Being the dreamer that I am and living in a fairytale “la la land,” I thought for sure I would have relationships and love figured out. Ten years ago I started writing a book about love and relationships; however, I got sidetracked with dating and loving life. So, here I am today, realizing I still suck at relationships.

There are millions of books pertaining to relationships and love. But, being the social butterfly that I am, I tend to spend more time at happy hour than on my couch reading. I seem to get all the answers I need (and then some) at happy hour.
My friends and I talk about EVERYTHING — it’s like “group therapy” but way more fun and with cocktails. We talk about it all: dating, breaking up, who’s with whom; who’s not with whom anymore; who wants to be with whom and the inevitable sex and the drama of it all. We seek advice, and then we do the exact opposite.

My sphere of influence and being under the influence has gotten me through many relationships — long and short. I have come to the conclusion that I get the best advice from the real life experiences of my friends. So, for this column I got my “go-to girls” together for a weekly happy hour to help me figure out love and relationships. I consider them to be experts (at least all of us put together make an expert) on love and relationships. This is where I go when I am in need of advice and a cocktail, so I thought why not share our outcomes with the rest of the world as I originally planned 10 years ago, just in a more entertaining fashion. Readers can get involved by sending us relationship questions for discussion and response.

Note: We have no formal training in psychology, sociology or any other human relational studies. We do not have Ph.Ds or hold any designation that allows us to put forward our advice or opinions with any more conviction than the next person. All responses are based solely on our combined experiences — the gift of gab, and cocktails!

The Go To Girls are:

The Dreamer — Relationship status: In a relationship, nine months. Favorite drink: Stoli Vanilla. Motto that best describes your outlook on dating: If it’s meant to be, it will be. Words to live by: Life is short! Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that makes you smile.

The Girl Next Door — Relationship status: Married, almost four years. Favorite drink: Goosehound (fresh squeezed of course). Motto: Go with what feels right. Theme song that best describes your life: “Pants on the ground, pants on the ground, lookin’ like a fool with pants on the ground.”

Self Taught Know it All — Relationship status: Married, five years. Favorite drink: Pineapple Vodka. Motto: If it feels good, do it. What would a reality show of your life be called: WTF Just Happened?

The Wingman — Relationship status: Matrimonial bliss, three years, four months. Favorite drink: Pendleton on the rocks. Motto: “If it makes you happy, it can’t be that bad” / Sheryl Crow. Theme song of your life: “Don’t Stop Believin” / Journey.

Miss-Understood — Relationship status: In limbo. Favorite drink: Bud Light with lime. Motto: F--- em! Theme song of your life: “Bad Romance” / Lady Gaga.

The Thinker — Relationship status: Single. Favorite drink: Tom Collins. Motto: What relationship?? Words to live by: “Avoid making irrevocable decisions while tired or hungry” / Robert Heinlein.

The Counselor — Relationship status: In a relationship for almost a year, previously married for 14 years. Favorite drink: Anything sugar free with vodka. Motto: Try new things! What would a reality show of your life be called: Cougartown – she is me!

Questions and comments can be sent to relationship@vanvoice.com.