Whether it’s sitting in silence during dinner or enduring the long, uncomfortable pauses when he’s out with you and your friends, dating a shy guy can create some incredibly frustrating situations. What you might not realize, however, is that inspiring an introverted date to open up is surprisingly simple. “With a shy guy, you have to take the lead more often,” says Diana Kirschner, Ph.D., a recurring guest psychologist on “The Today Show” and author of “Love in 90 Days: The Essential Guide to Finding Your Own True Love”. “It may seem like a challenge, but once you give him a few little pushes in the right direction, he’ll open up to you with ease.” Find Dr. Kirschner’s hints on how to encourage your guy to take a walk on the wildly talkative side, after the jump…

While everyone on “Gossip Girl” is complaining of the intense heat, mid-blackout, nary a hair out of place, the rest of us know that though humidity is sticking it out, summer has come to an end. (Unless you are very, very wealthy and you can find summer any time of year.)

As Wall Street falters and the Presidential candidates politic their way into November, what is to become of your summer fling? Will you vote for him in the fall? Or will you change parties and send him packing? Sure you spent many a wine-filled eve, smelling of suntan lotion and getting sand in your pants—but is your romance seasonal? Or can it sustain Thanksgiving with your family (and the cold)?

Fantasize about dating a rock star? Who doesn’t? They’re sexy, mysterious, oh-so-dangerous, and, apparently, insanely wild in bed. If you wanna make like Gwyneth Paltrow, Kate Hudson, Liv Tyler, or Cameron Diaz, but you’re all hung up on your lack of a Hollywood pedigree, mega-wattage celebrity, or rock star funds, fret no longer, my sister. You, too, can land yourself a music man—without looking all “groupie”—with the help of Cherry Bomb: The Ultimate Guide to Becoming a Better Flirt, a Tougher Chick, and a Hotter Girlfriend, and to Living Life Like a Rock Star, a land-a-rock-star manual by Carrie Borzillo-Vrenna, who’s married to a rock star herself.

Personally, I think the most annoying thing a person can do on the first date is talk about money. I also think that’s the most annoying thing a person can do on the 59th date, but that’s just me. We asked tons of peeps on the street for the most annoying thing they’ve encountered on a date and DANG am I glad I haven’t dated any of the people they’ve come across.

As I’ve come to learn, dating in New York City isn’t…well…dating. At least what you think of traditionally in terms of the word. There isn’t a whole lot of that good, wholesome stuff you see on TV or in the movies. Oftentimes, he doesn’t call and ask to take you out to dinner, nor does he pick you up, or follow-up after the requisite three days (even if he really likes you). And, as I’ve found out the hard way, more often than not, girls pay their own way.

Are you starting to wonder if whoever coined the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder” was ever involved in a long-distance relationship? The truth is, when many miles separate you and your honey, keeping your connection strong is tough regardless of your fondness for each other.  By establishing a few ground rules and engaging in creative methods of communication, however, you can make a long-distance relationship thrive, says DeAnna Lorraine, a San Diego-based dating coach. Before you give up on fanning the flames of your long-distance romance, consider employing these strategies to keep your long-distance love hot.

When “It’s just one drink” turns into “I would rather have a root canal than another martini with you”, it’s time to devise a plan to ditch your dead-end date— fast. While making a swift departure without coming off as a total jerk is tough, it is possible as long as you’ve got a well-formulated plan, says Yvonne Rice, former dating agency owner and author of Finding “The One”: A Powerful Step-by-Step Guide to Making Online Dating Work for You. “Because most people don’t take rejection well,” she explains, “not putting careful thought into how you’ll exit your bad date runs you the risk of sparking the ‘nasty’ in the date you’re ditching.” For Rice’s suggestions on how to escape a bad date with your reputation – and your date’s dignity – intact, read on…

When it comes to men, I have a type. Physically, he’s tall and lean. He’s also the soft-spoken intellectual and creative type. And more often than not, he’s emotionally unavailable and self-absorbed. And yet, I date him over and over again, like a broken record stuck on one false note.

This might be why there’s an entire dating industry geared toward women. And as much as you might want to blame it on Sex and the City, the truth of the matter is that many women, myself included, don’t always go for the right type of guy. You may now cue the latest romantic comedy that you don’t want to believe is loosely based on your life.

We live in a world where Paris Hilton makes approximately 20 billion times as much as your average public schoolteacher, and talk show host Oprah Winfrey has a net worth double that of a lot of small countries. What do these celebrities do to earn such riches? Sure, Paris had her reality show, but surely the guy who picks up your trash every morning before dawn sweats way more than she ever will. Does anyone really believe that George Clooney works harder than a middle school teacher? I sure don’t. So maybe it’s time that—instead of begrudging our stars their super-sized salaries—we make them earn it, by learning from their high-profile relationship ups and downs.

Jennifer Aniston: No matter how beautiful, rich and successful you are, if you’re not married with a baby by 40, certain people will still insist you’re a sad, desperate loser.

Just like tasting ice cream flavors, sampling sex with a new guy is what being young and single is all about. Sure, you can have your fun, but what do you do when the sun comes up? After a night of hot humpin’, it’s time to get back to your regular bump-and-grind.  Here’s how to fulfill your contract after you’ve sealed the deal….

1. Set Your Alarm Get up and out!  Unless you know for sure that you’re going to do breakfast, beat the awkward morning-after by waking up before him. Just make sure you say good-bye (see below).