Happy Halloween!  
Marriage proposals The Most Successful Marriage Proposals Happen at Home: What were the other somewhat successful places?

• Outdoors (18.4%)
• Beach (12.4%)
• Restaurant (5.6%)
• Mountains (3.9%)

Talk Back: How were you proposed to? This week, Marcus asks the big question: how did you get proposed to? From a romantic birthday dinner at El Jardin in Santana Row to an Amazing Race-style proposal that deserves its own reality show, listeners share their epic engagement stories. Warning: you might catch proposal fever!  

This Is The Advice Adults Over 30 Want Gen Z To Know Gen Z:

• Learn how to cook
• Nobody cares about you more than you do
• If you wouldn't ask for advice from someone, don't take criticism from them either
• Indulge in your hobbies
• Take care of your teeth
• Live offline
• Take care of your body

Talk Back:

• Fall forward, be fearless, put your whole heart into something
• If you never try you have already failed

What's Trending:

• What's your Halloween costume?
• Daylight Savings
• Billie Eilish accepting the Music Innovator Award and calling out the wealthy
• Furry Friday: Marin Humane Society

Second Date Update: It started with a concert under the stars and ended with burritos and a hug that felt like something more. Jen says her night with Cody was effortless — fun, easy, and full of chemistry. But a few weeks later, he’s gone silent. What gives?  

Ghost Stories: Taylor shares a real-life ghost story that still gives her chills and just in time for Halloween! Marcus tries to get to the bottom of what really happened… or was it something supernatural?  

Good News: Bay Area restaurants are coming together to support families affected by the SNAP benefit suspension, offering free or discounted meals to help ensure no one goes hungry, starting November 1st.  
SF:

• The Rusty Ladle
• Al Pastor Papi

Oakland:

• Monster Pho
• Understory
• Puerto Rican Street Cuisine

San Jose:

• Toni and Alba's Pizza
• Shrimp'n Ain't Easy(Food Truck)

Santa Clara:

• Gamers Heaven

Concord/Antioch:

• OG Tacos

  Last Minute Costume Idea's

• Ghost
• Cat
• Zombie

The Most Successful Marriage Proposals Happen at Home: What were the other somewhat successful places?

1. Outdoors (18.4%)
2. Beach (12.4%)
3. Restaurant (5.6%)
4. Mountains (3.9%)

Talk Back: How were you proposed to?
This week, Marcus asks the big question: how did you get proposed to? From a romantic birthday dinner at El Jardin in Santana Row to an Amazing Race-style proposal that deserves its own reality show, listeners share their epic engagement stories. Warning: you might catch proposal fever!  

Irrational Fears: Producer Taylor and Marcus are diving into their biggest Halloween-season fears! From Taylor’s fear of the dark to Marcus’s rodent phobia, they’re baring it all (and probably regretting it). Listeners chime in with their own creepy confessions, from crocodiles to alligators and everything in between. What are you afraid of?  

Second Date Update: Felix called his date with Dana “a rom-com come to life.” Sushi in Japantown, playful banter, karaoke till closing — pure magic. So why did she disappear?  

What's Trending: Bay Area restaurants are coming together to support families affected by the SNAP benefit suspension, offering free or discounted meals to help ensure no one goes hungry, starting November 1st.  
SF:

• The Rusty Ladle
• Al Pastor Papi

Oakland:

• Monster Pho
• Understory
• Puerto Rican Street Cuisine

San Jose:

• Toni and Alba's Pizza
• Shrimp'n Ain't Easy(Food Truck)

Santa Clara:

• Gamers Heaven

Concord/Antioch:

• OG Tacos

  TikTok Trends: Marcus and Taylor are diving into the wild world of TikTok trends — from the 50 Jump challenge to the Whitney Houston trend that they actually joined in on! Yep, you can catch their moves (and maybe a little embarrassment) on the Star101.fm Instagram and TikTok!  

Grandma Hobbies to Try This Winter:

1. Crocheting
2. Completing a coloring book
3. Knitting
4. Puzzling
5. Baking
6. Scrapbooking
7. Playing a board game
8. Jewelry making
9. Needlepointing
10. Embroidering

Most Americans Spend a Third of Their Paycheck within 12 hours: Feel like your paycheck is gone as soon as you get it? Researchers find that’s pretty much true for a lot of us. According to new research, the average American spends more than a third of their paycheck within the first 12 hours of receiving it.  

