of your...

For the babe on a budget. (Style Steals).(clothing and accessories)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... We love the sexy rock-'n'-roll edge of these metal-embellished black pieces, and it's a look you can snag now and wear all through fall. $89 Leather zip-front miniskirt, Bebe, bebe.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] $39 ...

The coolest cover-ups. (What To Buy Now).(summer jackets for women)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A lightweight jacket with hip motorcycle or military styling can stave off summer-night nip and still look fresh when the season changes. Denim motorcycle jacket, DKNY Jeans Juniors, $89, 800-777-4524 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

The new to-die-for denim styles. (Denim Report).(women's blue jeans)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... We asked hip chicks who work in three of the country's first-stop jeans shops to tell us why these hot pieces are flying off their racks. Pure blue vest, $75 "This vest is really flattering because it's slim-fitting and shaped. It looks...

The best blues for your bod. (Denim Report).(blue jeans)
August 1, 2003... boyish bods To create curves, look for: * Jeans with pockets sewn higher on the butt. They'll make you look more bootylicious. * Stretch material, which accentuates curves. * Jeans that are fitted through the thigh and flared...

Score J.Lo's hot pastel effect. (Beauty Buzz).(duplicating Jennifer Lopez's eyeshadow style)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... When you're sporting a sherbet-shaded outfit this summer, go for matching eye shadow. "This double pastel effect is perfect for summer," says L.A. and NYC makeup artist Scott Barnes. Here's how he created J.Lo's lid look: * First, he swept...

Beat under-eye bags. (Rachel's Tip Of The Month).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Whether my eyes are puffy from a late night or I'm just overheated and, as a result, totally swollen, my trustiest tool for beating under-eye bags is an eye patch with fast-acting depuffing ingredients like marine extracts and ginseng. Store...

Beauty bloopers fixed. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Solve common screwups with these pro pointers. THE GOOF THE CURE You wanted to be a faux- Swipe cotton ball doused with a glow goddes, but you're a glycolic acid toner over your stained blotchy...

Trendy August toe polish tint. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... It's prime time to show off a fiery orange pedi polish, which looks best when you're a bit bronzed. Our foxy favorites: N.Y.C. Nail Enamel in Times Square Tangerine Creme, $.99, and OPI Nail Lacquer in Nice Hand... Great Nails, $7.50.

Red lips are right now. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Lately we've noticed a slew of celebs sporting sexy red lips, but not all of their scarlet smackers are the same. "Different types of red create very different moods," says NYC makeup pro Paul Starr. For example, he made Renee look chic and...

Make him smell (subtly) delicious. (Beauty Buzz).(men's fragrances)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A guy's scent can drive us crazy, but when your dude overdoses on cologne, it can make you dizzy, and not with desire. It's also a bummer if he refuses to wear a fragrance at all. Solve either dilemma by gifting him with one of these groomers,...

3 ways to stop summer greasies. (Beauty Buzz).(produts to keep facial skin from getting shiny)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Despite your best skin-perfecting efforts, the sweltering heat can still make your skin look like an oil slick. "When sebum mixes with sweat it forms a layer of slime that makes your face feel greasier than it really is," says Ellen Lange, an...

Discourage a coif copycat. (Cosmo Hair).(hairstyling tips)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... It's flattering, yes, but also very annoying when a friend mimics your mane. Regain your uniqueness with one of these easy style-changing strategies from Carla Gentile, owner of Steam Salon in West Hollywood, California. * Cut bangs or...

The perfect product for you. (Cosmo Hair).(hairstyle finishers)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A carefully crafted do can be ruined by choosing the wrong finisher. "The styler you use can make or break your look," says Jason Low, stylist at Jonathan A Beauty Shop in L.A., who gives the scoop on choosing the best final touches. ...

Is your accessory damaging yor tresses? (Cosmo Hair).(hair clips and plastic bands)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Here are two quick tests we cribbed from The Hair Bible, by Susan Craig Scott, M.D., that assess whether your accessories are safe enough for your strands. * Slip your hair elastic around your wrist. If it pulls on your skin, it will do the...

