— Keep the child support check and visits from your kids' father distinct and separate in your mind — and heart. Your children must see for themselves that their dad didn't divorce them.

— Imagine what you'd do with your time if you were to only have six months to live. I'd bet my new scanner that nowhere on your list would be anything that deals with dating or marriage, and that more than once you'd promise to show your fellow man more love. Well, why not do it today?

— Male bashing is so yesterday. Women who use their newly won options to rail at the male gender are to be pitied — and discouraged. The next time you're in the company of a man hater, count yourself out, and slam the door behind you.

— Feeling rejected and less desirable during periods without a love interest is understandable, until it dawns on you that without that distraction, those times can turn out to be peak times of creativity and self-expression (I promise).

— Platonic friendship can creep up on you. You build bridges and communicate without hidden agenda until the realization strikes both of you: Hey! I really like this person I haven't even kissed yet! (At this point I'll bow out, knowing smile and all.)

— Respondents to my nationwide survey on single sexuality overwhelmingly preferred the continuing sex life of marriage over the episodic, stop-and-start rhythm of single life (an ironic finding when you recall that marrieds often grouse about the sameness of married sex). And so it goes ...

— The next time you yearn to be held and loved, think back to the awfulness that enveloped you after an episode of less-than-caring sex, and decide to take a 10-minute shower. As you're drying, think about writing some poetry or picking up the phone to hear the voice of a beloved relative too far away to visit in person. The delighted surprise of his or her voice will bring you all the way back from a wrong choice. And it may well inspire you to write or read some tender poetry. Congratulations!

— Oh, if only men would treat women like men, and vice versa, there would be so much more friendship between them and so many more close encounters — of the real kind. But, hey! Someone's got to start the revolution toward realness! And, yes, it is a risk; your realness may be frightening and quickly rejected (and maybe misunderstood, coming as a shock to the other sex). But then again, lean back and contemplate the rewards!

We've uncovered another treasure trove of "Single File" paperbacks - in perfect condition, signed by Susan, ready to enjoy. Send $15 and your address: Susan Deitz, c/o Creators Syndicate, 737 Third St., Hermosa Beach, CA 90254. Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com.

Photo credit: Picography at Pixabay