Two friends of mine went for lessons at 77 Maiden Lane Salon. They both were (and still are) very happy with what they learned, though they said they spent a lot on cosmetics that day. These women continued with the 77 M L foundation, but later switched to other brands of eye and lip color and skin-care products. They were both about 40 at the time, and said the makeup artist had a lot of useful things to say about which brands are better for over-40 skin. The salon has its own brand of... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 10:24 AM on September 29, 2008

There are different ointments prescibed for eczema. If the first one doesn't work well, ask for another; don't give up. The right cream will make a huge difference.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 10:38 AM on September 26, 2008

It's a tough decision, because you're wishing you could know how you'll end up feeling about the new guy. You think there's a genuine possibility of happiness with the passionate guy, but that's unlikely. If you go back with him, you'll be second-guessing yourself right away, and with good reason.

You have to let the old boyfriend go. He broke up with you, and now he thinks he wants to be with you. Why? There's probably been no important change in him or in his life to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 1:09 PM on September 22, 2008

You don't need to make a forever decision right now. Just take one step: agree to disagree on gay marriage, and avoid the subject. Then see how it goes. If the friendship can survive, it will -- but if you feel uncomfortable, adjust accordingly. It's okay to feel your way, especially if there's a chance your friend will become more tolerant.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:23 AM on September 22, 2008

People who lead with a low-ball offer assume that you don't know what the bike is worth or that you're in a hurry to unload it. Set an attractive price, and make it clear in your ad that you know it's worth more than you're asking so the price is firm. That should cut down on the number of "I'll give you 50 bucks cash right now" replies. You can't really stop people from trying to talk you down by 10-15%, but they'll be expecting you to stand firm anyway.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 9:53 AM on September 20, 2008

If the antidepressants were helping you, you'd know after about 3-4 weeks. If you can't tell, they're not working. That's okay.... finding the right medication is often a crap shoot. The doctor makes the best possible guess, and then you move on to another drug. There are so many medications to try, and they affect everyone differently.

You're wondering if your depression is chemical. I think I know what you mean; "is it me, or is it my situation?" But really,... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 3:07 PM on September 17, 2008 marked best answer

I loathe scented products, and I've tried so many unscented ones that I could probably write a book -- on the bad ones. The good ones wouldn't fill up a page! Fortunately, we don't need many.

My #1 for dishwashing liquid is Method's 'Go Naked.' It really, really cleans even greasy pans; even better, it's very concentrated so you use less than most other brands. (I haven't tried Ecover.) This version of Method dish soap is harder to find than their scented ones, so I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 9:20 AM on September 13, 2008

It's possible to buy washable wool blankets, and I recommend them strongly. Your first thought might be that dry-cleaning blankets is expensive. That's true... but the real problem is that it's so inconvenient that you just never get them cleaned. After a while, blankets get dusty, and worse. Washable wool is real wool that's been treated to it won't get matted when it's washed.

I own a Hudson's Bay blanket -- they're nice and warm, and they look great when new. But mine... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 9:49 AM on September 11, 2008

You'd probably benefit from a few counseling sessions on your own. It can be great for perspective, decision-making, sorting out conflicting feelings, and bolstering trust in your own intuition.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 1:33 AM on September 1, 2008

It sounds like your husband thinks that your religious stance defines him in some way -- that it's part of his identity. This kind of thing happens a lot, not always about religion. It's not a good thing when a spouse can't really distinguish where one partner's individuality ends and the other's begins. I'd wager that your husband has trouble with other aspects of your separate identity, in addition to this one. For right now, give him the benefit of the doubt and assume... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:23 AM on August 29, 2008

Limeonaire reminded me about the timed writing -- at my school, they specifically trained us to quickly outline an essay whose scope could be covered in the allotted time. It helped me on every college essay exam I took.

You don't want to be reading for plot -- if you know the plot ahead of time, you can absorb a lot more about characterization, themes, and whatnot. So read a summary before you dig in. It's not cheating! If you were reading non-fiction, you'd look at... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:14 AM on August 28, 2008

Even if your tonsils are removed, you can still get tonsillolith-like pockets in/on the throat, as I do. Tonsil stones aren't harmful and don't necessarily indicate an important infection, or any infection for that matter. They are disgusting, though.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 12:15 PM on August 26, 2008

This guy maybe wrote a question on AskMetafilter: "I really prefer not to get into a relationship right now. But for some reason, every interesting, fun female that I want to be friends with ends up wanting to be my girlfriend. And I'[m not even hot! What should I do?" He got 57 answers that were all over the map, and was no wiser than before.

