MimiTanner.com

Thursday, June 18, 2009

An Excerpt from Bob Grant's Book:

GetYourManBack.com

Here is the text of this audio... if you've been waiting, I apologize, the car has been in the shop, or rather, more than one shop, and even with a helper taking care of much of this, my presence was definitely needed. I'm on that road trip next week and have to get that car squared away!  (Yes, I will have Class Six out to you BEFORE I leave, even if I have to cancel the road trip and take a last-minute plane.)

Excerpt from Bob's Book (click the book picture for more info):

Breakup Myth #2 "He just doesn't understand."

So many times, women will feel the need to explain something to a man, as though he doesn't understand.  They may think, "If he just understood, he would do things differently."

I'm not saying this belief is always wrong. If a man is doing something destructive or inappropriate or selfish, it is more than fair for this to be pointed out to him.

But pointing out something to man who hasn't asked for your opinion is not only ineffective, it tends to put him on the defensive.

What is needed is a clear understanding of the difference between INSIGHT problems and MOTIVATION problems.

Insight problems mean that someone does not have certain information, and therefore, they are making a mistake.... (examples are given).

INSIGHT problems are usually very easy to address and simple to fix. Just provide new information!

MOTIVATION problems, however, are difficult, hard to address, and require the cooperation of the person with the problem - for them to be effective. A motivation problem is simply about whether someone wants to hear what someone is pointing out and wants to address it.

So if a woman wants to make it a point to help or tell a man why the breakup occurred, and point out to him what his contribution was, or even what hers was, that insight may be very helpful.

But if the man is not motivated to hear it, or isn't interested, the more information she supplies, the more upset he is going to get, and the more distance he is going to want to create.

Motivation problems are primarily solved when focusing on timing. Perfect timing is simply telling someone what you want to say at the precise moment when they are ready to hear it.

When most women get stuck on supplying new information, they often pay no attention to the timing of when the man wants to hear it and they wonder why they end up driving him further away, even when the content they are sharing is pretty good.

I can almost guarantee you have a MOTIVATION problem with your ex rather than an insight problem. If you address his motivation, you'll get your chance to discuss any insight shortcomings he may have... I guarantee it.

You want to be able to create an environment and a time when your ex can hear you, so that then you can give him proper insights.

If you find yourself fearful, wanting to explain, your rule of thumb is: if you get any resistance, you are to stop trying to explain, because that means that at that moment, he is not willing or wanting to hear you.

--End of Excerpt from GetYourManBack.com, thank you, Bob Grant! And remember please that the good Bob Grant does provide (at no extra cost) a phone consultation about your relationship when you get his book!

This advice above will most certainly apply to ALL relationships - between married people, single people, and between parents and children.  Wait until someone is ready to receive information!


Monday, June 8, 2009

Top Ten Annoying Things Men Say in Online Dating

Meeting someone through an online dating website is a special situation.  I've written some about this in Online Dating Lab which is one of the bonuses in my program "Man Mistake Eraser."

Online dating - I'm all for it. But sometimes, men (and women) can say some things which are VERY off-putting.  I'll tell you my personal dislikes and at least one thing a man said to me when we started a conversation online - and I want to hear yours in the GUESTBOOK.

Then we can all enjoy complaining about things men say! : ) And I can put together a list of the best things men should NOT say or do...

P.S. One man I told you about who made a not-too-thrilling comment to me is now making comments that are music to my ears.  I didn't write him off due to one slightly off remark, and I'm glad I didn't.

Comment on this in the guestbook !

Friday, June 5, 2009

Readers Write In about Chick Flicks

Two days ago, I sent an email out (my column titled "With Love, Mimi Tanner") and it was all about "chick flicks."  I use the term endearingly, of course. Here are some of the responses I've received... there are a LOT and I have really and truly enjoyed these responses.  I'm glad I wrote about this even though, trust me, it was not easy to admit how much these movies can affect me. 

Personally I have been taking stock, and I think that I need to see one movie every single day in order to stay sane and not get my mind on things it shouldn't be on.  Of course one has to be really careful these days just what movie one sees.  And if you are a parent, the chances of seeing a movie without being interrupted (if you're home) are slim unless you time it right. That also goes if you're a pet owner.  Okay, here are the comments (please bear with me that I can't do all editing that may be needed because just posting these is not as simple as cut and paste unfortunately - it takes a lot of time):

Hi Mimi,

I have a tremendous love for 'chick flicks' too and yes I think they affect me ridiculously. Lol! I'm a sucker for good romance.

The last one I saw that was nothing short of amazing was A Walk to Remember which comes in both book and dvd by Nicholas Sparks. Not forgetting another called Message in a Bottle by Nicholas Sparks again. Absolutely touching and beautiful stories that made me believe once again that true love was possible.

God has finally sent me my true love and I hope to spend the rest of my life with this wonderful man. To everyone else, don't give up but trust God and it will happen for you too.

Regards
Shelly

From Mimi: Thank you, Shelly, and you inspired people here with your words.

I agree with you and many others who mentioned "A Walk To Remember" and I adore that movie for so many reasons.  For any teens reading this, you have GOT to see this one ASAP!   I have a YouTube clip down below on this page of a scene from this movie.  

 

Thanks for sharing, Mimi.  I really DO enjoy, and learn from, your emails!

Meryl Streep has always been my favorite actress so I will be sure to watch that movie, maybe this Friday! 

Sincerely,
Marguerite

From Mimi: I think she's the greatest, too. And she's had a long, successful marriage.  I love her in everything from "Kramer vs. Kramer" to "The Devil Wears Prada" and "Doubt."