What's Trending: Bay Area restaurants are coming together to support families affected by the SNAP benefit suspension, offering free or discounted meals to help ensure no one goes hungry, starting November 1st.  
San Francisco:

• The Rusty Ladle
• Al Pastor Papi

Oakland:

• Monster Pho
• Understory
• Puerto Rican Street Cuisine

San Jose:

• Toni and Alba's Pizza
• Shrimp'n Ain't Easy(Food Truck)

Santa Clara:

• Gamers Heaven

Concord/Antioch:

• OG Tacos

Second Date Update: Josh thought his tapas date with Tamara was a hit—great food, flirty banter, and zero awkward silences. They agreed: team books, not screens. He left confident. She left… and never texted back  

The Most Successful Marriage Proposals Happen at Home: What were the other somewhat successful places?

1. Outdoors (18.4%)
2. Beach (12.4%)
3. Restaurant (5.6%)
4. Mountains (3.9%)

Good News: Meet Poppy, 10, from Holborough Lakes. Diagnosed with dyslexia, she calls it her ‘superpower’—and with an IQ of 136, she just joined Mensa! Poppy hopes her story will show that thinking differently is a gift, not a limitation.

Most Popular Slang
Are you constantly confused by what young people are saying? The slang used by Gen Z and Gen Alpha is influenced by social media and Internet subculture and it changes all the time, A new study reveals the most popular slang today. 

• “6-7” - With more than 141-thousand Google searches, it’s number one, but it has no literal meaning. The “brain rot” humor was popularized by a Skrilla song and “6-7” is often paired with exaggerated hand gestures.
• “Bop” - It means someone who has a lot of romantic partners, as in someone who “bops around from person to person.” 
  
• “Mogging” - It means outdoing someone by being more attractive or successful.
  
• “Looksmaxxing” - Similar to “mogging,” it refers to things people do to enhance their physical appearance, including everything from skincare to plastic surgery.
• “Huzz” - Another term for an attractive girl or someone you want to impress.
• “Chopped” - It’s kind of the opposite of “huzz,” meaning something ugly, undesirable or unattractive.
• “Big back” - This refers to someone who’s physically large or eats a lot of food.
• “Glazing” - It means heaping excessive and/or insincere praise on someone.
• “Zesty” - Someone who’s lively, exciting or energetic.

Update On Marcus' Car
Marcus' car was found six blocks from where it was stolen. Nothing was missing. Nothing was messed up. It's like these thieves realized there are cameras everywhere two seconds after they stole it. Btw, if the police do recover your stolen car you have twenty minutes to pick it up or it is going to impound. However, they will not charge you for the first two days it is there. He's lucky, my friend Kim's car was stolen and the thieves peed in it.

Taylor Swift
Love the new album, but we couldn't help noticing the racier lyrics and themes. My husband teased me saying she is not a little girl anymore. However, I am just not used to Tay Tay dropping F-bombs. D-bombs and talking about Travis Kelce's Redwood tree. Again, love the album but would like to hear from parents. How do you feel about the grown-up lyrics? 

Second Date Update
Ethan said he met Lacey online and they hit up a local brewery. They sampled flights, shared a giant pretzel, and even talked about taking a hike together soon. He thought it was an easy setup for a second date. She ghosted, and he wanted to know why.

Marcus' Car Got Stolen
First and foremost, this is not a reflection of the Bay Area. Marcus drives a Chevy Bolt. He was outside one of his tequila shops in Bernal Heights. His car was gone in three minutes. Obviously, this was professionals. Not necessarily for Marcus, but for his electric car. He called everyone he knows in law enforcement and is currently driving a loaner. We are hoping police find it...unless it is trashed, then we want a new one.

I Don't Want To Stay At My Parents
Brenna in Burlingame DM'd us with this question:
     Now that I’m working in another state, my parents are always on me to visit more. I love doing          that, but it’s become a problem because I insist on staying in a hotel. Nothing against my                  parents, but they’ve got a small one-bedroom place,  and I don’t want to sleep on the couch…          and I refuse to sleep in their bed while they sleep on the floor. I can’t seem to get my mom                from getting upset and taking this as a personal slight. Tips? Thanksgiving and                                  Christmas are coming, and I don’t need the drama.
(Talkbacks, please)
   
K-Pop Demon Hunters
Corey watched this movie over the weekend. She fell in love with the song, 'Golden,' which made her want to see it. Then Bad Bunny did a great sketch on   SNL which was hilarious. Now, Marcus feels left out. Is there a current   phenomenon that you are totally behind on and do you have FOMO or couldn't care less. Now, I must find the perfect cosplay for Halloween. #Huntr/xForever
 
Second Date Update
Rachel called us about Mateo. They connected on Bumble and grabbed drinks   in Berkeley.  Rachel said they talked about work, music, and even shared   nachos. She said she thought he  was charming. But Mateo ghosted.