The latest models the hottest looks: sexy, confident, driven!(Advertisement)
August 1, 2003... Here they are, the four Cosmo Cover Model Search finalists--and the four hot Dodge models that match their going-places styles. Find out more about these fast-lane females here and on the following pages. And don't forget to check out the cars!...

How to ... skip a shampoo. (Cosmo Hair).(hairstyles and hair care products)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... It's easy to get lazy with your strands on summer mornings, so we devised some no-suds-necessary styling solutions. * Try the new sprays that instantly cleanse, condition, and break down product buildup. We like KMS Turnstylr Cleansing...

Tress tinting timeline. (Cosmo Hair).(hair dyeing)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... A new hair hue can make you look and feel foxy, but if you do it too soon after other chemical treatments, you may end up with strands that look spent. "Hair needs time between treatments to recover and regain its natural oils," says Carmine...

Supersize your strands. (Cosmo Hair).(how to tease your hair like a pro)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... You can give your locks seriously sexy lift by learning to tease like a pro. STEP 1 First, grab a two-inch section at your hairline and hold it up straight with one hand, then hold a plastic comb in your other hand about three inches...

Shampoo shakedown. (Beauty Q&A).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Many shampoos claim to add volume or moisture. But once you rinse and use stylers, does the shampoo matter? We understand your skepticism, but the ingredients meant to boost body and moisture don't just go down the drain. Volumizing...

Thin-lip tips. (Beauty Q&A).(cosmetics to enhance lip size)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... What can I do to make my lips look fuller?. A nude lip liner can be a magic wand when you want to make your mouth look more luscious. "Lightly line your mouth with it, then use your finger to push the liner gently over your natural lip line...

Wrinkly chest rx. (Beauty Q&A).(caring for sun damaged skin)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... After one too many sunburns, I have fine lines on my decolletage. What can I do to get rid of them? The skin on your chest and neck is thin and delicate, so it can be easily damaged by the sun, even through the fabric of lightweight...

Couple conundrum. (Beauty Q&A).(shaving products that help men achieve smooth faces)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... My man always has a stubbly five o'clock shadow. How can he lose it? If your guy's grill is giving you cheek burn, tell him to try these shaving strategies from Will King, founder of the United Kingdom--based company King of Shaves. ...

Tone up by tonight. (Buff).
August 1, 2003... You've got a hot date at eight and you're feeling less than body-confident. Luckily, these moves, done four hours ahead of time, will increase blood flow to your muscles to give them extra definition before sundown. 1. PILATES PUSH-UP ...

Savor the sensuality of summer. (Pleasures).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Milk the sexiest season of the year before it's going, going, gone. Start by indulging in these soothing, sultry suggestions. SENSUAL TIP 1 Have the most blissful sleep possible. Catch your zzz's in a colored mesh ...

Pre-sundown playtime: don't let the golden hours go to waste. (quick lift).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... August is the prime month to play during the last hours of the day and bask in the flattering predusk sunlight that beams down between 5 and 7 P.M. Not only is predinner weather perfectly warm, maximizing these precious hours, but it also has...

A better brew: feel-good herbal drinks you can whip up in a flash. (quick lift).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Iced tea is the perfect cooldown when you want to relax, but a few glasses of the caffeine-loaded kind can make you dehydrated and Jittery. The chill alternative, says Ray Sahelian, M.D., author of Mind Boosters, Is herbal iced tea (decaf...

Hiccup hell: tips on handling this booze bummer. (bad-girl rehab).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Nothing screams "lush" more than a case of party hiccups. The cause of this happy-hour hazard: "Alcohol decreases your brain's control of your diaphragm, which then contacts involuntarily," explains Roshini Rajapaksa, a gastroenterologist at...

