Cosmopolitan articles from February 2003

Cosmopolitan archives from February 2003

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February 1, 2003... Fun Fearless Female Awards Read about Sandra Bullock, 12 other winning women, and one fun fearless guy who blow us away with their talent, success, and charisma on page 147. Then go to cosmopolitan.com to cheek out more pics of this year's...

Sizzling Sandra. (The Cosmo Cover Look).(Sandra Bullock)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... COVER-STAR STATS Name: Sandra Bullock Age: 38 Hometown: Arlington, Virginia Current homes: New York City; Austin, Texas; and Los Angeles Cover-shoot essentials: Chewing gum and music by Prince and Sheryl Crow Style...

Cosmo's new crime writer. (From The Editor).(Editorial)
February 1, 2003... * Each month, we bring you a special feature called The Cosmo Report, an in-depth, hard-hitting article on news that relates to your life. Many of the reports that cover rape and assaults on women include insights from Linda Fairstein,...

A model pair: Cosmo and ET. (From The Editor).
February 1, 2003... Last month, we announced Cosmo's Cover Model Search, which Cosmo readers could enter for a shot at landing a fall cover. While the 25 semifinalists won't be revealed until our April issue, Cosmo has teamed with up Entertainment Tonight so that...

This month's fun fearless females: the reasons these Cosmo readers live up to the title.(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Audrey Sebastian, 33 Painter, Chicago Fearless factor: I am following my dream of making a full-time living as a painter, despite the fact that everyone said it would be impossible. Not that it's easy--most artists have to take on an...

Adoptees react. (You Tell Us).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... "I read with interest your December article about the two young women who found their birth mothers (`I Finally Found My Birth Mother'). I had been searching for mine for years. She died in 1989, but I recently found her family with the help of...

Lust lessons for him. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... "I love the way Cosmo gives me insight into what my sweetie thinks, feels, and needs. The pull-out section just for us guys in the December issue (`How to Satisfy a Woman Every Time') was a real treasure. Now I have a reference book to all of...

Baby backlash. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... "As a mother, I found December's `When Your Friends Have Babies' to be way off base and completely biased. You had all these sob stories of `poor' women whose friends had children and how awful it was for them. Those women never considered how...

Not-so-hard times. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... "Thanks for December's piece on erectile dysfunction, `I Couldn't Perform in Bed.' I've been with a few men who have this problem. I've started to think it's my fault. I'm not super-aggressive, so I can't figure out what the deal is. My best...

Victims fight back. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... "I am so honored that I was able to share my story in December's article about rape kits (`The Reason Rapists Are Going Free'). I know some victims think that having a rape kit done will compound the feeling of being violated, but the benefits...

Web poll. (You Tell Us).(Do most guys need sex advice)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... In December's "How to Satisfy a Woman Every Time," we offered our first-ever sex advice for men. Then we asked you: Do most guys need some tutelage? 88% yes. "I've never met a man who knew just what to do."--Andrea Thomas, Ottawa,...

Guy test-drive: one man mouths off about December's issue of Cosmo. (You Tell Us).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... "`The Secrets He's Already Discovered' mentioned girls who pretend they don't eat. I know women who do this, but I like a girl who eats--especially when I take her to a good restaurant. `The Relationship Games You Should Play' made some valid...

Cosmo readers share their most shocking stories and steamiest secrets. (Cosmo Confessions).
February 1, 2003... lust lessons "Last summer, I was taking driving lessons, and my instructor was really hot. We got along well, and it became clear that he was digging me as much as I was digging him. On the day I took my test, he waited for me outside the...

Confession of the month. (Cosmo Confessions).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... "I was in a clothing store trying on an expensive dress when my ex, Jason, walked in with a girl. In a panic, I left the store with the dress still on so I wouldn't have to face him. I was too embarrassed to bring it back, so I ended up keeping...

Men admit to their dirtiest deeds and most shameless scams ever. (Guy Confessions).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... undercover cop a feel "My best friend has a cabin in the mountains, and one weekend, we went there with his sister, Janet. I always thought Janet was a hottie, but I knew it was taboo to make a move. After a few drinks though, I was...

Good guy or good-for-nothing? (Guy Confessions).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... "When I found out my ex was dating my best friend, I was furious. They had the nerve to invite me to dinner, so I brought my friend's former girlfriend and we spent the entire night sucking face in front of them."--Trent, 23 heinous 23%...