The New Cutesy Term Is "Productivity Theater."
With remote work, a confusing economy, and the rise of productivity-tracking software, this age-old practice has taken on a new level of complexity. As tech has enabled employers to track work down to the level of a mouse click, employees have responded by prioritizing visible work over important tasks or even deploying their own tech to fool the system. It’s a zero-sum game that nobody wins. Here’s why productivity theater is growing and what to do about it.
Youngins' Let Us Know When We Are Old

• Sorry to break it to you, but you’re officially “old” when you hit 49, according to a new survey of children.
• As if that’s not bad enough, 20% of the youngsters think people stop having fun at age 30.
• The kids think the worst parts about getting old are the aches and pains (56%), wrinkles (52%) and grey hair (49%).⠀
  

A Listener Asks For Help Because Someone Is Stealing Her Lunch At Work
Carla in San Jose writes:  I’ve been noticing that the meals I bring from home keep disappearing from the office fridge. I spend hours cooking big batches of food so I can pack healthy lunches for the week, and more than once, my labeled container has just vanished. I’m pretty sure I know who’s doing it, but I don’t want to stir up office drama or make things weird with our small team. Still, this is happening over and over, and I’m sick of it. Do I confront the person directly, leave a note, or bring it up with my boss?
 
Second Date Update
Mark said he met Vanessa online and their coffee date felt relaxed and easy. They sipped lattes, talked about work, and even walked the pier. He thought it was the start of something. She ghosted, and he wanted to know why.

How Americans Really Feel About Their Neighbors

• A new survey reveals that having good neighbors is so important to some homebuyers, 19% would pay $10-thousand or more above the price of a comparable home to avoid having bad neighbors.
• According to the research, 82% of Americans say having good neighbors is just as important as price or location when buying a home.
• Respondents say a good neighbor is someone they can trust (65%), someone who’s quiet (51%), who maintains their home and yard (47%), and keeps to themself (42%).
  

Just watch 'Fear Thy Neighbor' on the ID Network. You will never talk to a neighbor again. Draw the blinds and hit the floor.

Bay Area Parents Are Paying $30k For Pro Baby Naming Help

• Some desperate parents are shelling out tens of thousands of dollars on a “professional baby namer” to help them decide what to call their little bundle of joy. Taylor A. Humphrey, who calls herself a “name nerd,” has turned her obsession for baby names into a booming enterprise, with moms and dad paying as much as $30-thousand for her services. But they can get an email with some personalized name recommendations, including each one’s meaning, popularity history and “vibes” for the bargain price of $200.⠀
  

Just tell your kid you used ChatGPT to pick a name.

Corey Was In Her Feelings
Breast Cancer Awareness Month hits home for me. I lost my mother to breast cancer when she was only 57. It breaks my heart she never met my husband. But I have to believe she had a hand in getting us together. We are not doing our annual fundraiser because of unforeseen circumstances, and I can't help but feel like a failure. I am not drinking due to a very attractive fatty liver. I wanted to do a little self-comforting. I found my solution. My sister actually said she did this when she stopped drinking. I brough two bags of Halloween candy home and it was the best afternoon ever. 

Second Date Update
Todd is on to figure out what went wrong with Alexis, a girl he met on Hinge and went out twice with. Technically, this is a third date update. He tells us the dates were fun. Both times, she was down to go back to his place which is always a good sign. Why isn’t she answering his calls or texts now?

No Shoes At Work Is The New Trend
A trend of workers going barefoot in the office has spread across Silicon Valley startups, sparking a debate as to whether shoeless workplaces could drive creativity or create conflict. Cursor, an AI coding company valued at nearly $10billion, as one of several firms adopting shoeless policies.  Some commenters saw it as aspirational, one calling it a “bucket list” workplace. Others mocked the idea with sneezing emojis or worried about hygiene. We put up a poll, I clocked the "barf" emoji.

