Q&A from "Plastic Surgery: Are you off your head?"

Wise Readers, Just how far-reaching is the beauty bias? Are men’s beauty standards even higher than Hollywood’s? Can plastic surgery work against you? Can quirky good looks work for you? And what’s the guy’s perspective? Read on!

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Plastic Surgery: Are you off your head?

Dear Duana,My measurements are 36-24-35…It’s not uncommon for male strangers to pay for the dinner I’m eating out with a friend, and I haven’t paid bus fare or opened a door in years. But my nose resembles a clown’s—round, like a rubber ball, and too large for my face….I know there is controversy about plastic surgery, but I don’t care about public debates. I just want an answer: Do you think the right nose job would help me attract Mr. Right? Grace

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I Married A Man

I married a manly man. A guy with a rough face and gentle, huge hands. A guy with a pinkie larger than my thumb. With a broad, deep chest and strong arms. And—kids, stop reading here—a hot ass. A man who gets it that all you really need to be a great lover is willingness, the desire to bring your beloved joy. That the two things you need everywhere are kindness and respect. A man who holds hands and gives backrubs that are ends unto themselves. A man who has all that.

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How Big A Ring? (+Q&A from "All She Wants For Christmas")

Dear Duana, I am in a monogomous relationship with a woman….I want to marry. (gulp!)….The problem is this: We are both on a very tight budget, she goes to school, I work non-profit, etc., and with the additional cost of being about to buy a house, and have a baby, there is no way that I can currently afford to buy a diamond engagement ring….I can’t fathom any way to make this romantic gesture with a note that says “sorry, I’ll buy you a ring when our kid has grown and I’ve paid off the car, etc…” Help! Heath

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All She Wants For Christmas Is A Wedding Date

Dear Duana, All I want for Christmas is to get married or at least engaged. I was hard-to-get at first, but four years later we have a baby girl and still no ring! When I ask if he ever thinks of marrying me, he says yes with a big smile and embraces me, but I’m just wondering…WHEN? Am I being impatient? And what can I do? I read your letter to Helen about becoming high-status, but I can’t just up and leave now that I’m a mom.

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