Dear Lizzy

Yawn and Cynical Romantic
Dear Lizzy,

I am not a morning person. When I walk in to work from the parking lot in the morning (which takes 5-10 minutes), I'm still waking up. I'm grumpy and tired and I don't feel social yet. I want to have a last minute of quiet time to clear my head before I start the day. So what do I do when a co-worker sees me walking in at the same time and wants to chat? Once someone says "Hi" to me, I don't know how to get rid of them.

Signed,
Yawn

( Don't make eye contact for more than a second. )

Dear Lizzy,

A while ago, I spent a few years dating a guy who was really bad for me. In the course of the relationship, I lost confidence in my judgement, my self-worth, and even my memory.

The thing is, I didn't realize until after we broke up how bad it had been for me. It wasn't until six months later, when I noticed how much better I felt about myself and my life and, really, the whole world, that it occured to me to question whether I should have been dating him.

I've put a lot of thought into why I made the choices I did, and I don't really think I would pick the same kind of guy again, but I still feel like the only way to be sure I don't get hurt is to keep the men I date at arm's length. This leaves me feeling vaguely unsatisfied, as well as being a disservice to guys who are probably actually quite nice.

Do you have any advice on how to regain my faith in men, and in my own judgement about men?

A Cynical Romantic

( ...you're asking *me*? ....here, let me throw this spaghetti at the wall to see if it sticks...(two suggestions) )

Last but not least, some advice for St. Patrick's Day:

Don't drink the green beer. Buy the good stuff.
Do not, do not, a thousand times do NOT request "Oh Danny Boy".
Never leave the t-shirt you wore to the bar on the table. I lost one of my favorite shirts that way.
Don't agree to dance on camera unless they cordon off the area to keep out the drunks who want to wave hi to mom.
Don't expect a good concert experience, even if the band is really, really good. The sound mix will be off and the stench overwhelming. However, it mightn't be a bad time to hit on a cute musician.
Ask whether he's ever had cold sores before kissing him, for pity's sake.
Last but not least....have fun, and be safe!