Cozy Cardio Trend                                                                                                                        Imagine swapping sweaty gym vibes for fuzzy socks, candles, and your favorite show while strolling on a walking pad — that’s cozy cardio, the revived TikTok-born fitness trend that blends light exercise with maximum comfort.Here’s how to get started:                                                                                                                                Gather cozy basics like candles, soft lighting, and a favorite beverage                                                Choose a simple cardio option: stationary bike, treadmill, or elliptical                             
          Set the mood with a movie, TV show, book, or music you enjoy                                                            Go at your own pace at a time of day that feels right

Corey's Neck Update
I've been dealing with crazy pain since I tripped over my German Shepherd's dog hammock. It was dark and the hammock was put together with metal bars. My neck landed on the metal bar. I have been seeing a chiropractor, but the pain just got worse and worse. I had an MRI and it showed stenosis, However, that wasn't the culprit. The nerves were already somewhat arthritic, but the fall exacerbated the situation and my nerves are in the seventh circle of hell. This is where "ablation" comes in. It's basically burning the nerve endings...which could keep pain at bay for up to 16 months. They do grow back but that is better than all of the pain killers I am taking. Thank god I am not pregnant; I'm keeping Tylenol in business. #autism

Second Date Update
Alex said he met Marissa online and their rooftop dinner felt magical. He booked a table with a view, ordered a bottle of champagne, and said their conversation flowed all night. He figured they were lining up a second date for sure. She ghosted, and he wanted to know why.

Corey Is A Tool
Corey gets her Botox from a fabulous plastic surgeon who reached out to the show. Dr. Ortlip listens every day. Corey and her husband started going to him after meeting him. He's a great guy. Corey called yesterday and the gal on the phone was saying he doesn't do Friday afternoons for Botox. Corey can't do mornings and Friday is a day that her husband can do. Corey did the unthinkable and said: 'This is Corey from Star.' She only did it hoping if Dr. Ortlip knew it was her, he would squeeze them in. The woman on the phone replied, "I know who you are." Corey was mortified, so embarrassed. She got the appointment, though. Please share your d-bag moment on the talkback.

Over A Third Of Americans Use PTO To Sleep, Not Travel
   New research from Amerisleep uncovers that some Americans are so sleep-              deprived, they’re using paid time off at work just to rest. But they’re not actually        taking vacations to refresh, according to the survey of 12-hundred adults, 37%          have used PTO days in the past year just to catch up on sleep.

• Nearly half (47%) would be willing to pay extra for a sleep retreat and 38% are interested in a vacation designed to improve sleep.

Best Way To Get Over A Breakup

1. Feel your feelings
2. Don’t seek closure
3. Block your ex
4. Refuse to stalk your ex’s social media
5. Make a list of things that went wrong
6. Move things around – literally rearrange your house/apartment
7. Get off the couch and do things
8. Spend time with loved ones
9. Plan something fun
10. Tip-toe back into dating
11. Get some help

Second Date Update
Leah is trying to figure out why she’s being ghosted by Alex, a guy she met on Bumble. She really liked Alex and has been waiting for him to reach out but he still hasn’t. She says she texted him to thank him for the date, but his reply was really short and when she texted him again, he didn’t answer. What happened? 

Things We Love About Fall

1. Switching to your cozy wardrobe
2. Snuggling under a blanket after a long day
3. Crunchy leaves underfoot
4. The sound of rain while you're inside
5. Closing the curtains early and settling in for the night
6. The golden hour light hitting the trees
7. Drinking hot chocolate with whipped cream
8. Going for a walk that ends at a cafe
9. Lighting seasonal candles
10. Getting into bed early “just because it’s dark”
    

The Common '90s Behaviors That Seem Inappropriate Today

• "Showing up at someone's house unannounced. As a kid, I would just knock on my friend's door and ask them to come play — no warning. If someone showed up at my door unannounced now, I would take it as a sign of deep disrespect, because why would you not call first? I could be busy."
• "I started babysitting other people's kids at age 10. All babies through toddlers. No one thought anything of it. I couldn't imagine hiring a 10-year-old to babysit my baby and toddler while I went out to dinner and a movie. Seems wild."
• "If we were just getting a couple of things from a store, my mom would send me in by myself or let me stay in the car alone. I was 8 or 9 when she first let me. An 8-year-old shopping by themselves would raise a lot of suspicion nowadays."
• "How about when shows cranked out 20+ episode-long seasons every 6 months, rather than 8–10 episodes every 2–3 years?"
• "Toilet papering your friend's house was a typical tween slumber party. Now, it's a felony."
• "Getting a ride from someone who knew your parents, but you didn't know the person."
• "Speed-dial and status assigned by which button your name was on. It was such a massive convenience to be able to just hit one button and call someone."
  