 

Hi Mimi,

What a great e-mail!! Yes, at the ripe old age of 39 I find myself blown away by a good ol' chick flick once in a while too.

Two movies have really blown me away recently:

1) "Love Actually" (love, love, love it) It shows love in its various forms, bitter, sweet, sillly, wonderful.... happy, sad.... It's a gorgeous film. And incidentally, made by the same director of "Four Weddings & a Funeral".... there are so many scenes in it that are amazing, I can't even begin to tell you the story (stories). If you haven't seen it RUN to the store and buy it!!!!! Any time I happen to mention I love that film and there's a woman in the room.. we take off on a 10 minute tangent recounting which parts we loved best.

2) "Anna and the King" - OMG! Though this movie is already 10 years old, I had never seen it (it didn't get good reviews.... unbelievable). I happened to see it the other evening on TV and ran out the next day to buy the DVD. I loved it dubbed in Italian, and couldn't believe how amazing it was in the original language. I was BLOWN away! The last scene of that film is probably the most romantic scene I have EVER seen. SO touching!!! Gorgeous. It shows how a woman who is true to herself and not ashamed of her strength is always irresistible to any man worth his salt (as Bob Grant teaches) and that true love is based on so much more than mere physical attraction (which is also, very powerfully there, but is not the core of the relationship). It also shows how amazing a truly manly man (in the real sense of the word) can be... *sigh*.

Voilà, my two cents! Part of me hopes that you haven't seen either film, so that you will go out, rent/buy them and then tell me that they're the best chick-flicks you've ever seen ;-)

Enjoy!

Greetings from Rome, Italy

From Mimi:  Thanks!  I have only seen parts of "Love Actually" and haven't seen "Anna..."  I will check them out!

 


Dear Mimi,

Yes, I do find them inspiring. One of my favorites that I watch over and over is While You Were Sleeping. Though not a heart wrenching tear jerker it's moving in a light hearted way. A plus for me is Bill Pullman not a sophisticated leading man but more my speed. Though I still love watching Cary Grant he's been my favorite since childhood.

Glad you had a wonderful Birthday.

Be well!

Ellen

From Mimi:  Thanks, Ellen, you are so nice as always!! Oh gosh, Bill Pullman, I adore him. I haven't seen all of his movies but all the ones I have seen are so good.  Too bad he's taken lol.  "Youuu Betterrr Runnn!!!"  He can be funny or touching or whatever is required.

Here's another GREAT chick flick with Jodie Foster, Richard Gere (he's the greatest), and Bill Pullman that is just fantastic: "Sommersby."

 

"Bridges over Madison county" did it for me when it comes to love stories,  I still picture Meryl and Clint in the kitchen...and my heart starts to beat faster and I feel like I am breathless.  The chemistry was intoxicating....I have been lucky to have had this kind of chemistry (although I was not married at the time), and still seek it at age 54.  Age is irrelevant when it comes to love and
chemistry... I know it is still possible.....single and keeping an eye out for someone to "Rock my core"

From Mimi:  I like this one too, but wanted to like it more than I did.  But boy do I wish I had written the book. That is the kind of book I hope to write someday. I think they were both perfectly cast here.  I wanted her to get out of that truck though.  Gosh. 

 

Mimi,

Happy Belated Birthday! OMG I love your emails. They are getting me through the most difficult break-up because I'm left a single mom to a 10 month old (now one). I watched "Nights at Rodanthe" over the weekend. What an awesome love story! The movie begins with every woman's dream the ex coming back to say I want to come home, I made a mistake. She makes the decision to shake him off and continue on her journey to Rodanthe where she meets a man. She helps the man and he says the words that of course again you wish your ex would say, "Any man who walks away from you has to be a fool," (paraphrased of course). They go off on their separate ways, he sends her the most beautiful love letters only to find that when they finally are going to meet he ......

From Mimi:  I just saw that one too finally. 

 

3 Actresses Who Should Have Been Superstars Sooner:

1. Diane Lane.  I know she was famous as a little girl in "A Little Romance." But she should have gone on to be a major presence in films in her 20's and from then on.  Yet it seemed to take 20 years or so before she started getting the great roles.

2. Kim Basinger.  She appeared in "Charlie's Angels" (the old series) when she was a very young woman. I caught that episode (I didn't watch the show regularly) and thought, "WOW, that girl is going to be a star." But it didn't happen for like 2 decades.  Good grief.
 

3. Jane Kaczmarek.  She's in one of the movies we're talking about, "Falling in Love." She is fantastic in that movie. She's so adorable. That movie is from 1984 - why did it take so long for HER to really get the fame she deserved? Yes, she has been acting for years, but to my knowledge, it took a tv series for her to become really well known. She's terrific. I hope she gets a lot more starring roles; she deserves them.
 

 

HI Mimi - Happy belated Birthday wishes to you.

A great movie : FRENCH KISS with Meg Ryan, Kevin Kline & Timothy Hutton.  Meg loses her fiancé (Timothy) to a Frenchwoman, so she books a flight to Paris to get him back, even though she's afraid of flying.  On the flight she sits next to Kevin Kline, a Frenchman who helps Meg get thru her flying fear & then gives her lessons on how a Frenchwoman would act & speak in  this situation.  When she uses this advise, her ex-fiancé (Timothy) sees her in a new light & is newly intrigued with her, temporarily forgetting about the French babe he left her for. At the same time, Kevin falls for her too.  Some lessons don't show him how much you miss him or how you're falling apart; show him you can get along without him & how you're attracted to & are attracted by other men.  The dialog is great & fits right in the lessons of your newsletter - watch it sometime (uncut & without commercials to get the full effect).

