My own personal Dr. Ruth(s).

When it comes to discussing s-e-x and intimate issues, this usually talkative and over sharing RD becomes nearly silent. This may stem from being a late bloomer and having to cower as friends suggested a game of "I never," or, even more early on, from being afraid (for some still undiscovered reason) to reveal the name of my crush[es] under the maple tree on the elementary school playground. Just never been comfortable doing it. Ha, guess that has more meaning than I meant it to have.

Thankfully, I have three great go-to gals, all of whom you all (by this point) may know just as well as I do. Each one brings to the situation a different view; I can speak to each about different things. Once I combine all the insight, I have a good, solid take on the situation. This is not to say that I do not call in others from time to time to hash out goings on.

Let's start with Dr. Strangelove. She has known me since I was in that precarious shell, when I would do all it took to avoid contact of any sort with members of the opposite sex. She watched as I went from a very awkward college freshman to the dater I am today. As a medical professional, she gives all the "practical" advice. Thoughts and feelings (psychological and physical) can be discussed, at no cost, at any time. More often than not, I leave conversations with her feeling less like the awkward college freshman I often internally purport myself to be and feeling more like a normal, almost 30 year old woman out in the dating world.

Next comes Romance Junkie. With her, it's no holds barred, tell every last detail. She is one of the only people with whom I can be compeltely honest about all that happened (and, in some cases, didn't). She is a bastion of knowledge on a wide variety of topics and is free with advice, suggestions, encouragement and sometimes even admonishment. She is also a fan of responsibility.

Finally, we have Objection. Poor Objection was first introduced to my dating scenarios in the midst of Him. She must have thought I was relationship illiterate or something. She helped me through that and has been a constant source of encouragement with situations since. She, too, is open and honest. A self-proclaimed expert on several relationship relevant topics, Objection is always ready to listen to the problem and give a practical and honest solution.

Who needs Cosmo advice columns or Dr. Sue Johanson when you've got experts like this in your very midst already?