The Right Amount of Cyberstalking
Experts say this is how to decide on the right amount of pre-first-date research:

• Focus on sensible “cyberstaling” - Start with verifying what you already know about them. Confirm they work where they say they do by checking out their LinkedIn and get a feel for their personality by scrolling through their Instagram.
  
• When it becomes overkill - Things like running a paid background check or combing their social media profiles to do a deep dive into their past and looking at their ex’s tagged photos are definitely too much.
• Check for red flags - Not having an online footprint is a major one. Even if they don’t like social media, most people have a LinkedIn profile, if they don’t and you feel like something is off, you may want to reconsider meeting up in person.
• Don’t overprepare - This is a date, not a job interview, so don’t spoil the genuine way you get to know someone by researching more than you need to.
  

Feeling Financially Comfortable
We are not talking annual salary, this is total.

• Americans don’t need a million dollars to be financially comfortable, just $839-thousand will do it, according to new research from Charles Schwab.
• Their survey reveals that figure is much lower than the $2.3-million people consider wealthy.
• When asked to define what “wealthy” means to them, respondents’ top three are happiness (45%), “amount of money I have” (44%) and physical health (37%).

Corey's Brain
When I am trying to sleep, it is like three movie screens are playing. One is playing music from the 'Mary Poppins' soundtrack, another is questioning whatever happened to my college boyfriend...this third is me counting back from a 100, version of counting sheep. Does anyone else have a multiplex churning when they just want to rest?

Second Date Update 

• Maya met Eric online. They are both into fitness and health, so take a yoga class for their first date. They even enjoyed smoothies afterwards. Why would he ghost?
  

What Would You Do For Million Dollars?

• For the chance to score a seven-figure payday, 43% of Americans would ditch their romantic partner, according to a new survey.
• More than half (59%) would disappear and start a new life for a million bucks, while 41% would give up sex forever and 27% would marry someone they didn’t love.
• Nearly half (46%) of the 2-thousand respondents would even participate in a real-life “Squid Game” competition for a shot at winning $33-million.⠀

Wildest Things Kids Brought To School

• “A baby opossum — in his backpack that he found at the bus stop that morning.”
• “Sixth grader brought ‘brownies’ and gave them to the ENTIRE grade level. There were students sitting against the walls on both sides of the hallway in the main office waiting to get interviewed by law enforcement.”
• “A life-sized cardboard cut-out of Ruth Bader Ginsburg. We propped her up in the window of the door overnight and scared extended-care folks and the janitor.”
• “Fifth grader brought weeks-old Jello shots from Mardi Gras.”
• “A kitten he found on his walk to school.”
• “Aztec death whistle.”
• “An expired Twinkie they had found on the bathroom floor.”
• “First grader brought his mom’s copy of ‘Kama Sutra’ and asked me to read it to the class.”
• “All the rent money from a mom’s purse.”
• “Student ... unzips hoodie to reveal a boa constrictor snuggled around her neck.”
• “Grandma’s wig. The good one. Gave it to me for Christmas.”
• “Fuzzy handcuffs that she said her mom loves.”

Kids Embarrassing Their Parents

• “I made the mistake of telling my kid that if he didn’t eat, he wouldn’t grow. He told a person with dwarfism in the checkout line at the store that they needed to eat so they would grow.”
• “My son at 5 years old dropped a deuce in the toilet display at Lowe’s.”
• “Just paid for an item at Walmart and walked out without it in a bag. My kid said loudly, ‘Are you stealing that?? We have to pay!’”
• “My daughter would ask every man she saw if they were her dad. Me and her dad were, and still are, together. She saw him daily, she just insisted on asking every man .... she even asked people when her dad was with us.”
• “When my daughter was 4, we were having breakfast in a restaurant and she asked the elderly lady next to us why she wasn’t in heaven yet.”
• “I told my son he couldn’t eat chips until we got home. He responded loudly, ‘But Mom, we don’t have a home.’ We very much did, and everybody at the store started offering housing resources.”
• “Walked into Wendy’s and my 2 and 1/2 year-old looks at a lady and said in her loud, squeaky voice, ‘That lady is OLD. She’s going to die soon.’ Every head turned to look at said woman. We did not eat at Wendy’s that night.”
• “My 5-year-old son asked if the gas station guy with the turban was a genie.”
• “My son loved to fake drown at water parks.”
• “My son told the pediatrician when he was 7 or 8, ‘My mom doesn’t make us wear seatbelt and we duck if we see a cop.’ NEVER HAPPENED and I was so speechless, I couldn’t even react.”
• “My daughter asked the .... cashier (who was missing some teeth) if she ever brushed her teeth before.”