Thanks for your daily newsletter - it gives me something to look forward to every day.  I've been married for 21 years, but I still find info in your newsletter that I can use at home.  Thanks, & have a great day,     JR

From Mimi:  Thanks!  I will check this one out!

 

Hi Mimi,

Thanks for sending this email out!  I agree that chick flicks can touch you like no other story can.

I have 2 favorites that I watch at least once or twice a year when I need a chick flick night or weekend, usually all by myself.

First is (also) Falling in Love.....It apparently didn't have too many great reviews or was a big blockbuster, but no matter how many times I watch it (and can recite every line), it always touches me and cheers me up.  The two couples would have probably wound up living out their lives just as they were....and I always wonder how those marriages would have played out.  They obviously loved their spouse/children, but like you said, this movie is "dangerous."  It shows how easily an affair can be sparked when you are seemingly happily married.  When there is something deep down inside of you that is yearning and you can't quite put your finger on it, someone can come along that can really fill that empty space.  I know, I've been there, and always "Falling in Love" was running in the background of my imagination!  However, for those of us who don't have a happy ending and finally wind up with the one they seemed "right" for, it's a little sad too.

Second favorite is "Shirley Valentine" -- a British comedy about a woman who tires of being the housewife and winds up talking to the "wall."  But she bravely goes on vacation and emerges a butterfly.  The ending is perfect, sitting on the edge of the sea, and knowing that her life will never be the same again because she's finally found the woman inside herself that she always wanted to be.

Why aren't there "chick flick" festivals anywhere?  Maybe we should start one? 

Thanks!
Jill

From Mimi:  It's nice to hear from someone else who adores that movie "Falling in Love" as I do. That movie does have an all-star cast, by the way! For those who don't know the movie, it stars Robert De Niro, Meryl Streep, Harvey Keitel, Dianne Wiest, Jane Kaczmarek, David Clennon (love him too, and he was great on "30-Something" and "Being There"), and even Jesse Bradford plays a little child...  but be warned, this is a Chick Flick to end them all.

I said it's dangerous; I found the antidote also. If this movie makes you want to leave your marriage or break up someone else's, here is a sure cure: this movie is from Sweden and with subtitles - it's "Heaven's Heart."  This is one very powerful movie about the effects and the risks of infidelity.  And so by the way is "Unfaithful" with Diane Lane and Richard Gere... both are well worth seeing to say the least!!

Back to "Falling in Love" - That was, I think, the 2nd time that Streep and De Niro played love interests. The first time was in "The Deer Hunter."  It is very nice to see Robert De Niro in the romantic roles for a change. He also did a great romantic role with Jane Fonda in "Stanley and Iris." He's a living legend, no one can quarrel with that. 

Falling in Love" - it has my highest "ruin your life, wrench your heart" recommendation. Irresistible.  Be sure to see the antidotes recommended before you ruin your life or someone else's - be very, very sure you know what you're doing!  SIGH.

 

Mimi,

I also love a good chick flick. I liked all the movies you mentioned but have yet to see The Notebook.  I'll see it.  I think most of the good chick flicks are the older ones, not current ones. The current ones mostly seem derivative, copies of earlier films done better, with better writing and more depth of character. There are exceptions of course.

 
I would suggest you watch FANNY, a very romantic movie from 1961.  Also TRULY MADLY DEEPLY.  About a woman who can't get over her love who died, and so he comes back as a ghost.  And for some good laughs, PILLOW TALK.  About battle of the sexes, really well done with Doris Day and Rock Hudson.  TWO FOR THE ROAD is a good one about the ups and downs of marriage. Those are just my first few....there will be more later!

-- "Connie"

From Mimi:  Funny you mention it, when I was growing up, I did see "Fanny" on TV.  I always remembered it too. Just recently I ran across it again and it was exactly as I remembered it.  I also saw "Two For the Road" in reruns while growing up and was very impressed with it. I got it on DVD and it's great, but even better if one can go back in time to the '60s and see it from that vantage point. Audrey is (was) the ultimate charming woman, we all know that.  Her charm is unequalled.  The lines from "Two for the Road" stay with one forever.  And of course William Daniels and Eleanor Bron were absolutely hysterical.

 

Chick flicks - The Women (1939) is classic!
Anything based on a Jane Austen novel
Steel Magnolias
Enchanted April
A Room with a View

sigh....  sigh some more, ladies, sigh some more... ahhhhhhh

From Mimi:  You said it!!  People, if you have never seen "Steel Magnolias," then by all means, it's a delight. 

Two of my favorites are "Sense and Sensibility" and "Emma."

"The Women" - "This is Mrs. Stephen Haines." I love it.

 

There was one about a couple of gay guys in New York...

Can't remember the name... Where the one says to the other in sign language
"NOT ENOUGH!"

ANd that's been a guide (when I remember)- not to be with guys who don't
love me enough...  even if they're lovely!

xox

From Mimi:  You've got me wondering what the name is! :  )

 

Here is a group of shorter comments:

-- I, as you, enjoy chick flicks. It helps to restore you faith that true love does exist. I truly love the Notebook. It was such a wonderful story. There is another movie if you have not seen yet is worth renting and seeing. It is called NIghts in Rodanthe. The ending is sad but the story line is great.

-- original sin is a great movie with angelina jolie.