Celeb fashion flubs. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).
February 1, 2003... You logged on to our Web site to cast your vote on these disastrously dressed stars. (What were they thinking?) Check out how your ranked their heinous wardrobe fouls. 1 Worst Dressed DARYL HANNAH [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 HELENA...

Not so grand entrances. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Etiquette experts Kim Izzo and Ceri Marsh, coauthors of The Fabulous Girl's Guide to Decorum, critique how well these chauffeured celebs climb out of their cars. "If Courtney Love had gotten out before handing off her purse, she would have...

Brief encounters: guys in Hollywood are hopping on the low-rise Skivvies-bearing trend. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).
February 1, 2003... BEN AFFLECK to afford J.Lo's pink diamond ring, Ben's gotta buy his undies at Old Navy. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LEONARDO DICAPRIO Kept awake wondering if Leo prefers boxers or briefs? Sweet dreams. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Behind-the-scenes movie scoop. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(Book Review)
February 1, 2003... Remember when Richard Gere playfully snapped a necklace box on Julia Roberts' fingers in Pretty Woman and she shrieked? Well, get this: That famous scene wasn't in the script--Richard did it on the sly. Another backstage tidbit: Mariah Carey...

Scratch that. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).
February 1, 2003... These celebs were caught scratching their booties instead of shaking them. Match the star with her backside blooper. 1 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 3 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] a. Madonna b. Pamela Anderson c....

Dude looks like a lady: (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).
February 1, 2003... These guys are so secure in their studliness, they're not shy about showing their feminine sides. HEADBAND If David Beckham's hair gets any longer, he'll be sporting a scrunchie. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PURSE Not only...

Cosmo's cover model search. (Cosmo informer: scintillating and surprising scoop on your favorite celebs).(Entertainment Tonight coverage)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... If you're clamoring to hear the blow-by-blow progress of our Cover Model Search (and we know you are!), you're in luck. Entertainment Tonight will bring you all the exclusive coverage--from announcing the 25 sure-to-be-psyched semifinalists to...

Guys' baffling phone behavior--explained: if like every chick under the sun you've ever wondered why a guy doesn't call after a date or how long you should wait before returning his call, listen in. We clear up the male telecommunication confusion--once and for all. (Man Manual).(Illustration)
February 1, 2003... * Plenty of women have always thought guys are genetically programmed to despise talking on the phone, and there's a good reason--for years, that theory rang true. "Perhaps men haven't chosen landline phones as their preferred mode of...

Subtle signs he digs you: a man's actions--even if they're subconscious--often speak louder than his words. That babe is interested if he ... (Man manual: guy spy).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... ... fondles his face. When a man is feelin' you, his nervous system makes him fidgety. He'll stroke his Adam's apple or gently rub his lips. These touchy-feely gestures mean he's a bit unsure and needs encouragement. ... gives you the warm...

We just pretend to loathe romantic comedies. (the secret he wants to spill).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Movies that blow their budgets on car chases are our first cinematic love. But some romantic comedies (such as The Wedding Singer) are guy-friendly too. While our real-life romantic escapades are unpredictable, these feel-good films come with a...

Men this minute. (Man manual: guy spy).(men's cooking skills)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Guys are extending their cooking skills beyond mac and cheese. The Food Network's audience is 42% male, and 27% of men are now the primary food handlers at home. SOURCE: FOOD NETWORK; UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SCHOOL OF PUBLIC HEALTH

What he secretly loves about you: he gripes about these girlie things, but guess what? He's a big fat faker. (Man manual: his point of view).
February 1, 2003... * The average guy (heck, even a chest-thumping alpha male) has a soft spot for some of your most girlie habits, though many won't admit it. Those idiosyncrasies are what separate you from our barbaric gender. So the next time your boyfriend...

The chick habits he hates. (guys speak out).(Letter to the Editor)
February 1, 2003... "Please don't ask for my opinion after you've already made up your mind. Sometimes I feel like girls think we're just sounding boards."--Aaron Miller "Serious Sex and the City addiction really gets on my nerves. It's like the world must...

Guy without his shirt: check out this month's half-naked hunk. (Man Manual).(Kahari Mays)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Name: Kahari Mays Age: 28 Height: 6 feet Weight: 178 pounds Sign: Leo Hometown: Oakland, California Favorite thing: "I love to travel and experience different...

