I’m a Gmail user. And I’m also in the unfortunate situation of having a father whose name begins with the letters D and A, an ex whose name also begins “Da,” and a friend who has the same name as the ex. As you probably know, in Gmail, as you begin typing the recipient’s name or email, an automated list appears, and, if you’re in a hurry, it’s easy to make the wrong selection. This has caused some embarrassing mix-ups wherein my father doesn’t understand why I’m counseling him on relationship advice; even worse, I’ve included my ex on an email invitation for my house party. Now Gmail has come out with a new feature called “Got the wrong Bob?” to help you out. The program monitors which groups of people you email often and makes suggestions if it seems like you’ve included the wrong person on the address list.

The downside is that the tool only works for group emails (but what do you bet the criticism against this will prompt a new feature?). Still, “Got the wrong Bob?” should cut down on embarrassing slip-ups. [Official Gmail Blog]

When a friend of mine who’s dipping her toe back into the world of online dating recently asked for three quick rules to remember when emailing potential matches, it occurred to me that if she needed a bit of a refresher course, some of you probably do too. After all, as convenient as it is, email is rife with opportunities to shoot yourself in the foot and hurt your shot at making a real connection. So after the jump, eight dos and don’ts to remember when emailing a potential online dating match.

Do you save the crazy emails you receive? Umm ... I have an entire arsenal of them. About six years ago, I started a file in my inbox labeled “INSANE” and I have been growing my collection ever since. Nothing cheers me up like reading an insane email thread. Truly. That’s why this new blog, Emails From Crazy People, is helping me laugh my way through the dog days of summer. The site features the kind of insanity that only email can capture—like those crazy emails from the GF while her BF was in Europe. After the jump, two of my favorite crazytown emails from the site plus two rare gems from my own personal collection. You’re welcome.

I heart words and communication. This includes emails, text messages, Gchat, Blackberry Messenger, iChat—the works. I am a sucker for a well-crafted email or a witty text message. My motto: The way to my heart is through my brain. That’s why I thought Joe could be Mr. Perfect for me. Joe and I met one night at a work gala. I had already put away an entire bottle of wine when I almost knocked him over on the dance floor.

“Do you like to dance, beautiful girl who almost stepped on my foot?” he asked.

“Only when I’m drunk. When I’m sober, I dance like Elaine from ‘Seinfeld.’” I replied.

It was a rainy October night and Joe offered to escort me to the subway when the event ended, impressed that I could: a.) still walk and b.) do it in 3-inch heels. “Email me,” I slurred, handing him my business card, “I loooove emails.”

More than half of the 272 women survey in a Cornell University study said they’d be willing to use extreme dieting methods to meet their wedding weight goals, and one in five women in a Fitness magazine survey of 1,000 brides said they’d postpone their wedding if they didn’t met their weight goal. [Women’s eNews]

 

It’s sad, but true: If you’re out and about, looks are probably the most important factor when it comes to attracting people. If you see a not-so-hot guy, there’s a good chance you’re not going to go over and strike up a conversation. In the online dating world, appearances are important, but it’s often difficult to tell whether people are attractive from their pictures—strategic camera angles can do wonders. What really makes me want to get to know and meet a guy is if he gives good email, and I think they feel the same way.