-- I loved "50 First Dates"

-- My favorite Chick Flick was "The Mirror has Two Faces". It spoke volumes to me about how guys think

-- Check out P.S. I love you.  I would mark it right after the notebook. Give me a pint of Guinness and man like that any day.

-- You can't talk about love stories without mentioning "Message In A Bottle" -  Kevin Costner and Robin Wright Penn.  That one just tears my heart out. Now when I watch it over again...I have to stop it before the end.  Barbara

From Mimi:  I will just have to get that one! Several people are saying it's great. Now you've got me worried though... : )

--Mimi, one of my very favorite "chick flicks" is Love Actually.  If you haven't seen this LOVE story, you must rush out and get it NOW!! The characters, the plots, the music, it's all there.  Makes you realize no one should settle for less than true love....
 
Doris

--Hi Mimi,
 
I read your emails all the time and the topics you bring up are so relevant to every woman out there!! Thank you so much for being here. I truly appreciate you!
 
I like 'Ghosts of Girlfriends Past' and 'He's Not That Into You'. It reveals the male psyche and reinforces everything that you have been saying all along.

-- "BABY BOOM" WITH DIANE KEATON IS A TOUCHING, VERY FUNNY MOVIE! IT TOUCHES UPON LOVE OF EVERY LEVEL.... ROMANCE, SEX, FAMILY, AND THE LOVE AND RESPECT FOR OURSELVES AS WOMEN. I LOVE WATCHING IT ESPECIALLY AFTER A BREAKUP OR LOSS OF A JOB, OR IF MY SELF-ESTEEM NEEDS A WAKE UP CALL!  SEE IT....I THINK ITS THE BEST CHICK FLICK EVER; BESIDES, AS YOU QUOTED, "THE WOMEN"! (THE 1939 VERSION)

-- Awh :) I saw The Notebook properly the other day, and I cried all the way through. True, I was already upset before I watched it, and I only wanted to watch it to see the look Allie gives Noah that you mention in Hard To Get, but it was a beautiful story and thinking about it makes me want to cry, hehe.

From Mimi:  Thanks!!  I'm glad you saw it... and it is nice to know that the two actors had a romance in real life too.

-- Yes! 'Pride and Prejudice'! with Keira Knightley and McFadden. I've watched it so many times that I could almost recite their lines and my eyed are glued on the screen like I'm watching it for the first time. The love story in it just thrills me!

Thank you Mimmi,
Tequila

 

Dear Mimi,

Thank you so much for your emails and your insight.  You have saved me from the brink of mistakes several times now with your common sense, empowering information.  I would like to respond about my favorite chick flick.  It's Somewhere In Time starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. 

From Mimi: You're absolutely right. This is one of the greats.  And ever so much more sad now that Christopher Reeve is no longer with us.  This movie has spawned weekends at that hotel where it was filmed.  I plan to go to one of those weekends in the next couple of years.

"Somewhere in Time" - it's a must-see ultimate Chick Flick, for sure.

 

Dear Mimi:
 
Happy belated birthday from one Gemini to another. In regards to your email "chick flicks," I wanted to share that the most inspiring movie for me was Bridges of Madison County also starring Meryl Streep. 
 
Now, here is a love story that is not only forbidden and passionate but one that lasts a life time. The reason for its impact would have to be because I can somewhat relate to it.
 
True love may be found in the least expected people in the least expected of times. Sometimes, it is impossible to hold on to that love but in our hearts, that love remains forever. Unfortunately, I believe that the reason why that type of love remains so true and passionate is for the very same reason that we cannot have it or live with. This type of love is the one that's in the back of our minds and creates a barrier with our current relationship.
 
Sincerely,
Revery

From Mimi: What I like about that movie and book is that the love was still considered to be real even through the years; they didn't consider it to be just a passing phase. What you said is interesting and that's what Meryl's character alludes to.  I'm not sure if I want to agree with this though - but I'm sure there is truth in it. I'd like to think that these 2 could have made it work if they had chosen to.  But as they said, it was the life circumstances and history that might have marred happiness even if they'd tried for it - is that it??  sigh. 

 

OMG!!  .. Murphy's Romance.  James Garner and Sally Field.  At the end when she says that she is in love for the FIRST time and he says.. he is in LOVE for the LAST time.  I just cried and said that I want to say that someday.
 
There is so many wonderful movies out there to inspire love.  You've Got Mail at the end when she is crying and he says .. Don't cry Shop Girl... and she says.. I so wanted it to be you.
 
ohhhhhh....
From Mimi:  Thank you for mentioning this one, and a few other people did also!  James Garner is fantastic in this. 

The Complete Guide to Calling MenI'll share more emails here as soon as I can (the plan is tomorrow).

With love, Mimi!

With love,
Mimi Tanner
Author of "Calling Men - the Complete Guide to Calling
and Emailng the Men You Date" 
http://CallingMen.com

 

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

He's a Magic Man - Specializing in Disappearing Acts

I absolutely LOVE the song "Magic Man" by Heart - it's a magic song... turn your speakers WAY up and make sure you have plenty of bass... my computer speakers are not doing this justice...


But when it comes to Magic Men, one thing you don't want to deal with is the Disappearing Act.

Yesterday I got this message in my guestbook from a reader:

Hi Mimi!

I just have to tell you how much your emails have helped me in my relationship. I met this great guy New Year's Eve who was acting like he was really into me. We went out once and had a great time, but towards the end of the date he seemed to get a little distant and said he would call.

Three months went by without a word. Finally, out of the blue he called and I did all the wrong things, like demand to know why he was calling me now after all this time, and he was full of apologies, he had lost my number, he lost his cell phone, etc.

