Things I learned from Exes. Part One.

Life lessons big and small from splashing around in the dating pool:

1. Value of a steamer. Much easier than an iron and gets the wrinkles out quickly.
2. SportsNight is a really good show. Band of Brothers, too.
3. Letting go of inhibitions and neuroses can be difficult, but fulfilling.
4. Charts, graphs and flipcharts can work in a relationship. But not too often.
5. Never, ever mix money.
6. And no matter how you slice it, you'll wind up taking a bath financially.
7. It's much more efficient to drink nightly cocktails out of stadium cups than lowball glasses.
8. People rarely change. You are what you are.
9. A complete game of Trivial Pursuit – all the pie pieces and the win - can be completed in one turn.
10. Mani-pedis are about the best thing ever.
11. You should rarely trust a redhead.
12. I have no interest in shoe stores.
13. Great conversation is critical, but can only take you so far.
14. Wisk is the best detergent.
15. More than likely, kids can't overcome their genetic material.
16. Nobody does your laundry the way you want.
17. I like sushi (but only without vegetables).
18. If someone doesn't think you're funny, it's probably not going to work.
19. Road trips are a good test of the relationship. Living together is a better, but more expensive and complicated one.
20. Your friends will typically be a good judge of character for the significant other. But they'll probably keep their mouths shut if they think you're happy.
21. 99% of the world is messy, cluttered and disorganized.
22. You really should watch the same television shows. For the most part.
23. If you don't want to know, don't ask. But you know you want to know.
24. Guns and CD players don't mix.