I don't think we need to consult a research study to conclude with certitude that the answer to this is clearly "yes." Of course, not all perfumes are created equal. Some are so strong as to seem intrusive, and it doesn't help when people are literally bathed in it. I receive nothing but high praise when I'm wearing what I deem to be the best of the best cologne, Armani Code. My wife, meanwhile, smells great when she puts on favorites like Light Blue by Dolce and Gabbana, Guilty by Gucci, and Heavenly by Victoria's Secret. It's not to say that by wearing cologne or perfume, you'll attract potential suitors like magnets. Emitting a pleasant smell is just a small part of the package you offer a potential love interest. Your hygiene, style of dress, intelligence, self-confidence, and value system and other physical and personal attributes figure prominently as well. If anything, wearing cologne shows that you care about the smell you're gi...

According to several studies, not to mention a slew of dating advice websites on the web, women scope out other women more than they do men at places like the mall, gym, and grocery store. Obviously, they don't "check" out other women in the same way and for the same reasons as they would a man. While men couldn't care less how other guys look -- and, yes, they do take to the gym to ogle the opposite sex -- women essentially compare themselves to each other all the time. They size up each other's hair, clothing, bodies -- you name it. Depending on the person, she'll either admire or envy other women ambling around with, say, bigger breasts or prettier legs. So why would women spend so much time paying attention to these details? For one, all women know how much effort goes into getting dressed up, staying in shape, and so on. So when they see another woman who seems to have gotten it right, they take notes. Perhaps they want to emulate the woman's ...

Unusual question, huh?  But have you ever stopped and thought about this? Pretend for a moment that you're someone of the opposite sex who's close in age. Do you think the hypothetical you would feel attraction toward the real you ? I know some of you might be tempted to say, Duh, I'm awesome." But let's try to be pragmatic here. I'll go first. I think it really depends on the hypothetical me's personality and interests. If she happens to be uber-adventurous, with a need to be out and about every weekend, then no -- I would definitely not date the real me. The hypothetical me would only date the real version of me if she likes: Deep, intellectual conversations People who don't chit chat and waste words The arts -- writing, drawing, music, film Exercising and sports Men with an academic bent -- those who'd prefer to have a book in hand rather than nail and hammer Men who love to learn Men who are passionate about animals and helpi...

For as long as I can remember, men have gotten a bad rep for being perverts. But can women be as perverted as men? The answer obviously depends on the person in question but, in general, women can be just as perverted -- if not more so -- than men. The primary difference between men and women in this regard, however, is that women are subtle about it while men are highly vocal . How often have you heard a group of women engage in risque talk openly in public? As a guy, I have yet to come across women doing this. And while I often see men checking out women all the time, I hardly ever catch women doing the same. Women are certainly masters in the art of subtlety. I'm assuming it's something they've honed for fear of being called sluts. Society seems to frown upon women who are too sexually forward. And the last thing they want people of the opposite sex -- and of the same sex, for that matter -- to think is that they're "easy." Men, on the other han...

Jealousy in relationships can be a double-edged sword. For one, it conveys that you genuinely care enough about your partner to get bothered at seeing him, say, get friendly with the blonde bombshell who works at the local convenience store. On the other hand, jealousy can signal deep-seated insecurities and communicate that you're afraid your partner may bail on you for someone prettier, smarter, or more successful, for example. I think it's normal to become a little uneasy when we think about or see our partners talking to someone they might otherwise be interested in if they were single. But if we can put our full trust in that person, there should be nothing to worry about. Let's not be naive, folks: We're all human, and naturally we're going to find certain people of the opposite sex -- other than our partners -- attractive. But just because your boyfriend or husband might find her attractive and seems to enjoy conversing with her doesn't mean the...

When a person says "He/she is hot," others might assume this individual is digging someone's six pack or long legs. But hotness doesn't always have to translate to good looks alone. One person's definition of "hot" may be completely different than someone else's. When I say a woman is hot, yes, I might be referring to her dazzling appearance. But I may also be describing her as such because she is self-confident or intelligent -- two qualities that, in my view, greatly enhance a woman's overall appeal. To me, a woman who has long, shiny hair is hot, as is the kind who wears glasses and embraces the librarian look. My point is that society and the media make hotness to be all about big boobs and biceps. This couldn't be further from the truth. After all, we mustn't forget that looks fade -- eventually, we all get those pesky wrinkles and a little flab in quite a few places. That said, when contemplating what makes a person "...

Judging from what my female friends have told me -- and based on the guys I have seen them and other women on the street go out with -- I can say with confidence that women are generally less hung up on looks than their male counterparts. We've all seen the blonde bombshell alongside the balding older guy with a beer belly. Why is it usually not the other way around -- a super attractive guy with a not-so-physically-appealing woman? Maybe it's that, on some subconscious level, men are pickier as far as what genes they want transferred to their offspring. If the girl is, say, overweight, he might figure that increases the odds of his kid having weight problems. Men also seem far more interested in specific regions of the opposite gender's anatomy, not to mention size (big breasts, round butt, etc.) I don't think this way myself. In fact, my wife is somewhat overweight, which doesn't bother me because I have always had a preference for women with more meat on th...

We've all been in situations where we feel totally out of our element, and this can happen for a number of reasons. At some point you've likely felt out of place because the people around you: Were lot older or younger than you All had kids while you don't, or vice-versa Were of the opposite sex Were all discussing something you had no knowledge of or interest in (sports, shopping, etc.) These situations generally play out in certain settings. It can happen quite often at work, since many of the people with which we're forced to work -- whether because of age, life stage, or other factors -- would not be the kinds of people we'd hang out with on weekends.  It can also be seen at family gatherings. When my sisters and I were younger, I had a lot more in common with them -- and we even shared some of the same hobbies. Their having babies threw a monkey wrench of sorts into the works. Now I see them as strangers who focus solely on their kids at every ga...

There's a raging debate as to whether men and women can have platonic relationships. Some people respond with an adamant no, claiming that members of the opposite sex use "friendship" to mask hidden feelings of attraction toward one another. Others vehemently assert that, yes, men and women can in fact maintain a friendly bond without there being any romantic strings attached. I'm in the latter camp, and here's why: I am friends with a wide range of women whom I hold absolutely no romantic feelings for. Though looks certainly aren't everything, physical attraction plays a role in the early stages of courtship. Many of these female friends have radiant personalities that many men would indeed be drawn to; however, they're just not my type physically. Or, it could be the other way around. I may find her physically attractive, but we're simply too far apart when it comes to hobbies, priorities, or overall lifestyles. I think it's simply ab...