Anyway, we talked and I agreed to meet with him again, and the same thing happened!! I didn't hear from him for about 6 weeks when he called again out of the blue.

This time I just acted like I was glad to hear from him, told him this was a pleasant surprise and how was he, etc. He sounded like he was gaining confidence. We talked and laughed for awhile and then he said, "So when can we get together?" I didn't miss a beat and said in a rather pleasant voice, "I'm not going to see you again!" with no explanation.

He was speechless at first and then he started to ask why, when I suddenly said, "Hey you sexy thing, I've really got to run. Nice talking to you. You take care. Bye," and I promptly hung up.

That was three days ago and he has been calling, sending emails, and just a little while ago I got
flowers!! I haven't yet responded to him. My question is, how long should I wait to respond, should I respond at all, and if I decide to see him again, when?

This is a great turnaround and I think I am enjoying this more than the time I actually spent with him. He is sounding more frantic with each call. I really did like him, but I'm not sure I want to be blown off again with no explanation. What are your thoughts??

-- CC
 

From Mimi:

Wow, CC, that is a great and a classic story. And you sound like you are really seeing this situation for what it is, since you're enjoying it.

The problem with a man like this is, while you may have driven him to distraction with your unexpected actions - and don't you love it, and didn't he richly deserve it - revel in it, baby....

But yes, this guy has a very POOR PROGNOSIS in terms of boyfriend material.

What this guy didn't tell you was that his middle name was Harry, as in Houdini. And no matter how nutso he is right now - and frankly it's good for him to have to go through this cathartic experience and send you flowers - I'm sure he is finding a side of himself he never knew
existed...

He still has a 100% chance of pulling your chain yet again. Imagine how THAT will feel. So you have 2 options.

You can see him or not see him. I vote for not seeing him.

If you do see him, you run the very high risk of him being great for a while and then doing this to you a 3rd time, in which case, he had better hope you don't own a gun and are not loony. The man really likes to live dangerously.

So as for not seeing him, you can tell him why. If you DO see him, first of all, start that by answering the phone when he calls - not by replying to any email or anything where he is not "on the line" or present with you at that moment. Anything else is too easy for him to ignore.

Second, don't meet him anywhere; don't give him a chance to stand you up in public.

Third, do not take him seriously. A man like this who disappears is not going to change. Take it from me and half the other women reading this.

Why is it a certainty that he will do this again? It's because with you, he has started a PATTERN, and one that will be almost impossible to break. He's already worn that groove. It's a lost cause.

And you handled it beautifully. I would recommend letting him stew over what happened; you've made it better for the next girl... but don't waste your precious time on this guy. Other, better men are more worthy of your thoughts and your time. You gave this guy a chance
and not only did he blow it one time, but 2 times. That is 1 time too many.

Thanks for this story, CC!

As another song goes, "Love is a battlefield" - sometimes. It certainly is when men give us situations like this to deal with! If you're playing the game of love, you will come across such situations, so be armed and prepared.

Men like this DO fall in love and marry... they're not total losses - but it is a total loss when a pattern like this happens.

You don't have to be the girl they pull their nonsense on. You can be the girl who brings out "the chase" in them.

You'll both be a lot happier when it works out that way!

With love,
Mimi Tanner
Author of "Hard to Get - Your Personal Guidebook on How to
Play the Game of Love!"
http://hardtoget.com

Comment on this in the guestbook !
 

Tuesday, May 5, 2009

Readers Lament - "Where Are the Real Men??"

Know any men with the WHINE FLU?  Sign the guestbook !

After today's email from me this morning, I heard from so many women, and here are some of their comments.

Hi Mimi,

I love getting your emails, and I couldn't agree more with everything you write! I've learnt long ago to leave with dignity and just cut them off which will without doubt make them come back or at least hold a torch for you forever!

L. in London

She's so right. Read that again! 

Another reader writes:

Dear Mimi,

I always read your emails with my roommate and we spend some time discussing them, we have fun having our girl talk and the typical talking about boys.

Well we both have had, at some point or another, this one problem that we think is really weird. The man thinks we should be making the first move! 

Not to toot our own horns but we are nice, sociable, good looking women who don't normally have a problem getting a date for a Friday night.  It just happens sometimes that we come across these guys who seem like winners and they seem too shy to ask us out.  

Well, we brought this up with our shy male friend Brian and he says to us "You girls have seen me come across beautiful women who, of course, I'd love to go out with but I just can't bring myself to ask them out."  We know he wants a date, but why won't he ask anyone out? This is where I'm not so sure distance is the answer.  

Mimi, I'm tired of all those meatheads who have the courage (or really conceitedness) to ask me out and I'd like a nice, shy guy to ask me out! Preferably for this weekend (haha).

How do I get the shy guy to come out of his shell?

Love, Debbie

Dear Debbie,

Thanks so much for this email.  What Bob means about distance applies in different situations - not this particular one.  In this situation, you're trying to get things going in the first place!

We have a problem here with men who are afraid to ask out a beautiful woman, just because of her looks!  Men, get a grip and step up to the plate. You're the one with the issue, not the woman! 

Some great advice on how to let a man know without a doubt that you're interested - without making it too obvious and without embarrassing yourself - can be found in Ginie Sayles' "Foolproof Guide to Meeting Men" at www.guidetomeetingmen.com

Some men are afflicted with the WHINE FLU.  They complain about how you handle things; they waste time arguing with you instead of flirting with you... who needs it? 

If you have comments on men who exhibit any of these symptoms - sign this guestbook today and let's hear about it...