If he cheated, would you do the same? It's tempting to seek revenge, but most wouldn't stray to get back at their mates. (Dating And Relating Debate).
February 1, 2003... * Who didn't feel a twinge of outrage during the scene in Bridget Jones's Diary when Bridget finds a naked woman in her boyfriend's bathroom? In a recent Cosmo poll, some readers admitted that when they found out their man had been unfaithful,...

Why female bonding is important: journalist Adrian Nicole LeBlanc examines friendships between women and discovers the surprising things that keep them afloat. (On My Mind).
February 1, 2003... * I've always known that female friendships are paramount, but it wasn't until I was researching my new book, Random Family, that I realized how crucial they are to our well-being and sometimes even our very survival. I spent more than 10 years...

Married man-stealer. (Agony).(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2003... I have been in three relationships with married men, and just recently I added another to that list. My friends keep telling me to stop, but I don't see why I should. Why is it my problem if these men are cheating on their wives? If it's not...

In-the-sack slap. (Agony).(slapping during sex)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2003... The other night, I was having sex with this guy friend of mine, and out of nowhere, he slapped me. It was actually a very gentle slap, but it was definitely a shock. He's not an aggressive person and has never shown violent tendencies in the...

Pretty boy posse. (Agony).(good-looking friends)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2003... My friends are all good-looking whenever we go out, they always get all the girls. When a woman does approach me, it's usually to meet one of my friends. It's starting to make me insecure. I feel like I'll never meet a girl if I keep hanging...

Trashy turn-on. (Agony).(attracted to less wholesome types)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2003... I'm sexually attracted to trashy girls. When it comes to relationships though, I fall in love with pure, wholesome women. Unfortunately, they don't turn me on in the same way. I want to get married and settle down someday, but I want an...

Ditched for a dude. (Agony).(friends only when no guy in the picture)(Brief Article)(Column)
February 1, 2003... A few months ago, my friend broke up with her boyfriend. She was devastated, so I was there for her, until two weeks later when she met a new guy and dropped me. Well, recently she got dumped again and, of course, wants to hang out, but I'm...

Rocker style. (Cosmo Fashion).(stretch tops, lace-up skirts, leather, denim)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Ultracool singers such as Gwen Stefani and Avril Lavigne have made the rocker-chick look chic again. These punk-inspired pieces will give you a touch of their fashion attitude. Stretch-acrylic top, Necessary Objects by Ady Gluck-Frankel,...

Feel cozy, look flirty. (Cosmo fashion: winter essentials).(sweaters, skirts, footwear)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Top a flowy skirt with a warm turtleneck sweater for a comfy but sexy getup you can wear just about everywhere all season. 1 Ribbed turtleneck sweater, Wet Seal, $29.50, wetseal.com 2 Floral-print skirt, Plenty, $110 3 Round-toe...

For the babe on a budget. (Cosmo fashion: style steals).(clothing and accessories)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Showcase your romantic side this month in sweet pink and dramatic black (at prices so low, you'll have dough left over for a pre-Valentine's pedicure). $34 Floral-print top, Hot Kiss $58 Rayon wrap top, To the Max! $72 Dress,...

Accessories stars adore. (Cosmo fashion: shopping tip sheet).(shoes, sunglasses, necklaces, watches, bags, scarves)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... These celebs can't live without their costly signature extras, but you can grab posh-looking versions at real-girl rates. Kirsten Dunst steps out in Christian Louboutin T-strap heels. Give your feet this foxy look with Hype Footwear's...

How to wear ... a pencil skirt. (Cosmo fashion: style secrets).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Since they really hug your curves, these skirts are ultraseductive, but they don't hide a thing. To ensure a flattering effect: COLOR CUE Pair a pencil skirt in a dark or muted hue with a light-toned sweater (since dark colors visually...

Steal-worthy celeb-look. (Cosmo fashion: style secrets).(Kate Bosworth)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... This photo of rising star Kate Bosworth reveals a recipe for a winter party outfit guaranteed to make you stand out from the crowd. By mixing bright white pants (which you now can wear all year) with a neutral top and a glam gold bracelet, she...

Baby your suede. (Clothing Care 101).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Your favorite suede items need TLC from the get-go. "Spray them with a suede protector before you go out even once," says New York City stylist Mia Morgan. "Also, place a piece of cloth between suede clothes and hangers to avoid indentations in...

