A young bride can put on makeup at 6 in the morning and look fabulous at midnight. I have about a 15-minute window where I actually look good, and then I have to wash my face and start over.

So often, happiness is the extent to which we balance our grandiose expectations with reality.

The specific story line that people have responded to the most has been the horror of bathing suit shopping.

Men date. Women have relationships.

I'm lucky that my real-life Mom has both a great sense of humor about herself and an amazing ability to slip into complete denial if the subject matter gets a little too close to home.

Everyday is a new beginning and a chance to blow it.

I'm married, which means that instead of occasionally wondering about men from afar, I actually live with one and can be constantly astounded by the strange male brain.