Dating is just like shopping for designer jeans at T.J. Maxx. You have to sort through a lot of junk, try on a bunch of styles and hope you find a pair that makes your butt look good. Even if nothing fits, at least you know you're getting a bargain.

My advice? Treat the world as your dressing room. If something doesn't fit, be polite and put it back on the rack in one piece for someone else to find. It's OK to take something home to try it on in front of your own mirror, but try not to put anything on hold unless there's really a chance you'll come back for it. When you find something worth keeping, treat it well so it lasts forever, and always, always save your receipt.

Read More >> Gina Valo is a regular contributor to AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at (734) 743-1783 or SecondFiddleBlog@gmail.com.