August 12th, 2010
“No matter what happens in the kitchen, never apologize.” – Julia Child
As a rule, we think women apologize too much. You reach for the door the same time as someone else, and the first thing that comes out of your mouth is “Oh, I’m sorry!” But really, you aren’t “sorry.” Forget whether or not you’re apologetic, “sorry” means you’re no good, lazy, and amounting to nothing. And you are a perfectly nice human being. Don’t call yourself sorry. Plus, ESPECIALLY in the workplace (not necessarily friendships and family relationships), sometimes it’s better to just keep your chin up and move forward. Other people are NOT analyzing all the things you’ve done wrong as much as you are. So the next time you cook something that takes like charcoal (literally or figuratively), smile and be gracious. And maybe no one will notice.
May 24th, 2010
Posted by elaney intern: Reader Ace
The month of May has me thinking about high school graduation. I wonder, if I could go back (aka Henry DeTamble in Time Traveler’s Wife) what advice would I give my teenage self as I set off for college. Here are a few things I came up with, let me know what advice you would give yourself.
College Ace: Do not drink anything red out of a cooler or bathtub.
Avoid guys who were really popular in high school.
Being hungover or wasted is not something to brag about. If you hear a guy doing it, he is lame. If you find yourself doing it, you have become lame.
Most people at your university will not care if you are in a sorority. Try and meet them – they are probably cooler than you. 
July 21st, 2009
It’s baaack! After Reader notonthephone’s question about dating in the digital world created such an interesting conversation, we’ve decided to turn one of our favorite days around here, ask elaney day, (part 1 and part 2) into ask elaney: dating version. So come on readers fire away! Feel free to post annoynously, and we will give you our unbiased dating opinion and advice!
July 10th, 2009
You asked, here we go:
how about “solving the text message/email centered relationship conundrum?” what is with technology obsessed boys that hide behind their blackberries and dont take girls on real dates or make actual phone calls anymore? is this okay?
Well, sometimes you just have to lay it out there, so here we go. The short answer is no. Now, everyone has their own code, but this is what we think (feel free to share your comments):
1. A guy needs to call you if he wants to take you on a date. If he doesn’t call, it means he doesn’t really care or that he’s not that interested. Like your momma told you, if a guy likes you, he calls. [sidebar: It is not okay for a girl to call a guy (unless returning a phone call) into well into a relationship.]
2. YES! Guys need to take girls on dates, and if a guy doesn’t take you on a proper date (if you are in your twenties), ladies – don’t humor his text message courtship.
3. It is okay for a guy to email to try to get to know a girl, but it is not an acceptable way to ask a girl on a date. If it is a second date (or later), you can ask a girl on a date via email if you have tried to call and ended up playing phone tag.
4. Text message / facebook / gchat are not acceptable ways to ask someone out. Not only does it make the girl feel like you are not worth the cost of the mani / pedi and spray tan, it’s incredibly difficult to decipher your intentions. Plus, it makes you look insecure.
5. Guys have all the initiating power. Period. So if a guy takes a girl out, we think it’s appropriate for the guy to be intentional and act interested.
Okay readers – let’s hear your thoughts!
January 13th, 2009
It’s NYR crunch time. Gone are the bells and whistles. Here is the chilly January weather and the tumbleweed rolling by. Can you keep your resolutions when the going gets tough?
We have a suggestion for you. Our mantra for 2009 is “Streamline in ’09,” and it applies to all aspects of life. Professional, personal, hobbies, interests, health, wellness. Anytime you are making a choice, you ask yourself, “does this make my life more simple or more complicated?” If it’s the later, it’s gone.
September 5th, 2008
Okay girls and guys. It’s Friday. Work is lame. We want to try something fun today, where you can ask elaney anything (feel free to post under an anonymous name), and we will get the answers you need. Topics can range from “elaney, why are macs better than pc’s?” (because they look cooler, duh) to “elaney, what should I get my gf for her bday?” (something pretty and shiny that you get behind the counter) to “elaney, can I come work at your company?” (sure! we will pay you triple our salary and give you 1/2 the proceeds).
We think this could be fun dear readers, so ask away!!