I think he just doesn't really know how to deal with certain sensitive issues. But I give him credit for erring on the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 3:54 PM on August 22, 2008

What worked for me was eating several small "meals" a day. I had already cut out all the refined carbs and most of the fat; my calorie intake was the same as yours is now, and I was already doing some exercise. I was 55 pounds overweight, and my weight had been the same for a decade, except for brief periods when I temporarily lost five pounds or so.

I'm not diabetic, but the way I eat now is pretty much what's recommended for diabetics. A nutritionist... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 10:25 AM on August 21, 2008

Tell the couple that you never want to hear another thing about any of it -- the relationship, the complaining, the gossip. "You don't like your situation, you keep talking about it, you aren't doing anything to change it -- my listening isn't helping you or me. Let's not talk about it anymore." And if the ex-girlfriend has any more news, tell her you're not interested in gossip or in keeping secrets.

I'm saying, stay out of it completely -- not just the part... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 9:43 AM on August 21, 2008

In my geographic area, the good doctors are busy. Getting in to see one of them when you have a medical problem is almost impossible if you haven't already established a relationship. So I'd say that visiting a few doctors is probably a good idea -- but do it when the three of you are well.

I agree that back in the day, doctors spent more time. And they would often give advice on what to do if the first solution wasn't effective. Now it does seem to me that they'll... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 8:47 AM on August 12, 2008

You can tell James that when the door is closed, it would be better for him to wait for later to hang out with you and your boyfriend.

And I guess you could tell him that you feel uncomfortable when he talks only with your boyfriend when you're in the room, but he seems to ignore you. It might be more effective, though, if your boyfriend would be obvious about including you.

Those are matters that affect you. The rest of it seems like your... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 1:26 PM on August 1, 2008

I would use a wipe-on oil/poly blend. The one I love is made by General Finishes, and I've used it on two walnut tabletops, two mahogany countertops, and two cherry armoires. I've only tried the oil-based product. It doesn't give you a plasticky polyurethane finish; it looks like an oil, and it's flexible (like an oil) so surface dings won't cause chipping the way they would with plain polyurethane. If the wood were bare, you do one coat of Seal-A-Cell, but you can go right to Arm-R-Seal. Sand... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 12:36 PM on August 1, 2008 marked best answer

Whatever I do, no matter how good, could always be better. As a perfectionist, knowing ahead of time that I'm going to feel this way is enough to keep me from starting a task or project. It's not really, "I probably can't be as good as the best." It's more, "I won't be as good I ought to be." That way, I always lose -- guaranteed.

I deal with this in two ways. The first is kind of strange, but it works for me. I tell myself, "Whatever I do is... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 10:53 AM on July 31, 2008

When I (female) was single, if I met someone attractive whom I liked being with, I'd just do whatever was fun. Getting together, contacting the guy by whatever convenient means, paying as much attention as seemed natural, enjoying things and kind of wondering what would happen next. If a third party had said to me, "Where do you think your thing with X is going," I would have said... "Uh...going? It's not even a thing yet. It's a pre-thing. It just is. It's spontaneous." I... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 7:30 PM on July 26, 2008

I'd use an oil (WD-40 is a great choice, but baby oil or cooking oil is fine) with the type of scrubbing sponge that's appropriate for non-stick pans, or with a credit card. If the scratch is small, scrape with a finger nail. Then wipe off the oil and wash the area with dish soap in water. I'd be tempted to use Goo-Gone, but it needs to be tested in an inconspicuous spot first.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:46 AM on July 22, 2008

If you can't get yourself to talk with your wife about your wanting a divorce, do see a therapist yourself as soon as you can. Therapists can great at helping with major decisions and following through. You have conflicting desires... you want to leave your marriage, yet avoid ugly confrontation. A therapist helps you relax some constraints so you can actually choose and act -- and it won't take long. You're also likely to appreciate having someone to talk to as the separation and divorce unfold.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:52 AM on July 20, 2008

Have you asked the dermatologist about Claritin? If you do, you might find that he/she thinks Benadryl is more effective, not necessarily safer. If that's the case, Claritin is worth trying.

Use the smallest amount that works; you don't have to use a half-teaspoon right away. My sister's son has been taking Claritin since before there was a Children's Claritin; a doctor suggested that she dissolve part of a tablet in milk for him when he was aout 2... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 2:41 PM on July 19, 2008

If your boss is wanting to do this to save money, the company may be in more trouble than you think. Take the salary.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:54 AM on July 18, 2008

I have a theory about pronouncing R: if you try to change your native habit, or to re-learn how to say R, it's very hard to say a natural-sounding R. I base this solely on my observations in my home state, Rhode Island, where an R before a vowel has a little V sound mixed in -- it's vreally vremarkable.. I trained myself not to say it that way, but now my Rs sound like W to some people. I've noticed that when a lot of Rhode Islanders try to... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 9:29 AM on July 18, 2008

Don't hide that you're attracted to her. I'm not saying you should "make it obvious," but don't do the faux-casual, pretending-to-be-friends thing that so many guys do lest someone notice they're into a girl. Look her right in the eye, look at her often, smile as much as is natural. Give her a compliment or two... not "You look beautiful," but something specific that she can believe: You look nice with long hair, your hair looks glossy in the sun. If you can smell her shampoo... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 1:48 PM on July 17, 2008

I've often asked myself the same question -- except it's "Why do so many women wear blue eyeshadow, even when it looks terrible on them?"