Unintentional Insults
Over the weekend, someone complimented my hair color. I mentioned I was transitioning from red to blonde. She immediately responded, "You don't have the skin tone for blonde." Hmmm, well, I have been blonde before and I am not really worried what she thinks. This happened to Marcus. He has cerebral palsy. His grandmother once said, "You've done quite well, despite your affliction." What was your unintentional insult moment?

Second Date Update
Carter says his beach picnic with Jenna in San Gregorio (south of Half Moon Bay) is romantic and effortless. He packs a blanket, fresh sandwiches, and a bottle of rosé. They walk the sand at sunset, and he swears it feels like something real. She ghosts, and he wants to know why.

Purchases That Made You Feel Like An Adult

1. A couch you didn’t assemble yourself
2. A mattress and bedding that actually lets you recover
3. Cookware that helps you cook a real meal
   
4. Travel you paid for upfront (and didn’t cram into a long weekend)
5. Outsourced help for one recurring chore you despise
6. Health moves you used to postpone like therapy, dental work, and preventative care
7. A table you can host around and the ritual that goes with it
   

Corey Was So Distraught About Something She Lost
A necklace Jeff gave her for Mother's Day fell apart on her. It had a heart charm and the names of their three dogs, one they just helped over the Rainbow Bridge. She found two charms, but two were missing. She thought she would never see them again, until she felt something weird in her bra. BOTH charms were in there. She was so happy. Have you ever stored or found something odd in your treasure chest?

Corey Chickened Out At The Mall
She was so excited to stumble on a food court circa 1989. It was busy, there was so much to choose from. She really wanted to try the Mongolian BBQ or the Japanese Build Your Own Bowl...but she was intimidated. Everyone knew what to get. How to make their sauce, what meat paired best with what veggies....she was overwhelmed and got a very plain salad. Have you ever succumbed to insecurity at a food court or somewhere else harmless?

Second Date Update
Cody is calling to see if he can get in touch with Whitney, a girl he met on Hinge and went on one date with. He thought she was hot and fun. He felt like there was chemistry just through their message. He asked her out for drinks and it was a blast. She was everything she appeared when they met in person. They had such a good time and he was pleasantly surprised when she invited him back to her place afterwards. All good stuff. So why the heck is she ghosting? 

Healthy Eating Mistakes You Could Be Making
Even if you know what you should be eating, putting that knowledge into action can feel like an Olympic sport. Many “mistakes” aren’t deal-breakers…Here are some common pitfalls that might be tripping you up.

• Skipping those important nutrients: Protein and fiber are MVPs when it comes to staying energized and satisfied—think beans, eggs, whole grains, or veggies. 
  
• You’re stuck in restriction mode:  Instead of obsessing over what you can’t eat, focus on creative swaps and additions that feel exciting.
  
• You’re planning for the short-term, not long-term. 
  
• You’re all-or-nothing about food: Labeling foods as “good” or “bad” can backfire and leave you feeling guilty instead of motivated. 
  You’re ignoring frozen veggies. 
  
• You’re eating like your younger self.
  

One Sentence That Changed Your Life
BuzzFeed asked readers to share the one sentence that had a life-changing effect and these are some of their real and relatable responses.

• "A coworker once told me, 'Nobody on their deathbed says, 'I wish I had worked more.'''
• "My parents used to ask me, 'Will this matter in ten years?' when I was upset. It was annoying at the time, but it always did put things into perspective."
• "In terms of relationships: 'Stop watering dead and fake plants.'"
• "My best boss said, 'I don’t care what you screw up; learn from it and don’t do it again.'"
• "My mom says, 'Don’t borrow trouble.' I love it so much. Worrying about what MIGHT happen gets us nowhere!"
  
• "The things that you’re not changing, you’re choosing."
  

Can you add one of your own on our talkback?

Jersey-Gate
Marcus finally got some clarity on the jersey he got to cheer on his daughter. Do you agree with his decision?

Second Date Update
Marco met Elise online and swears their date downtown is one of a kind. They have oysters with sparkling wine, martinis, a fantastic dinner, and long conversation. He thinks the intimacy is obvious and they’re destined for a second date. She ghosts, and he wants to know why.

A Third Of Americans Admit A Partner’s Messiness Makes Them Less Attractive
A new survey reveals that 61% say clutter has caused tension with their partner and 37% admit their partner’s messiness has made them feel less attracted to them. Some take clutter cleanup into their own hands, including 38% who have secretly purged their partner’s things, while 16% have been victims of these purges. Are you and your partner on the same page when it comes to cleanliness? 

