How do I tell my boyfriend that he’s cheap? He’s great in every other way, but his inability to spend a buck is really a bummer.

Ans: Here is how to handle this situation:

According to an informal poll (40 friends and friends-of-friends), women would rather date a man who’s a so-so kisser than one who’s cheap! But, since you say he’s got redeeming qualities, let’s work on taming his Scrooge-like tendencies rather than discussing tactics to hook you up with a sugar daddy.

Your worst tactic is to put him on the defensive. In other words, don’t start out by calling him cheap or whining that he holds onto his money more tightly than Donald Trump in a pre-nuptial agreement. Start by saying how much you care about him and what a great person he is (yes, it’s tiresome, but flattery really smoothes the way). Then, launch into a general discussion on money. Tell him how your money views and values were shaped. (For example, as a child, were you given an allowance that you could spend on anything that struck your fancy, or did you have to work at part-time jobs to afford clothes and makeup?) Ask him to share his money persona with you. Where did his fears about spending come from? Were his parents unemployed for long stretches of time? Remember, money can be tied to his feelings of security or self-worth. Gently let him know that his reluctance to spend money on you makes you feel he doesn’t value you. End by suggesting a compromise: You cook him dinner and rent a movie three dates in a row, then he takes you out somewhere wonderful.

If, despite his innate cheapness, he’s open to compromise, you’ve got a keeper. A man who wants to please his partner is better than money in the bank. Well, almost.

2. Ask for what you want. Subtle hints don’t work.

3. Don’t cut your hair. Ever.

4. Sometimes, we’re not thinking about you. Live with it.

5. Get rid of your cat.

6. Anything we said six or eight months ago is inadmissible in an argument.

7. Anything you wear is fine. Really.

8. Christopher Columbus didn’t need directions, and neither do we.

9. You have too many shoes.

10. If you think you’re fat, you probably are. Don’t ask us.

11. Learn to work the toilet seat; if it’s up, put it down.

12. Mark anniversaries on a calendar.

13. Yes, peeing standing up is more difficult than peeing from point blank range. We’re bound to miss sometimes.

14. “Yes” and “no” are perfectly acceptable answers.

15. A headache that lasts for 17 months is a problem. See a doctor.

16. Don’t fake it. We’d rather be ineffective than deceived.

17. Sunday = sports.

18. If you don’t dress like the Victoria’s Secret girls, don’t expect us to act like soap-opera guys.

19. If something we said can be interpreted two ways, and one of the ways makes you sad and angry, we meant the other one.

20. Let us ogle. If we don’t look at other women, how can we know how pretty you are?

21. Don’t rub the lamp if you don’t want the genie to come out.

22. You can either ask us to do something or tell us how you want it done — not both.

23. Women wearing Wonder bras and low-cut blouses lose their right to complain about having their boobs stared at.

24. You have enough clothes.

25. Nothing says “I love you” like sex.