"After sex, he passes out while I lie wide awake. Why does that happen?" (his & hers).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... "It's a misconception that sex always leads to peaceful slumber," says Amy Blanchard, M.D., director of the Georgia Sleep Center in Augusta. "For some, it has the opposite effect, since lovemaking raises your heart rate, blood pressure, and...

A bad bra is a health hazard. (Breast Check).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Experts estimate that as many as 8 out to 10 women wear the wrong-size bra, which can cause many physical problems. A too-snug bra can pinch nerves, causing headaches and neck and back pain. One that's too loose can worsen PMS soreness and may...

Yeast infection imposters. (Cosmo Gyno).(other common vaginal infections)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Don't just assume an itch down below is a yeast infection. Here are three other common culprits and how to recognize them. YEAST TIP-OFF THAT HOW TO IMPOSTER IT'S NOT YEAST TAME IT ...

"My period is more regular since I met my guy. Is there a link?" (Cosmo Gyno).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Research suggests there is a connection, says Winnifred Cutler, Ph.D., a reproductive biologist and president of the Athena Institute for Women's Wellness in Chester Springs, Pennsylvania. Cutler and her colleagues conducted studies that...

Pregnancy test report: which kits work best ... and which fail. (Cosmo Gyno).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Not all pregnancy tests are created equal. For a recent Consumer Reports investigation, researchers tested 18 different brands and revealed that the most reliable one was first Response Early Result, followed by Answer and Clearblue Easy....

Your guide to looking so pro: minimoves that speak volumes. (Trick of the month).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Get signature style. Pick a fashion accent that adds flair to your wardrobe, like a colorful leather tote or tasteful jewelry. "Having a hip accessory as part of your perma-look is a good way to appear polished," says Allison Hemming, author of...

"My boss runs hot and cold. How do I deal?" (Your Work Life).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Working with a moody manager is tough but not impossible. "By adjusting your habits, you can create a more sane environment," says Susan Murphy, Ph.D., coauthor of In the Company of Women. Don't try to bond with your boss when she's being...

"I went off on my crazy coworker": these poor women were pushed way beyond their breaking point. (Your Work Life).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... * "I had a coworker who would stand by my desk, listening to my phone calls. One day, he was lingering in my cube and I couldn't take it anymore, so I yelled, 'Are you blind? Can't you see I'm on the phone?' He turned bright red and...

"I have to ask him to do it three times." (spat of the month).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... "Guys are really sensitive to feeling nagged or ordered around," explains Alon Gratch, Ph.D., author of If Men Could Talk. "If he thinks this is happening, he'll just tune out your words." Make it clear you're not commanding him by first using...

Revisit past passion. (blow-his-mind tip).(kindling romance)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Put your dude in the mood without laying a finger on him. When you two are separated by work, school, or different aisles of the grocery store, send him a short e-mail or text message reading, "I was just thinking about that night we...." "Then...

How to ... bring out his romantic side: if your man's idea of romance is sharing a six-pack by the glow of ESPN, our suggestions can tap into his inner mush ball. (The Love Page).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... * Give him the right idea. Show him that the small stuff--holding your hand or eating by candlelight--makes you swoon, says Sam Martin, author of How to Mow the Lawn; The Lost Art of Being a man. Initiate the amourous action yourself, then say...

How he made our first-time sex amazing: initial erotic encounters can be awkward, but thanks to some supersweet studs, these chicks had a night they'll never forget. (Heart Copy).
August 1, 2003... "My boyfriend Sean and I waited months before we actually did the deed. I had been burned in the past and wanted to take my time. When his band got a record deal, the label arranged to fly them out to Los Angeles for a few months. The night...

... Compliment your beau in bed. (Why Don't You ...).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Personalized praise will make him feel like the Boudoir Baron. Helen Gurley Brown, legendary former Cosmo editor-in-chief and author of the recently republished Sex and the Single Girl (the book that made her a household name in the '60s),...