People Are Unethical When It Comes To AI
A new study is showing that some people had increasing dishonesty and lied to the chatbot when given the chance to reap a reward. The good news is that in one test 75-percent of people stayed ethical, but the other 25-percent had no problem lying or cheating… or making AI do it for them. Unfortunately, the more money or rewards that was involved the higher the number of subjects cheating with AI rose… at one point it hit 84-percent. We are all doomed. AI is going to realize they are smarter than us and we will all be enslaved by Skynet. My logic is undeniable.

Should Marcus Wear A Special Shirt To His Daughter's Game? (Follow-Up)
Marcus ordered a jersey that looks like his 11-year old daughter's volleyball jersey. It even has their last name on it. He is on the fence about whether to ask her permission to wear it to her next game or should he surprise her? Is it better to ask forgiveness than ask permission? We put it to the talkback and we discuss the responses.

Second Date Update
Sam calls us about Brianna. He says they met on Hinge. He took her to drinks a week or so later, and he had a lot of fun. He thought they were absolutely on the path to a second date because she invited him to come hang back at her place after. They didn’t hook-up, but he took it as a good sign that she was cool with having him in her space. He texted her the next day and she didn’t answer. 

How To Shut Down Unsolicited Advice
A behavioral researcher and psychology expert recommends these simple, effective phrases to effectively shut down unsolicited advice.

• “Thanks for sharing. I’ll consider it.” - It’s polite and keeps the peace.
  
• “That’s a useful view. I prefer to handle it this way.” - You’re listening to their perspective, but protects how to deal with it.
  
• “I appreciate your input. I already have a plan for how I’ll move forward.” - This gives a clear message you’ve got things under control and reduces a repeat.
  
• “That means a lot. Right now I’d really value support more than solutions.” - This is helpful because it guides them toward what you actually need.
  
• “I hear you. If I need more guidance, I’ll reach out.” - It validates their effort, but sets a clear boundary and discourages them from giving more unsolicited advice.
  

Basically, STFU.

Jobs That Make The Worst Spouses
How about DJ's? 
More than 2-thousand responses have come in so far on Reddit.

• "Chefs, restaurant/bar manager/owners. They work every day, often 12–15 hours, every holiday and weekend. The term 'restaurant widow' is a real thing."
  
• "Surgeons. The personality type a surgeon is often a relentless and sociopathic person with a singular interest on one thing (being a good surgeon)."
  
• “Police officer: Very high rates of divorce, alcoholism and it can be a dangerous job.”
• "Lawyers. Often married to the job, whether it is for the money or a cause."
• "Flight attendants/Pilots. They work away from home for days or weeks, jetlag messes with the body, and they deal with unruly passengers with a smile. Also, cheating is through the roof."
• "Investment bankers often make terrible spouses. The job is incredibly demanding — long hours, high stress, and a spillover effect into everyday life."
  
• “Architects. High strung, type a, perfectionist, often narcissistic.”
• “Musicians, flakey, sh*t hours, always broke.”

Should Marcus Wear A Special Shirt To His Daughter's Game?
Marcus ordered a jersey that looks like his 11-year old daughter's volleyball jersey. It even has their last name on it. He is on the fence about whether to ask her permission to wear it to her next game or should he surprise her? Is it better to ask forgiveness than ask permission? We put it to the talkback.

Second Date Update
Dylan thought his rooftop wine bar date with Marissa was classy. He said they sipped, laughed, and leaned in close...he even thought they might kiss before saying goodnight. Dylan couldn’t believe she ghosted. He thought it was pretty unforgettable. 

Something Crazy Happened Before Our Food Drive Appearance
Marcus takes me to the nicest places. Before our appearance at Sprouts, we checked out Dino's for lunch, then Marcus wanted to take us to a dive bar. We are decked in 49er gear and it is a Raider bar. The men were mostly hammered, but cool. It didn't get crazy until a wee drunk man started massaging every one at the bar, including yours truly. Let's just say Marcus put the hammer down and some other guys physically removed him after he touched an older female. Good times.

Frugal Tips People Swear By On Buzzfeed

• "Our prepaid cellphone plan saves us $100 a month from what we were paying."
• "Using the public library. Many now offer free streaming services, audiobooks, and ebooks."
• "Using actual dish towels instead of paper towels."
• "Shop from your pantry first, and sales flyers second. Plan the menu around what you have already and what's on sale rather than what you want to eat any given week."
• "Buying things second-hand from Facebook Marketplace."
• "Pay yourself first. This is the only way to ensure you will have money at retirement. Take money out of your check, or have your employer do this."
• "Ordering groceries online. I’m guilty of impulse buys, and simply ordering groceries for pickup saves me $20+ each time."