Cargo pants + high heels. (Hip-Chick Trick).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Comfy cargo pants are back as a big spring trend--you'll wear them everywhere in the months ahead. The cutting-edge way to accessorize this rugged staple is with a pair of high heels. Such feminine footwear is essential when you want to wear...

How to .. transform wimpy lashes. (Beauty Buzz).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Want to get your lashes long and lush in a flash? Try this trick we picked up from celeb makeup pro Charlie Green. STEP 1: Apply one coat of mascara with the wand horizontal to your lashes. We like Victoria's Secret Exaggeration Lengthening...

News flash. (Beauty Buzz).(Vitamin K for bruises)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... New research shows that applying vitamin K twice a day will improve the appearance of bruises as they heal, says Leslie Baumann, M.D., director of cosmetic dermatology at the University of Miami School of Medicine. Two salves with this key...

Sexify winter skin. (Beauty Buzz).(skin care products)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Looking for a simple way to wake up your sun-starved complexion? Take a cue from the pretty porcelain faces of Jessica Biel and Jaime King, who know that flaunting fair skin can be prettier than hiding behind layers of bronzer. First apply a...

A new way to get happy. (Win It!).
February 1, 2003... If you're a fan of Clinique Happy, you'll be just a devoted to the new version, Happy Heart. We're giving away 100 1.7 ounce bottles of the fresh and flirty perfume spray (valued at $36.50 each). For details, see page 242. [ILLUSTRATION...

3 pretty P.M. looks: if you're in a hairstyle rut, look to Kate Hudson for inspiration. Some cool dos we've seen her sport lately. (Cosmo Hair).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... 1 CASUALLY COOL To score an undone bun like Kate's, curl the bottom 2 inches of your hair with an iron. Then gather your locks to one side, fold in half, and secure above your shoulder in a loopy bun. Splay out the ends around the elastic....

Celeb secrets to sexy spirals. (Cosmo Hair).(curly hair)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... After sporting straightened strands for years, sexy songstress Mya has been seen showing off her natural curls. Her coif cues: 1. Ask your stylist for layers (Mya did recently), which will help define curls. 2. Apply a curl-enhancing...

What we're dyeing to tell you. (Cosmo Hair).(tips for dyeing hair)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Whether you're coloring your hair at home for the first time or you've done it before but want better results, here's key info you should know, says Clairol specialist Violet DaCosta. * Snip before you start. If your ends are dead, get a...

Style bangs when wet. (Rachel's Insider Tip).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... You may have heard that you should blow-dry your hair until it's almost dry before styling it with a brush, but that's not the case when it comes to your bangs. Your fringe dries quickly, so you should tackle it while it's still soaked to...

Star get-gorgeous strategies: for a lesson on taking your look from daytime simple to after-dark dazzling, check out the glam makeovers these Hollywood hot things managed for recent red-carpet affairs. Their stunning hair and makeup effects are surprisingly simple to pull off. (fun fearless beauty).
February 1, 2003... Garcelle Beauvais shows off shimmery skin and shiny strands. * A SHINY BURNISHED PINK lipstick makes your lips look beyond pouty. We like Maybelline Wet Shine Diamonds Lipstick in Pink Topaz, $6.75. * WARM UP MEDIUM-TO-DARK SKIN tones...

Triceps tightener: say adios to arm jiggle with this easy exercise. (Buff).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... THE MOVE TO MASTER: LYING EXTENSION On a gym bench or the floor, lie on your back with knees bent and legs about 6 inches apart. If you're a weight-training beginner, select 3- to 5-pound dumbbells, eventually working up to 15-pound...

The hidden fat in food: don't demolish your diet by going wild with condiments. (Buff).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Let's be realistic: A salad without dressing leaves a lot to be desired. But while condiments add zip to snooze-worthy food, they often contains tons of calories and fat. Read on for the extras you should use sparingly, along with some...

Melt body fat and trim inches: no, it's not another "fad diet" ... it is the first legitimate scientifically proven breakthrough in weight loss to come along in years. (Advertisement).(Advertisement)
February 1, 2003... Science has finally done it, found a "miracle formula that is 100% safe, proven effective, that literally melts body fat AND trims inches." And it even prevents weight gain to help stop the "yo-yo"ing cycle frustrated dieters are so familiar...

