Still Hot
The Uncensored Guide to Divorce, Dating, Sex, Spite, and Happily Ever After
By Sue Mittenthal and Linda Reing (Running Press, $12.95 paper)
Panic years are not confined to the under-30 and single (see above). They also can come later when you’ve been dumped after years of marriage and a few kids. Authors Mittenthal and Reing use humor and the experiences of scores of other divorced women to get you through it.
1. Your friends are either Bettys (who take you out to replace your “granny” underwear) or Veronicas (who stop inviting you over because you’re a fifth wheel). Keep the Bettys.
2. You’re hiring an attorney, not a therapist or buddy. You want a no-nonsense advocate for your interests.
3. You haven’t dated in a long time. Beware of: never-been-married men over 50; your kids holding you and your ex to a moral double standard; fireworks on a first date.
4. If you simply can’t have a civil conversation with your children’s father, confine your communication to businesslike voice-mail or e-mail messages.
5. Everyone has baggage, including you. But some people come with carry-ons and others bring steamer trunks.