Know any men with the WHINE FLU?  Sign the guestbook !


Sunday, December 21, 2008

Music to Fall in Love By - or to Think about Someone You Love

This time of year is a time of reflection for me and for most people. 

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!

Much thanks to my friends in this business who warm my heart with their kindness. 

An equal thanks to the wonderful people who read and who write in comments that are amazing and fun to read.

I love this song by the way (and the movie and book of course!)  From A Walk to Remember:

With Love, Mimi Tanner

From my column recently:

The Absentee Breakup!  Has it ever happened to you?

Here is a "field report" from a reader I will call "Berry" whose subject line definitely got my attention.

"I put your techniques to use! And it worked!"

She writes:

Hi Mimi,

Thanks so much for all you are trying to do to help us girls get into the relationships we deserve.

I had an interesting thing happen to me a couple of weeks ago. A guy I had been dating for 2 months let me know he was going to a party that weekend. He didn't say I wasn't invited, but he didn't invite me, either.

Rather than try and track him down the rest of the week by calling, texting, or emailing cute little messages, as I have done with guys in the past, I simply decided that I would let him contact me about weekend plans.

Thursday came. Then Friday night. Then Saturday... then I finally got a very dismissive text on Sunday from him about how hungover he was from his long weekend. I didn't respond to it.


From Mimi: 
After not hearing from him all weekend, she got a   "dismissive text message" - I think she did the right thing to not respond in this case. No response was really called for. 

"Ignoring" him may sound cold. Some women think they OWE a response to every nose blow from their beloved man. But there are all kinds of reasons for a lack of response. You don't
have to feel like Hard-Hearted Hannah. Better sometimes to be a little "cold" than to get walked over, as long as you don't go to extremes. In this case his not spending time with her on the weekend meant that he did not have to be HER priority either. No harm done; no harsh words needed.

Back to the reader's letter!

On Monday I got an email from him "making sure I was okay." I let him know I had a good weekend, but that I was disappointed we didn't hang out. Then he dumped me. Over email! I didn't respond to that one, either.

From Mimi:
I love this call "making sure she's okay." You know what that means, don't you?  It means, "Hey, you are not acting normal and falling all over me, so what's up?"

Then he dumped her via email?? I'm so proud of her for letting that hang in the breeze... (by not responding to it and thereby dignifying it).

"Oh, you broke up with me? I must have missed that memo."
 
With love,
Mimi Tanner
Author of "Hard to Get - Your Personal Guidebook on How to Play the Game of Love!"
http://hardtoget.com 

Your comments on Absentee Breakups are welcome in the guestbook!

Stop Your Breakup using 4 simple steps - this book was around long before the many other contenders


Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Should she tell her doctor that she likes him?

This is a good question and I invited readers to offer their opinions in the guestbook

Hi Mimi,

Brilliant Brilliant Brillant I love your emails. I know you get thousands of emails a day, but can you please advise me on this:

You said that there are men out there that we should reconsider - well I have done that, BUT the big thing is this

1) He is my doctor, who is just divine, single and no commitments. I would love to go out with him, but what about the patient/doctor issue?

Should I back off or make a move? Please help

Thank you for being such an inspiration to so many women like me - we love you for it x

Lots of Love,
Ericka (not her real name)

 

Dear Ericka,

I think you should let your doctor know of your interest in a subtle way. Don't ever tell him directly.  He will catch on by your smile.  And this will protect you from problems and embarrassment also. 

The chances that he will ask to date you are extremely low, since you are a patient.  If you really do want to get to know your doctor, however, get involved in some social group that he is in, by finding out about his interests without his knowing it, which is what Ginie Sayles might advise in this situation.

Imagine the kind of woman he would marry and ask yourself if that describes you. If so, then what a coincidence that you just happened to run into him at his church or his favorite hangout.

Most of all, maintain a good, friendly "patient" relationship with him and don't go outside the bounds of what is most likely to be his desire - to remain appropriate with you since he is your doctor. 

Since he's all that you describe, he must have a long line of women who are thinking the same thing you're thinking - that he's the kind of man they'd be interested in. So go the classy route and you'll stand out with him - he's probably had a few love notes and strong hints already from other women.

I guess this is one time you'll have to be extra "patient" if you really want to date this man.

You will have to switch doctors, according to one very astute reader who knows the particulars on this subject, and you will wait a long time and possibly an eternity, she says, because most doctors will not even date a former patient due to the potential liability. Thanks to this attorney for her input on this.

With love,
Mimi Tanner

P.S. I have been hearing from a LOT of women who really like their doctors - even the ones who have delivered their children. That's probably the last man I would get romantic feelings about... mostly I wanted to talk to him about the epidural!! Besides, he had already left one wife for a nurse...

If you have a thoughtful, intelligent, caring comment, please share it here in the guestbook.  Has anyone you know ever dated her doctor?

Should she tell her doctor that she is interested in dating him?

Comment on this question here in the guestbook.

This is a great speech from Alec Baldwin who plays a doctor in the film Malice. This movie is a guilty (but not too guilty) weekend pleasure when it shows up on cable; it also stars Nicole Kidman and Bill Pullman.  Dumb ending, but great entertainment for the rest of the movie!


Saturday, October 4, 2008

Mimi's Nail Salon Rant... Anjelah Johnson Understands!!!

I've been getting my nails done for a long time now.  (I'm about to give up due to the time factor and the annoyance factor and try to do them myself without the fake nails!!)  Usually it's an excruciatingly painful experience like torture... and then I tip them.  That's how it's supposed to work.  