Party Evite "Maybe"
Marcus had a duel birthday party this past weekend and we are trying to decipher what is more frustrating: someone responds "yes," but doesn't show up. They reply "no," but show up. Or they click "maybe," and never give a definitive answer. We are thinking they just need to remove the "maybe" option.

Second Date Update
Damon said his dinner with Kendra was the best he’d had in months. They met on Hinge. He bragged that she was beautiful, funny, and didn’t seem fazed when he suggested dessert after. He thought that was a good sign. She wasn't in a hurry to leave. Damon told us he couldn’t wait to see her again.

Words That Irk You
Marcus was triggered the other day by a particular word. Which led us to discuss what words just get under our skin. Here are a few: Libation is the one that got Marcus. He hates it. We also included a couple of phrases. I hate "I'm just sayin'.'' Saying what? You haven't said anything. You have explained anything, you haven't defended anything...it
 says nothing. We asked for talkbacks on words that get you. My last word was 'Marcus.

Phrases Your Co-Workers Say When They Are About To Quit

• “I’m really burnt out right now”
• “I’m not sure how much longer I can do this”
• “I need a break from this place”
• “I’ve been thinking about my future a lot lately”
• “I think I need a change of environment”
• “I’m starting to feel like my work isn’t valued”
• “I’ve been thinking about my work-life balance”
• “This place makes me frustrated”
• “I don’t feel challenged anymore”
• “I just don’t know if I see myself here long-term”
  

Why Girls Night Is Essential

• Girls’ nights out are almost always a good time, but according to a new survey, women say they’re not just fun, they’re necessary. 87% say they need it.
• Even though life is busy, women say they need one every 22 days to feel balanced, as it’s a chance to reconnect with their besties. For 88% of women, wine is the beverage of choice for girls’ night, and 85% report that they open a bottle within 16 minutes of the first guest arriving.⠀
  

Second Date Update
Brandon called about Tessa. They met on Hinge and did tacos in Oakland. He said she was stylish, witty, and they clicked immediately. He thought their banter felt like they’d known each other for years. Brandon told us the sparks were undeniable, so he was shocked when she disappeared afterward.

Things Smart People Have In Their Junk Drawer
Here are a few we agree with: tape measure, small sewing kit, tools, super glue, etc.
We want to know about the weird stuff in your drawer. Perhaps a phone case that doesn't fit any phone in the house? 

Gen X is discussing which Gen Z beliefs they think are total nonsense. Here’s which beliefs they just don’t get.

• "Thinking that their boundaries are other people's responsibility. It's their responsibility to maintain their boundaries and mental health, not everyone else's."
• "That clout equals value. No! Validation is cheaper than ramen, and it doesn't feed your soul."
• "That dating apps want you to find someone."
• "That influencers live the lives they post."
• "That AI is making their writing better."
• "Believing tolerance is synonymous with unconditional acceptance."
• "Thinking that all struggle is bad."
  

What else do you think?

Corey's Health Update
She had a Zoom call with her hepatology doctor. She was great. They talked about the next steps in treating the high numbers with her cholesterol and triglycerides. Of course, she need to eat better and exercise more, but she also needs to cut out alcohol completely. The doc also wants to do a more thorough ultrasound to look for scar or fat on her liver. Yay🎉More to come.

Second Date Update
Elena called us about Victor. They matched on Hinge and went out for seafood in Mill Valley. Elena said they shared oysters, talked about work, discussed hobbies and what books they are reading. She thought it was easygoing and natural. She thought they bonded over mutual interests. But Victor never got back to her.

Single Dad Doesn't Like His Daughter's Outfits
                                                                                                                                                                                    On Reddit, Clayton writes:                                                                                                                              As a single father of a teenage daughter, I’m having an issue concerning her fashion choices. She’s taken to doing clothing exchanges with her friends, and it’s a problem for two reasons. First, the clothes I’ve bought for her weren’t exactly cheap, and I have an issue with them just being given away to friends who might now ever give them back. Second, her friends are far more “adventurous” with their wardrobes, and my daughter and have had serious blow outs over it not being appropriate for her show that much of her body off while out and about. I’m tired of fighting about it, and I know that I’m the dad, but I also fully realize that what she wears when she leaves the house could be way different when she goes to someone else’s house and changes. How do I deal with this?
Lose Weight While Sleeping

• Going to bed early leads to less snacking - In one study, nighttime eaters consumed around 15% of their daily calories - an average of 690 calories.
  
