I've gone out with a few dames in my day, and I'm all about dinner and a movie. But the right one hasn't come along. And for a guy pushing 40, I'm about average. At least that's the trend. Word is out that most joes are steering clear of tying the noose ... er, knot ... because they don't want to get mixed up with the wrong babe, baby.

The more you stop and think about that one, the more sense it makes. Even if you're feeling lonely and singing the blues, you don't really come out ahead by trading that for a bad marriage where your partner gets on your nerves. And don't give me any fuss about "at least you've got someone". I've been in bad relationships. Without one, at least you don't have to fight over the remote.

You gotta find the way that works for you. Flying solo or going the DeBeers route. Choosing the right job. Doing the debt reduction thing.

Notice that I didn't give any options on that last one. Wanna know why? Because going into debt for a set of wheels or carrying a credit card balance doesn't work best for anyone. If you owe dough to someone, then they are bankrolling you. They own you. Talk about a bad relationship!