The Victorian thing makes a lot of sense. But here's my brilliant theory about the modern day: we (you and I, and maybe lots of people) notice blue make-up. It's often done badly, and thus calls attention to itself. And even when it's expertly applied on a person of the right coloring, its much more noticeable than neutrals... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:48 AM on July 17, 2008

Tell him that if he wants help, you'll help him. There's nothing you can do or say to get him to stop using drugs. Tell him you worry that he might die; it's true, and it'll matter more than other things you might say.

It's possible that he doesn't have a lot of hope, that he doesn't enjoy life when he's sober. Even if he quit drugs, he'd be left with those problems to solve. That would explain why he doesn't want to stop using.

My brother had a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 3:40 PM on July 13, 2008

Yes, it's worth it, if you'll actually remember to pay every bill in full and never forget to pay. The penalty fee for late payment is ridiculously high.

You find out over time that the benefits can be very good -- like, six months after you buy a new tire and it turns out to be defective. Merchants know you can just dispute the charge, even if you paid it off way back then. They give you less trouble.

Later on, you'll need a credit history. Get a card and use it.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 12:10 PM on July 13, 2008

My sister's having a tummy tuck. I asked, dragging the word out, "abdominoplasty?" She said, "Don't call it that! It sounds painful!" She ran out of the room when I started mentioning scalpels, staples, subcutaneous fat, heh heh. She's had cosmetic surgery before and already knows it hurts a lot -- but she justs wants to focus on the benefits. "Skin bra" might be one of those cute, fun-sounding names that make a real surgical procedure sound simple; or it might be... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 10:18 AM on July 13, 2008

When you need to talk about some kind of problem that IS a bad habit on his/her part, bring up a specific instance instead of immediately pointing to a pattern, and say how it affects you. I'm sure you already know that saying, "You always do this bad thing" or "You never do this good thing" is going to lead to hurt feelings and anger; it's also best to avoid, "You have a tendency to..." Example: "I felt embarrassed yesterday when you talked over me when we... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 7:19 PM on July 12, 2008

I'm in the same weight range as you, judging from the photos. I agree that there are some people who just like to talk about the fatties and baldies and pretty much anyone that could possibly be made fun of. That's their hobby... it doesn't mean that they're offended or grossed out. They just like to talk about how (derogatory adjective) other people are.. Seriously, they can look away anytime they want to.

But if YOU feel uncomfortable, walk onto the beach wearing a... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 2:53 PM on July 11, 2008

The quieter partner should make a game out of coming up a topic or two ahead of time. It's a lot easier when the pressure is off.

You could also have a discussion in which you list topics that might be good conversation-starters for specific people you know. "I bet Jack would like to be asked about his woodworking" -- that sort of thing. It might not help with your own conversations (except for the one at hand), but it's good for limbering up, and then when she... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 2:30 PM on July 11, 2008

You will not believe how well TSP removes grease. You don't need to scrub at all; grease just gives up and lets go. Here's a floor-washing trick that helps a lot with the ceiling job: Use two buckets/containers, one with the cleaning solution and one with plain water. After wiping the ceiling, rinse the mop or rag in the plain water before dipping it back into the cleaning solution. You'll keep your cleaning solution clean and do a much better job. Change the plain water now and again.... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 2:22 PM on July 11, 2008 marked best answer

I'm close to three people who quit using nicotine patches, and they all swear by them. It's a bad idea to dismiss the patch out of hand; whether it's useful/advisable or not completely depends on who's using it, and how.

Two of these people also loved having a quit-smoking meter on the desktop of their computer, to keep a running count of days since they last smoked. They said that sometimes the only thing that kept them from smoking was the thought of having to reset... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 2:00 PM on July 11, 2008

What a terrible experience you've been through. I'd wager that it has much less to do with your weight than with his wanting to tell you what to do, and his need to make it YOUR fault that he wasn't as attracted to you as he wanted to be. Lots of times you meet someone who you like just fine but don't happen to be to be hot for. Are you going to say, "I'll go out with you if you change yourself physically or otherwise"? That's's just not normal. You went along with it because you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 5:35 PM on July 10, 2008 marked best answer