... Make him notice your nape. (Why Don't You ...).(upsweep hairstyle)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Steamy temperatures needn't necessitate a perpetual ponytail. Mark Marques, master stylist and owner of New York City salon The Beach, offers the ultimate sassy upsweep. Equally divide your hair into two sections at the base or middle of your...

... Visualize your success. (Why Don't You ...).(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... On your next jog, picture those stubborn five pounds melting off you. Or before a job interview, mentally see the HR rep making you a lucrative offer. "Positive thoughts activate endorphins, natural feel-good chemicals in the brain, making you...

... Summerize your guy. (Why Don't You ...).(summer clothing style for men)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Since he's on your arm, his style reflects on yours, so get that boy into something presentable pronto. The hot ticket this summer that'll keep your cube cool and stylish, says Sunny Diego, men's fashion director at Saks Fifth Avenue: an...

... Shake it J.Lo-style. (Why Don't You ...).(dance move inspired by Jeniffer Lopez)(Brief Article)
August 1, 2003... Hit the dance floor with this Lopez-inspired move from Giselle Roque de Escobar, star of Crunch: Cardio Salsa video. With your feet together, loosely lift your arms with elbows bent so your palms are facing forward, Step with your right leg to...

The words he's dying to hear: you know how flattery from a man makes you feel like a million bucks? We tell you how to offer your honey that same high. (Manhandling).
August 1, 2003... Admit it: It's damn nice when your guy tells you how sexy your legs look in that new mini or that you're funnier than Ashton Kutcher on Punk'd. Now ask yourself this: How often do you return the favor? If the answer is hardly ever, don't freak....

Better sex in a bottle? Women everywhere are experimenting with products that supposedly give mattress action a major boost. Here, Cosmo explores this randy trend. (Bedroom Breakthrough).
August 1, 2003... * You've probably heard about guys who treat Viagra like carnal candy--they don't need the get-stiff-quick drug, they just pop it to give sex extra oomph. And though there's no equivalent prescription drug for females, there are a ton of...

Hangovers you've never heard of: booze isn't the only indulgence that can come back to haunt you. We've ID'd four other habits that can hurt--and share remedies for when you've overdone it. (Get-A-Grip Guide).
August 1, 2003... * Overdosing on margaritas undeniably sucks, but did you know that other behavior can have just as hellish after effects? "When you subject yourself to any kind of excess or intensity, you'll probably feel it later," says Robin Dee Post, Ph.D.,...

The times you're most at risk for date rape: find out why you're more vulnerable to assaults come summer--and the new trick predators are using. (Warning To Women).
August 1, 2003... When Tara *, 19, landed a gig waitressing two summers ago she was psyched. A cool 28-year-old bartender regularly gave her afterwork drinks even though she was underage. One night, the two of them got tanked and he offered to walk her home. "A...

Find out if he's worthy of your love: you and your new guy have chemistry, but you want to be smart with your heart. Our strategies can help suss out his relationship staying power. (Love Life).
August 1, 2003... * Here's the thing about guys: They can chill with you for an indefinite amount of time as long ,as they're having tun. But does that mean they're thinking about the long haul? Hardly. So before you fall head over heels, you need to take off...

20 things a Cosmo girl's gotta ditch: bust out the trash bags, call your therapist. This mind- and space-sucking stuff has got to go. Once it does, life's gonna be streamlined and superfab. (The Cosmo List).
August 1, 2003... Look, does a Cosmo girl really have time to weep over her jerky ex's love letters, bemoan her lack of a teeny Calista Flockhart butt, or hell, even keep those once beloved fashion pieces that are now (face it) has-beens? Big fat no. You need to...

"My roomie caught me midbooty": these horrifying but hysterical stories of chicks who got busted banging the headboard make you so paranoid that you'll vow to live alone. (Jaw Droppers).
August 1, 2003... In a perfect world, room mates would be there only when you needed them--like when the rent is due or when you want a shoulder to cry on because you've had a blowout with your beau--but the rest of the time, they'd make themselves scarce....