I'm Just Say'n
Dear Carolyn, I'm a hard-working, truck-driving man, but for some reason, I'm not very lucky with the ladies. I have lots of female friends and am well regarded in my hometown. I'm not the most handsome guy in the world, but chicks don't run screaming from the room either. I've asked my girl friends and they say part of the problem is I don't know how to flirt with a girl. I've hung out with my buddies, and it seems to come naturally to them. Please give me some tips on flirting. I'm desperate. Dave Dear Dave, The art of flirting comes naturally to some, but for others, it's an acquired skill. I promise you, it's really not that hard. Here are some tips: Make eye contact. When you speak, keep your eyes focused on hers. Don't look around to see if there is a better-looking gal nearby. Don't watch the game. Don't check your watch. Look her in the eyes. Mirror her body language. If she's smiling, you smile. If she shakes her head, you shake your head. If she flings her drink in your face ... game over. Step into her space. This one is tricky. Don't get too close, but get close enough to signal your interest. Touch her lightly on the arm. Lightly, please. Relax, enjoy and practice. Good luck, and please, seriously, don't touch her arm all that much. And don't step in too close. And ... never mind, you'll be fine. I'm just say'n. Dear Carolyn, I don't know how you expect long-haul truck drivers to lose weight on the road. I was never one pound overweight until I started trucking. Now, I'm packing on about 20 pounds a year. At this rate I'm going to weigh more than my refrigera-tor. Is this my fault? George Dear George, I don't know, Georgie. Is it the fork's fault? Look, it's tough. I know. I've eaten at a few truckstops in my day. But things are much better than they used to be. You can order the chicken grilled and vegetables instead of fries. There are heart-smart options on most menus. Try eating smaller portions, more fruits and vegetables and fewer sweets. Read food labels. Take a walk. Drink water. Try harder. Blame others less. I'm just say'n. Dear Carolyn, I can't believe it! My new girlfriend is gorgeous, smart, funny and a blast to be around. Just thinking about her makes me start grinning. I've never felt like this about anyone before. She's all I think about, and sometimes I feel like I'm in a fog. Other times I get filled with anxiety that I'll screw this up. My buddies say they've never seen me this crazed over a woman. While it's great, I have to admit that my concentration is shot. How long is this stage of love sup-posed to last? It's been about three months, and I don't know if my nerves can take it much longer. Charlie Dear Charlie, Oh, dear. You are operating heavy machinery under the influence of new love? Argh, I know way too much to ever let my guard down when shar-ing the road with big rigs. Don't worry; you'll come out of this altered state. My advice is to enjoy it while it lasts, then ease into the more mature but way less nerve-wracking phase of love. I'm just say'n. I'M JUST SAY'N Advice Lite Get Your Flirt On! Visit Carolyn's I'm Just Say'n blog for daily love and relationship advice: askcarolyntn09.blogspot.com Carolyn Magner is not a professional therapist, shrink or even a very nice person. Her advice is meant to entertain you, not solve your terrible, desperate problems. Nothing shocks her. If you are really in trouble, please call someone who has gone to school for a long time. E-mail Carolyn at By Carolyn Magner Columnist cmagner@rrpub.com The art of flirting comes naturally to some, but for others, it's an acquired skill. 42 TRUCKERS NEWS MARCH 2009