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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Q&A from "The Guy's Guide To Giving Great Gifts"

Wise Readers, Last week’s column about gift-giving really hit a nerve on Ye Olde Provider/Protector turf. What’s a sneaky way to figure out what your man or woman wants? What if you’re a guy who really hates the calendar telling you when to buy? What should you do if you receive a Bad Gift? Under what circumstances *don’t* women care so much about Gifts? When men give grudgingly, are they truly showing a lack of willingness that can add up to neglect in a marriage? And are some women just impossible to please? Read on!

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How Not To Suck At Dating (special double issue)

That huge sucking sound you heard last weekend might have been my friend’s date. Having recently lost her home to fire, she was then invited to a movie about…the inescapable and fiery End Of The World. Worse? The guy knew both the movie plot and her personal circumstances. What does science say about successful-versus-sucky dates? To put the dating world in your hands, or at least avoid imitating a Hoover, read on.

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Folk Wisdom: Your Best & Worst Dates

Wise Readers, What’s the best date you ever had? The worst? And what made it that way? Take a moment to tell me anonymously at this : http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/FXGB657 And next week, I’ll be back with your answers, and some thoughts on Dating Greatness (And Not). Thanks much! Cheers, Duana

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