Like carmicha, I recommend buying a coach handbag on ebay. Most of the great last-forever leather Coach bags have been discontinued, but you can find a lot of gently-used ones in many styles. People selling coach tend to put up lots of very clear photos, or will provide them if you ask -- if they're selling genuine Coach, they want to make sure you can see the quality. If you want tips on spotting fakes, see ebay's community discussion forum headed "Shoes, handbags, accessories."
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 2:34 PM on July 8, 2008 marked best answer

If you get any hair-removal lotion on your fingernails, wash it off right away. It'll soften your nails in a few minutes.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 1:47 PM on July 8, 2008

She lives in the same building as you do. If she lived in another neighborhood, you might be able to have an affair with her and not have a big awkward mess after it ended. If anyone's going to move out because of awkwardness, it's going to be you. Even if she IS telling the truth about her marriage; even if her husband told you himself that they've agreed to see other people -- it would be a bad idea.

By the way -- even if she says okay, we'll just be friends, she'll... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 4:36 PM on July 4, 2008

The thing that's so wrong about your situation is that you're having to deal with the prenup issue in a rush, at the last minute. I know that circumstances forced this to happen, and it's nobody's fault. But it's causing all the problems nonetheless. Your guy feels the pressure of time; he knows he should have handled the matter earlier, and better. He doesn't want to postpone the wedding, and he's afraid to get married without protecting himself. He knows you're troubled and he's not very good... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 6:07 PM on July 1, 2008

That fibrous stuff isn't glue -- it's bits of and old pad that used to be on that floor. Remove them with a pull scraper like this one, which has a replaceable sharp blade that will do the least damage. Because the fiber is embedded in the floor's finish, you'll be removing some polyurethane or varnish when you scrape. I don't know of any solvent that will loosen the fiber without dissolving the finish, but the heat gun idea is definitely worth a try. Some very old floor finishes can be melted... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 1:02 PM on June 29, 2008

I bet it has very little to do with the friend's bisexuality. I think you're worried about the relationship, not sure how to put out the fire. And here you are, engaged. It's pretty normal to attribute your looming, unnamed worry to something easily namable.

Make a commitment to understanding the real difficulties between you and your fiance. Consider doing a few counseling sessions (individually or together), because it can save a lot of time and offer perspective you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:24 AM on June 21, 2008

Are anagrams too nerdy? You could be Inane Suits (annuities), Gator Gems (mortgages)... or how about Yomen? (money)

Lions of Credit, The Prophets, Loan Rangers?
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:09 AM on June 21, 2008

My hair is wavy and very thick. When it's short with short layers, it's cap-like: easy to care for, but without much movement when I shake my head. I can't really have a "line" or a shape the way straight-haired people can, unless I style the hell out of it.

If you want your hair to move when you shake your head, you have to leave it longer -- at least chin-length. If you find it's too bulky or doesn't behave well, you can ask for what my stylist calls... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 7:29 PM on June 18, 2008

When a friendly dog jumps on me, I grab its front paws and just hold them; dogs don't like it, but it does them no harm. Some dogs will jump on me the next time they see me, but none goes for a third jump. Of course, it works only if both your hands are free.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 3:23 PM on June 6, 2008

It sounds as if you've been emailing them so far. You might have better luck if you call them. They'll be able to hear that you're a gracious but very disappointed person who understands their point of view but hopes they'll make an exception for a repeat customer. On the other hand, you're asking them to forfeit $35 on a $50 item; they may prefer to lose you as a customer than lose the money. Offering to split the lost postage might help. Or ask them to send you several of the "good"... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 12:40 PM on June 3, 2008 marked best answer

you: I'll be leaving on x date to go to this other post.
she: Why?
you: That's something you can talk about with (particular person) at my organization.
she: There must be something you can tell me!?
you: (with note of finality) It's more appropriate for you to ask that other person.
she: Are they sending someone to replace you?
you: Please discuss it with them.

If you... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 10:22 AM on May 29, 2008

I have The Woodbook and What Wood Is That? and they're both good. But I'd really love to have the Lie-Nielsen Wood Sampler. There are 46 samples, each 6" by 3" by 1/2". Only North American woods are included, so she'll have to augment the set herself later on.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 11:10 AM on May 25, 2008 marked best answer

It could just be that you're anxious. Not worried about marriage, but about the proposal itself. You've "been spending a fair amount of time and energy planning/shopping for it", so clearly you're hoping it'll be just right. And usually, 'just right' isn't quite possible. Something's going to go wrong.

If you have a narrow idea of what a marriage proposal should be like, it can cause you a lot of anxiety. And if you know that SHE has certain standards for the... [more]
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 10:57 AM on May 25, 2008

Take a look at Josh Bach ties. Some are whimsical; some are beautiful; some are both.
posted to Ask Metafilter by wryly at 10:47 PM on May 17, 2008