Dateworthy

November 1, 2004
Backed by a massive publicity push, USA Weekend relationship columnist Hughes is out to fill what she claims is everyone's goal: "to be part of a couple, to be loved and be in love." Her book on becoming "dateworthy" is aimed at women who have a history of dating losers. She advises them to figure out their dating type (Time Bomb, Drama Queen, Shadow, etc.), change their dating style and master a few skills to deal with the ways of men before embarking on their next date. Hughes's style is not for those in a hurry. She's big on paperwork, encouraging readers to "make a list of ten visual qualities that you love in order of preference" and to "write down every relationship that you feel violated your faith in love or undermined your confidence." Yet the book manages to belittle women ("you are the common denominator in all of your failed relationships") and stereotype men ("Men are visual. Dress prettily, not provocatively") without saying much of anything new. Fans of Cosmo and Glamour will like Hughes's familiar style, which is heavy on lists, quizzes and Q&As. Hughes also shares dozens of stories that she says are based on her own dating past. Less empowering than The Rules and more than a little repetitive, this volume will sell well, nevertheless, since Hughes's column reaches millions of people and many of them may want to check it out.

October 15, 2004
Hughes, "RelationTips" columnist for USA Weekend, has written a comprehensive dating advice book appropriate for young women. It is the antithesis of Ellen Fein and Sherrie Schneider's The Rules, offering straightforward advice for creating an honest and healthy relationship. Using a hip and humorous approach, Hughes includes suggestions for rethinking unhealthy mindsets, improving one's dateworthiness, and evaluating potential partners' dateworthiness; she also cautions women about sex on the first date and putting friendship second. She features a wide variety of her personal dating stories and concludes with a Q&A section of actual "RelationTips" reader problems. Although the use of stereotypes, cliches, and author-coined terminology such as "boy-o-logy" may be off-putting to more worldly readers, the young and young-at-heart will enjoy the upbeat and practical message. An optional purchase for public libraries.-Wendy Lee, Brainerd P.L., MN

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