Here's a big relationship no-no: Never hook up with Someone who only values your looks, bank account, or both.  I know what you're thinking: With some people, this isn't easy to tell in the beginning being that they can do a great job of masking their real intentions.  For example, you may have once dated someone whose penchant for gold-digging may not have become evident until two years after you began dating. Or, you may not have picked up on your boyfriend's aim to use you for only one thing until after the honeymoon phase passed. Fair enough.  Some individuals can be awfully deceptive. But as soon as they show their true colors, I implore you not to wait until they change (which is unlikely to happen) -- let alone embark to change them yourself. Just end it -- plain and simple -- before you become any more invested.  A partner worth keeping is one who covets what lies beneath more than they do the superficial. And that's because what lies deep within is what mak...

Studies show that our criteria for measuring success is markedly different now than it was several years ago. In the past, we typically perceived someone as successful if they boasted possessions that signaled wealth (e.g., car, big house, fancy watch) and appeared to have loads of free time on their hands. We assumed it meant that their net worth was such that they had no real need to work hard. In our minds, they likely spent more time sunbathing in the Caribbean than churning out reports in the office. However, the benchmarks we use to measure success have evolved over time -- not so much when it comes to material possessions, but in terms of overall lifestyle and work ethic. Studies suggest that we are now more likely to perceive someone as being successful if they have little to no time available for leisurely pursuits due to the many responsibilities they shoulder. For example, let's say Joe works 60 hours a week, has kids, and volunteers at a local non-profit. He h...

The first lawsuit has been brought against Wells Fargo by customers after it was discovered that the bank collected fees for millions of unauthorized accounts. The proposed class action suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Utah on Friday, accuses the bank of fraud, negligence, invasion of privacy, and breach of contract. The three plaintiffs are seeking compensation to cover damages tied to anxiety, emotional distress, and identity theft, as well as for legal fees. The bank was busted opening millions of phony bank and credit card accounts for customers over the last five years. The fake accounts were a way for the bank to earn extra fees from unsuspecting customers, as well as artificially boosting its sales numbers. The lawsuit states that Wells Fargo managers and bankers partook in unethical techniques to improve sales figures. The bank has an average of six accounts per customer, but was aiming to have eight. Plus, the bank is being blamed for pressuring bankers into dup...

This post at How to Understand People explores whether women gravitate toward overly masculine guys -- the ones people like to call "alpha males." From what I have observed, the vast majority of women seem attracted to men who display at least a couple of characteristics typically associated with manly men --whether it be facial hair, overconfidence, or the ability to be handy around the house. However, you may have learned in psychology class that women have an instinctual drive to find a partner who can provide resources, i.e., money. And the fact is that any man can have resources -- whether he oozes manliness or is an all-out metrosexual. So what do women prefer? Though every woman is different, I believe most look for balance in their partners. The guy need not have to be the next macho Sylvester Stallone, but he should at least be predisposed to defend her in any given situation. He needn't be filthy rich with a luxurious car and yacht, but he should at leas...