Blissful sleep can be yours: drift off faster with some soothing visual cues. (Pleasures).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Trying hard to reach dreamland can be a total catch-22. "If you think too much about falling asleep, you're not going to fall asleep," says Richard D. Simon, M.D., medical director of the Kathryn Severyns Dement Sleep Disorder Center, in Walla...

Sex up your thoughts: a few out-of-the-blue fantasies can give you a rush. (quick lift).(sexual fantasies)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... "Sexual fantasies improve mood, reduce worry and tension, and build tolerance against boredom and even pain," says Peter Staats, M.D., of the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. There's lusty inspiration everywhere--on billboards, at...

Treat yourself right: indulging in your favorite things gives you a burst of satisfaction. Sample some of these self-pleasing ideas. (Pleasures).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... * Post pics of Brad and Benicio. Stick hot photos in mundane places, like on your salt and pepper shakers or mug. * Be shameless about showcasing your favorite color. Why shouldn't your toothbrush, Palm, and purse be purple? * Keep a...

The agony of ecstasy: experts say just one night of drug use can fry your brain. (bad-girl rehab).(drug Ecstasy)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... New research indicates that even one evening of X-ing may cause brain damage. When researchers at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine gave monkeys and baboons two to three doses of ecstasy, spaced three hours apart (to mimic the way...

"My guy says he's allergic to condoms. Is he lying?" (his & hers).(latex allergy is possible)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... No. Allergies to condoms do exist, says James S. Taylor, a dermatologist at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. If your guy experiences a burning sensation and/or breaks out in red hives all over his privates soon after donning a condom, he's most...

The bright side of breast care. (Breast Check).(little sunshine beneficial)(take vitamin D in vitamins and food)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... You know that tanning is bad for your bod. But recent studies suggest that a little sunshine may benefit your breasts. Several large-scale trials suggest that women living in sunny climates are significantly less likely to develop breast cancer...

"Is it harder to get pregnant after being on the Pill?" (Cosmo Gyno).(may boost fertility)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... New research shows that oral contraceptives won't harm--and may even boost--fertility. In a study published in the journal Human Reproduction, long-term Pill poppers actually had an edge over non-Pill users in becoming pregnant. Researchers...

No more menstrual migraines: there's a new way to send pain packing. (Cosmo Gyno).(prescription medication frovatriptan)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... A whopping 60 percent of female migraine sufferers are hit with these hellish headaches right before or during their period due to estrogen fluctuations. But relief is just a pill away: A new prescription medication called frovatriptan (or...

Below-the-belt gripes you must tell your gyno. (Cosmo Gyno).(vaginal irritation and discharges, abnormal bleeding)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... By the time your annual checkup rolls around, it's easy to forget minor grievances--or even think nothing of them--when, in fact, they may indicate a serious problem or a chronic condition that needs a doctor's attention. Jot down these key...

The most ridiculous work rules: can you say rigid? These poor women put up with psycho-dictator bosses. (Your Job).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... * "My boss didn't like short skirts, so a new policy was developed: no skirts higher than two inches above the knee. In order to make sure our clothing complied, we had to kneel while a supervisor measured the distance from the...

Instant destress tactics: head spinning? Heart pounding? Chill yourself out with the following minimoves. (work trick of the month).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Scarf a snack. Grab something high in L-glutamine, which increases the level of the tension-fighting neurotransmitter GABA in your brain, says John B. Arden, Ph.D., author of Surviving Job Stress. Try almonds, yogurt, and dried peaches. Avoid...

"I'm broke. How can I look more professional without breaking the bank?" (Your Job).(classic clothes and accessories)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... A pulled-together appearance doesn't require an expensive wardrobe, says Barbara Pachter, author of When the Little Things Count... and They Always Count. Choose classic clothes like solid-colored suits--trendy threads have less staying power,...

How to ... get more PDA's from your man. (The Love Page).(public displays of affection)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Try these tenderize-him tips to score the overt cuddling you crave. * Pile on the praise. "Let him know when he's done something right," says Janice Levine, Ph.D., coeditor of Why Do Fools Fall in Love. If he gently touches your back or...

"I hate my guy's habit of correcting me in public." (spat of the month).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... "Chances are, he's either insecure or a perfectionist," explains Matthew McKay, Ph.D., coauthor of When Anger Hurts Your Relationship. While there's nothing wrong with a little constructive criticism, a chronic corrector needs to be called...