I'm always griping to my daughters and their friends about how the ladies talk about you in their language right in front of you...!!  My daughter's friend told me about Anjelah Johnson's hilarious comedy routine about this, and I'm sharing it with you. 

Anjelah Johnson is very talented and funny.  This video is really dead on accurate about a visit to a nail salon. If you're familiar with Anjelah's comedy you'll be aware that she pokes good-natured fun at ALL "races."

Late note:  I finally found a great nail person...  I will be devoted to her forever...


Here are some of the comments I have received about yesterday's email! (I've repeated the email at the bottom of the page.)

Hi Mimi,

This is really interesting and funny! I would like to comment on this...being single I know how to flirt when I want to flirt so with saying this...I have used this technique myself to get a man's attention but never thought to use it against them when I want to talk to them about something serious. So next time I will try it. I know I have learned a lot so far from your advice and also Bob's advice which is wonderful! Not only is it teaching me about the relationship between two people but it has also helped me with my own self. I highly recommend this to ALL women even IF they think they know it all.

-- W.


Hey.. why not? do whatever we have as a good source in ourselves....whatever works...

-- A.



HI Mimi from the lovely state of VA.
 
First and foremost THANK YOU for keeping us in check.
 
I also want to agree with today's email of bend and snap!
 
I am a tough as nails woman, do all the things myself, one of those "I don't need a man" type woman.  So trust me when I say, if I can learn to be a "girly girl", anyone can.  Thanks to you, I have realized the importance of letting a man be a man!
 
THIS WORKS... my current boyfriend, (thanks for all the insightful tips, I changed my MO, and WHAM he came out of nowhere and swept me clean off my feet.).  is about 6'3", I am barely 5'4", so for him to get to look into my eyes, takes alot of work.  I whisper, not really low, but enough to where he has to bend down, THEN I look into his eyes.   He has told me that is the one thing that really gets to him.. because he loves it, and has to pay very close attention.
 
So ladies, listen up... pay close attention to what Mimi says, and the Bob Grant book is simply AWESOME. THEY HAVE CHANGED MY LIFE.  I never in a million years thought I would find "HIM"... and using what I have deemed "tweaking"... because I think we all desire to be loved, that I have learned here.. I am able to be in a great relationship.  Now trust me, it is a daily lesson, I tend to want to fall back into old habits, of throwing my hands on my hips, and demanding my way... but when I realize his primal urge is to protect me, and keep me smiling, then I adjust the way I communicate with him.
 
I just wish someone would write a book to wake up the new "metro sexual man".. cause most of us still want the Marlboro man on the white horse!
 
GREATEST THANKS
S. in VA
 
this was a stupid EM - ive read better.....

-- M.


Dear Mimi,

I never understand women who won't use their femininity to their advantage. I went through that rebellious stage too but you know it gets you nowhere fast. Over the years I've learned how to use my female assets and I don't just mean my chest. You don't have to dress slutty or vulgar either, not for the good guys anyway. Why women want to balk at using something that will keep them from a loving relationship is beyond me. Whatever works as long as it's not degrading I say go for it. I imagine this lady doesn't have to nag at her husband for anything, that only creates a negative environment and who wants that.

I'm sure you'll get a lot of heat for this one :)  But know there are those of us who agree with you. Even though my heart is not in it right now, I will never give up flirting with men.

Be well!

Ellen

Hi Mimi!

I am just stunned that some people were so upset by that interesting idea/suggestion on how to get your guy's attention, :) Maybe they dealt with some sort of rejection in the past that made them hate their own bodies? In any case, I LOVE this idea, as I can almost guarantee this will work to get the attention of my husband when I need it. We are all so distracted these days, what with cell phones, texting and e mails, I think this is a great idea to personally "re-connect" with your spouse or significant other, even if you don't have to have their attention. I believe you will GET some attention from them, regardless of whether you want it or not when using this method.

Here's to femininity at work!

Best regards,
Kathy


Mimi,

I have never responded to any of your e-mails in the past, but I definitely think that these are absolute great techniques. As an independent woman myself, I would normally think this is something a woman should not stoop down to, but I actually think, if you are a smart woman, you would use these techniques to your advantage. My hat's off to whoever applies to them!!!! I know I'm going to!

--N.


Dear Mimi,

I have been reading your newletter for months, purchased Calling Men, have taken your class on flirting, purchased nearly every book you have suggested, and I find your advice to be sincere and perfect. Any woman who gets upset over your advice needs to really examine herself to discover what about the advice bothers her so much. What is her shadow she is dealing with?

I think you are fantastic and I have appreciated every piece of advice I have been given. It has taken me awhile, but I am finally learning how to be a self-fulfilled human being. I am finally understanding that I have to be happy within myself before I can ever attract and keep a quality man. Thanks to you, Mimi, and your advice and referrals to other quality experts, I am truly becoming the authentic, feminine, self aware woman God intended me to be.

Keep up the good work, I for one, am one reader whose life you have touched and improved in a profound way. I could never thank you enough.

With love, S.

PS: I my Southern and have no qualms whatsoever regarding using the assets my Mama gave me. lol
 


Here is Yesterday's Email:

"Bend and Snap, Baby - A Modified Version, If You Dare!"

Yesterday I shared the wisdom of author Bob Grant who said that men who seem to be not listening to you ARE in fact paying close attention to your tone of voice. That is what tells them what the real message is!

http://thewomanmenadore.com  for more info on Bob's books.

I received so many responses on this, and here is one in particular from "Angela" who shares a very - very - engaging way of getting a man's attention! 