• It helps balance hormones and supports circadian rhythm - not getting enough sleep causes the body to release more of the hunger hormone ghrelin. 
  
• It supports healthy metabolism - If the body is up late trying to digest food when it should be resting, it leads to being tired the next day and then the body craves carbs. 
  
• You’ll make healthier decisions the next day - Research shows that sleep deprivation leads to consuming more calories the next day.
  

Half Of Gen Z Has Already Dipped Into Their Retirement
46% of Gen Zers have withdrawn funds from their retirement accounts. 42% of Gen Z withdrawals went to paying off debt. Gen Z workers were the most likely generation to raid their retirement accounts, but they weren’t the only generation that is doing so. About one in three workers across all generations said they plan to withdraw funds from their retirement accounts in the next year. Why? To cover emergencies or everyday expenses.

Second Date Update
Adrian was excited to talk about Brooke. They met through mutual friends (it was a small get-together) and agreed to meet up for Hawaiian food in San Carlos. They laughed all through dinner and just seemed to click. Adrian said the chemistry was undeniable, and he wanted to go all out to impress her. That’s why he surprised her with a helicopter ride afterward. In his mind, it was spontaneous, romantic, and unforgettable. He couldn’t believe she ghosted after such a magical night.

What Your Hugging Style Says About You

• Romantic partners hugged much longer than platonic friends, with lovebirds hugging for an average of 7.02-seconds, compared to 2.88-seconds for pals.
• Surprisingly, the way people positioned their feet, knees or hips didn’t seem to matter.
• But personality factors play a part in hugging tightness. People who show high neuroticism (those prone to anxiety and self-doubt) tended to leave more distance in a hug, while tighter hugs were given by conscientious types (who tend to be responsible and careful).

Should You Comment On Your Teen's Social Media?
Ron on Reddit writes: I thought I was being funny when I would (very) occasionally comment on my teenage son’s social media posts, but yesterday he came to me with a serious look on his face to tell me that I’m being “cringe” and begged me not to comment anymore. I’ve always seen myself as the fun and goofy dad, making puns, posting dad jokes, and yes, sometimes replying to his memes. I think his friends like me and they always laugh at my jokes, but now he says I’m ruining his image and embarrassing him in front of them. I feel like I can’t win; I’m either “absent” if I stay out of his life or “cringe” for trying to interact. Is this just teenage stuff or am I actually the problem?
 
Did Your Friend Squad Change After Someone Had A Baby?
Things change when you have a baby; not just for you, but for your girl squad, too! Women without kids are getting real about how their girl squad changed after their friends started having kids. 

Second Date Update
Trevor called us about Alicia after they grabbed sushi in San Mateo. He said she was gorgeous, sharp, and they vibed right away over sake bombs. By the end of the night, Alicia even kissed him in the parking lot, and Trevor took that as proof things were headed somewhere. He told us he thought she was amazing and couldn’t understand why she ghosted.

The True Cost Of The American Dream
According to new research, the price of the American Dream is now more than $5-million.

• The study reveals that the price has skyrocketed $600-thousand from last year’s total of $4.4-million and it’s nearly 50% higher than it was just two years ago.
  
• Investopedia added in the estimated cost of healthcare over a lifetime - $414,208 - which wasn’t included in previous years. It combines everything from the cost of a wedding and college tuition for your kids.
  

The Top 10 Tried-and-True Ways to Boost Happiness

1. Keep your mind and body active
2. Be nice to others
3. Spend your money on loved ones
4. Check on your health status
5. Join a club
6. Engage in physical activity
7. Belong to a faith and practice it
8. Go out in nature
9. Build connections with colleagues outside of work
10. Give back and be generous
    

Ways to Declutter Without Procrastinating: With everything going on in our lives it’s tough to manage household clutter. Procrastination is the biggest stumbling block , but luckily expert therapist Meredith Beardmore is offering some advice on how to overcome the hurdles. There are three steps to focus on:

• Categorize! Make three piles: items that belong elsewhere, items for trash, and items you are not ready to decide about
• Remember Your “Why.” Keeping the reason why you are decluttering in the forefront of your mind
• Move On Without Regret. Don’t feel guilty about tossing something you spent money on

Second Date Update
Sofia called us about Leo. They matched on Hinge and met for cocktails in Walnut Creek. Sofia said the drinks were great, the conversation flowed, and Leo even walked her to her car. She thought he was into it. But he ghosted.