There are many people - and not just in Juneau - who are willing to settle for less than what they deserve. OK, I understand that there are a bunch of you out there who really don't deserve finding true love - sorry about your luck - but for the rest of you, don't get caught in the hype! Relax, because it takes time.

If you are willing to settle for Mr. or Ms. "Right Now," at least be honest enough with yourself and say, "Hey, it gets lonely out there; I need a body to keep me warm these cold, winter months."

But it's really sad that this sort of thing happens all the time in Juneau. Could it be that we're in such a small town, in such a sparsely populated state, that we're convinced we've got to find someone to be with right away, whether that person is right for us or not?

And what about those relationships in which people are together for the kids? Coming from a household where this was the case, I can honestly say this is not, at all times, the best policy. It's not always fair for the kids, and definitely not fair for the adults involved. Don't take away from yourself.

Some people are afraid of being alone. It's understandable, but at the same time, perhaps a bit of introspection is in order. Are those folks really happy enough with themselves to be getting involved with another person?

If you're that caught up in finding love and are so desperate as to want to be with just anyone, perhaps you're a prime candidate for counseling. No, seriously - 5 kazillion people can't be wrong. Try to work on the security issue, people! You reek of insecurity and desperation when you're looking too hard.

The rest of you folks who aren't even thinking about relationships are probably wondering what all the fuss is about. You're meeting people all over the place, right? Many of them may not be the kind of person you'd ever be willing to settle down with, but at least you understand that it's all your choice. OK, so maybe it's really all the lady's choice. You can't argue with Alaska's demographics.

The bottom line is that you are in charge of your destiny. If hooking up is what makes you happy, then so be it. If you need more, and are looking for that certain someone, don't compromise yourself. Stick to your guns.

Just don't sleep around with every Tom, Dick and Harry and wonder why the good guys aren't coming around. Sorry, missy, it doesn't work that way. Juneau's a small town, and only the guys seem to be able to get away with this - another point of contention!

Sure, the weather's absolute poop. Sure, housing prices are super high and it's hard to afford anything right now. Sure, Juneau has lots of bad drivers. Sure, sure, sure. Don't make it worse than it already is. Love yourself by not settling for less!

At least that's something you can control.