I hope you're sitting down... this is a good one!  Here goes:

    "Mimi,

    "I wanted to share with other readers how true this is.

    "One day I asked my husband if he ever listened to what I
    was saying. He said, "Yes, I listen to your tone of voice
    and how you are speaking. I know when to respond by that."

    "It took me a little while to figure out what he was trying
    to say, but I did. And whenever I wanted him to really
    listen to me, I would talk a little slower, lower my voice
    a little and look directly in his eyes. If he wasn't facing
    me, I would place myself in such a way that he would have
    to look.

    "Sometimes that involved standing in front of him and
    stretching my arms up, then lifting my chest to raise
    my bosom. The technique never failed and our communication
    level soared. Teaching my sister-in-law this helped
    her tremendously in dealing with her husband, my
    brother. She told me that their communication has
    never been better and their relationship is stronger
    for it."
  
    -- Angela (not her real name)

Interesting!  I wrote back to Angela and asked her to clarify exactly how this looked. 

I also told her that some readers might have her for breakfast with this notion of raising the bust to get a man's attention... but she says she can handle it, and frankly, it's all in a day's work... there's one woman who keeps writing me in all caps, raging on and on with daily complaints... :)

Here's what she wrote back:
  
   "Hi Mimi,

   "[In answer to your question asking for more details on
   how the arm raising works,] I would slowly raise my arms
   to a little above shoulder level, lower them slowly,
   then raise my chest and not look at him. While raising
   my chest, I would look slowly up at him then talk. His
   eyes would go straight to my chest as I lifted it (he
   was an 'assets' man), and as I raised my eyes to him
   and said slowly and with a little deeper voice than
   normal: 'Honey....' then whatever I wanted to say/ask.

   "I do not feel it was extreme at all since men are
   very visual. Get his eyes to focus on you, and you
   have his attention. It plays to a man's basic instinct.

   "Some women may think it is below them and that they
   shouldn't have to do it to get their man's attention,
   but I've learned that sometimes we have to use the old
   skills our mothers and their mothers used. And I've
   seen Southern ladies use this technique (without
   raising their arms) to excellent results.

   "Ever seen the movie 'Legally Blonde'? The 'bend and
   snap' technique, while comical, is true. You don't
   have to 'snap', just raise your chest when you
   stand up. Works every time. I raised my arms in
   front of my then-husband because I knew he was a
   chest man. There are other techniques for different
   parts of a man's focus that a woman can use.

   "As women, we are given larger brains and more
   sensitivity to emotions (at least most of us...lol).
   We are also given the ability to use them to our
   advantage. Even for older women, I've found out that
   techniques and eye contact work just as well.

   "I'm a very independent woman who does all her own
   home maintenance, repair and remodeling. I have
   my own tool shop and am capable of doing many of
   the things men do. I also ride a motorcycle (750
   Honda), can do basic maintenance on my car and
   am financially self-sufficient.

   "Men will state that they want an independent
   woman, but they also want a woman who makes
   them feel like they are needed at times."

I realize that a lot of people would not even consider trying this tip, but life is too short and so for
that reason alone, I definitely plan to add it to my arsenal. Anything that makes a man feel more
attracted to me, within reason, is perfectly all right with me!

So ladies, you may not drop your hankie, but if you ever want to try it for fun... then consider it a
science experiment for the benefit of humanity, and then try Angela's final 2 tips.

I think these "tips" will be easy and effective - perhaps VERY effective - when you try it out.
 
   "Just take a deep breath (with head slightly lowered)
   while raising the chest and slowly raise your eyes
   and head to look into your guy's eyes. He'll be looking
   at the chest but will raise his eyes when you raise
   your head. That seems to work, too, and is easier to
   describe than my arm technique.
 
   "Or.....
 
   "Just do the 'bend and snap' without the 'bend'. And
   don't snap hard, do it slowly and with feeling. Sort of
   like Marilyn Monroe would do when she was about
   to speak and wanted the man's full attention. Actually,
   a lot of those old movies display excellent techniques
   that have fallen out of favor." 

Angela, this has been a lot of fun. It's okay to give oneself permission to be a girly girl in at least some areas of your life.  "Legally Blonde" celebrates the girly girl and it's quite refreshing and fun - and pink! Of course there is nothing sexier than a girly girl who is smolderingly intelligent!

And please girls, don't throw your back out when you 'snap', okay?

Women, you can use these techniques and modify them and experiment with them, and name the resulting child born 9 months from this weekend after "Elle" from "Legally Blonde"... and trust me, I will not tell anyone. Let's just keep this our little secret.

If you're upset over this, then consider this:

I wonder what a man's reaction would be to this? Do you think he'd say, "No, I'm totally against you holding your body in an alluring way, and please don't ever do that again"?  The defense rests.

Why am I thinking of that old joke, "If I said you had a beautiful body, would you hold it against me?"

For some amazing tips on how to use your femininity to attract a man without saying a WORD, no collection is complete without Ginie Sayles' seminar on CD:

http://guidetomeetingmen.com - a true keeper!

With love,
Mimi Tanner
Author of "Calling Men - the Complete Guide to Calling
and Emailng the Men You Date" 
http://CallingMen.com


======================================
 

"With Love, Mimi Tanner" (tm) is Mimi's daily email column, which debuted in April 2005. "With Love" is one of the most well-loved columns on relationship topics. Well over 100,000 people are active subscribers to Mimi's email columns. This column gets forwarded from friend to friend constantly. Sign up here and talk to you soon!
 

Go here to comment or to read comments on Mimi's email and on Anjelah Johnson's video too.