Not sure who to date? Garth Sundem answers it in The Valentine's Day Man-O-Meter. Be sure to take it as gospel because he never just makes stuff up.

If you're still unsure who to pursue, you may be looking in the wrong places. This study says We Want To Date People Slightly More Attractive Than We Are. How, then, does anyone get a date? It's another mystery of love.

Susan Kuchinskas examines the neurochemistry of love in Love And Mom's Spaghetti Sauce - you tend to prefer what you grew up with. This is why I send back gravy that has no lumps.

To some people, it's not just about romance, it's also about chocolate and gifts. If you're the chocolate type, Science Mom provides the Top Ten Scientific Reasons why Chocolate is the World’s Most Perfect Food. Really, some of those reasons should count twice.


The American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) is asking all women to be their own special Valentines this year and take these steps toward improving their health.

* Start with the heart: Heart disease is the number-one killer of women in the United States. Fortunately, you can work with your health care provider to create a diet and exercise plan that is right for you. “We cannot control risk factors such as gender, age and ethnicity,”  says  Tina Johnson, CNM, MS, director of professional practice and health policy for ACNM. “But we can control what we eat and how often we exercise. Your midwife can provide you with the latest information on how to prevent heart disease.”

* Schedule an annual gynecologic exam: A visit to your midwife will include a Pap smear, physical exam and a breast exam. Early detection of breast cancer and the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is known to cause cervical cancers, is essential for a woman’s health. 

* Take charge of your reproductive health: Even before a woman thinks about pregnancy, she should begin to take steps to prepare her body. Good nutrition and attention to weight gain are key factors to a healthy pregnancy and a healthy life. “If you don’t know the source of the food, you probably shouldn’t be eating it,” advises Johnson. “Women should try to eat foods that aren’t heavily processed. For example, a boneless, skinless chicken breast is better than chicken nuggets, particularly because the food is easily identified. Women can use the same rationale when preparing food for their families. A handful of blueberries is healthier than a blueberry muffin. “ 

Are all the good men taken?  It seems so but that may be because your Value Heuristics around Valentine's Day are slightly out of whack.   


I wouldn't spend a lot of time talking to your date about the neurochemistry of kissing, but who I am to judge? You may get away with it if she is the strong, assertive type because feminists are more romantic.

But even if she's not the type to put up with your garbage, you may still be okay because Even Female Chimps Love The Bad Boys.

Garth Sundem had an article in the BBC News on making the right decisions and you can also check out his equations in the link above.

Other advice for women thinking about relationships:

Don't go to college!   A rather silly study claims that 45% of women are victims of nebulously defined 'violence.'  Cavear emptor on studies with an agenda, of course.

Get a job!   A slightly less silly study, because it doesn't involve a demographic filling out surveys wondering what they are supposed to write, says that nearly 40% of respondents have had a workplace affair.   And you thought your employees were just working late.

Wear red!   It isn't blondes who have more fun, it's women wearing the color of love.  

Armed with this treasure trove of knowledge, your questions have surely been answered.   Be sure to raise a toast to the power of science at the wedding.