Read him a racy book. (blow-his-mind tip).(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Ignite his desire with libido-lifting literature. Find some naughty novels or erotic essays filled with dirty passages to read to him (one source: Sweet Life: Erotic Fantasies for Couples, edited by Violet Blue). You might think it's a little...

How he made our blind date blissful: check out these stories from chicks who were expecting the setup from hell but ended up making a heavenly connection. (Heart Copy).
February 1, 2003... "My grandmother had been trying for months to set me up with her friend's grandson, Jake. She kept nagging until I finally agreed to let her give him my home number. He called about a week later, and after chatting for a few minutes, we decided...

Why don't you ... show you're a wanted woman.(other men find you attractive)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Is he taking you for granted? You know, blowing you off for beers with his buddies? Gently remind your slacker sweetie that he's lucky to have you by his side. Damn lucky. "Start innocuously mentioning a male friend of yours," says Carina...

Why don't you ... clutch him where it counts.(provocative touching)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Stroking his hand when you're in public says "I am a needy girlfriend." Stroking his inner thigh says "I am a girlfriend who needs you now." Guess which guys prefer? What's key is being provocative without getting busted for public indecency....

Why don't you ... get a skinny mirror.(look for thick glass)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... Put an end to those I-feel-fat days by getting a looking glass that always makes you look good. "Instead of a discount-store cheapie, invest the money in one that's sturdy, with thick glass and a frame with a back so it won't warp your image,"...

Why don't you ... sport sultry shades.(dark sunglasses)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... There's something so sexy and mysterious about a confident woman wearing dark sunglasses. Plus, they give off a vehement don't-mess-with-me vibe--always helpful when freaky strangers decide to sidle up next to you. To cop the...

Why don't you ... decipher that sex dream.(what you may be craving)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... You're getting it on with your best friend's fella and, damn, it's good. What does this forbidden fantasy mean? "Most likely, you don't have any desire to cheat with your friend's man," says Carol Cummings, author of The Sex of Your Dreams....

Up for some erotic exercises? No, they aren't part of a new workout regimen, just a of carnal caresses that will fire up desire and add oomph to your bedroom encounters. (Sex Skills).
February 1, 2003... Hey, we're all for ravenous gotta-have-it-now nooky, but there are also times to indulge in leisurely lovemaking. And as it turns out, taking it a little slower in bed can actually supply a much bigger payoff. Intrigued? Thought so. Here's...

How you can land your dream job; forget wallowing away in a 9-to-5 funk. Tap into your talent to cultivate a career that really pays off (and not just in the form of a check). (Career Makeover).
February 1, 2003... In a perfect world, you'd spring out of bed every day and skip to your emotionally and financially fulfilling job. Unfortunately, in this universe, that ain't exactly happening. A recent survey conducted by the marketing group Youth...

"I couldn't stop pulling out my hair": twenty-seven-year-old Evelyn Nardo tried to hide her strange compulsion to pluck her hair. Here, she describes how she overcame her secret torment. (True Story).
February 1, 2003... Until recently, every time someone would say "Your hair is so pretty" or "I love the way you style your hair," I'd want to crawl into a hole and disappear. The truth was, I was obsessed with making sure my hair looked perfect so I could hide...

The weird ways women wound themselves.(cheek-chewing, nail-biting, picking at blemishes)(Brief Article)
February 1, 2003... "Many disorders are a method for sufferers to relieve anxiety and tension," says Merry McVey-Noble, Ph.D., a psychologist at the Bio-Behavioral Institute in Great Neck, New York. Here are other ways young women turn against their own bodies:...

When his sex drive takes a nosedive: in bed, does your guy say "Pass" instead of "More, please"? Find out what may be curbing his carnal appetite and how to make him ravenous again. (Lust Lessons).
February 1, 2003... Janie *, 27, has been secretly frustrated ever since she started dating Keith, her 30-year-old boyfriend of eight months. "I look forward to having sex with him every time we see each other, but at the end of the night, he seems just as happy...

How food can make you sick: nasty as it sounds, bacteria and parasites lurk in many of the meals you eat. To protect yourself from a heinous bout of food poisoning, read on. (Health Report).
February 1, 2003... * There's a certain guilty pleasure in chowing down at your favorite greasy spoon. But satisfaction often turns to the dread that your payback will be a night hovering over the toilet. Turns out, the trepidation is well-founded--and not just...