Second Date Update
Amanda calls us about Eli. They went out for drinks in Mountain View after meeting online. She thought he was attractive and smart, and they had a few hours of great conversation. Now nothing.

Benefits To Attract Top Talent
Employers are going the extra mile to attract and keep quality workers. Here are a few niche offerings:

• Free college tuition
• Adoption and surrogacy assistance
• Mortgage rate buyouts
• Paid vacations with a stipend
• Medical benefits for domestic partnerships
• Company retreats to music festivals

Why Is This Okay For Men, But Not Women?

• “Being topless in public.”
• "Not changing their name when they get married. (This varies by location.)"
• "Making their careers their first priority."
• “Not shaving.”
• "Saying we don't want to have kids. I don't know why women can't say that without being told it's the reason why they're here on earth. My boyfriend even said that only women who used their wombs would go to Heaven because they fulfilled God's purpose for them."
• "Be a single parent. 'Oh, he’s so amazing for looking after his own children!'"
• "Being introverted and reserved. And not smiling. Women who are quiet are deemed stuck-up, get accused of having an attitude, and get told to smile more. Men don't deal with that particular issue as much."

Pasta Makes You Happy
According to the study, eating pasta is linked to feelings of increased happiness, reduced stress and greater mindfulness, especially when it’s enjoyed in a social setting with loved ones.

Second Date Update
Jake and Vanessa met online and went to a play at a community theater for their first date. He says they had a great dinner that night as well. Why would she ghost?

Hey there, Happy Friday Eve. Here's some stuff.

Corey Got In A Fight With Her Husband
And she blames Marcus. Marcus bullies her in the morning, Jeff bullies her in the afternoon. She needs a break.

Foods You're Storing Incorrectly

1. Butter: Salted butter can hang out on the counter for a couple of days and still be safe, especially if your kitchen stays below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Unsalted butter, though, is more delicate and should live in the fridge.
   
2. Opened Canned Goods: Once you open that can of tuna, soup, or beans, it’s time to pop it in the fridge. While some fruits may last a little at room temp, it’s best to transfer leftovers into a glass or plastic container to preserve flavor. 
   
3. Eggs: In the U.S., eggs are washed before sale, which removes their protective layer and makes refrigeration essential. Leave them out for too long and bacteria can sneak in through the shell. Keep them in their carton, in the coldest part of your fridge.
4. Flour: White flour is pretty chill in the pantry, but whole wheat flour is a little high-maintenance. It can go rancid faster because of its oils. To make it last, keep it in an airtight container and consider stashing it in the fridge or even the freezer. Bonus: no surprise funky smells when you bake.
5. Hot Sauce: Hot sauce doesn’t have to be refrigerated, but doing so helps preserve its punchy flavor for longer. If you’re not a frequent hot sauce user, go ahead and pop it in the fridge. The spice level won’t fade, and your tacos will thank you. The USDA says you should consume the bottle within six months of putting it in your pantry.
   
6. Jams and Jellies: Once opened, these sugary spreads belong in the fridge to prevent mold and yeast growth. Low-sugar varieties are especially sensitive and can spoil faster. Keep them cool and they’ll stay delicious for up to a year. 
   
7. Ketchup: You can leave ketchup out if stored at room temperature, but it’ll stay fresher much longer if you refrigerate it after opening. You can even stash it in the fridge door for easy access because it’s less temperature-sensitive than milk or eggs. 
   
8. Maple Syrup: Unopened syrup lasts ages in the pantry, but once it’s open, move it to the fridge. According to the USDA, unopened syrup in plastic bottles can last two years in the pantry and up to two years if its refrigerated. If the syrup is sold in glass bottles, it will remain fresh in the pantry for a whopping four years from date of purchase…and indefinitely if you stick it in the refrigerator.
9. Mayonnaise: That creamy jar of mayo is not something to mess around with. After opening, keep it in the fridge door and use it within two months. And don’t freeze it or it’ll separate and get weird.
10. Peanut Butter: Regular peanut butter is fine in the pantry. It can stay fresh for up to two years unopened, and another three months after its opened. But if you go the natural route, it’s best to keep it chilled to prevent the oils from going off.
11. Pickles and Olives: If they’re swimming in brine and sealed tight, pickles are generally safe at room temp for short periods. But once opened, keep them in the fridge for max crunch and freshness. The same goes for olives, just make sure they’re always submerged in liquid. For best freshness, refrigerated pickles in brine should be eaten within one to three months after they’ve been opened, but canned olives should be eaten within two weeks.
12. Salad Dressing: If your dressing was sold cold, it should stay cold even before opening. Once that seal is broken, creamy dressings last about a month and vinaigrettes a little longer. Unopened creamy or vinaigrette salad dressing that weren’t sold cold can stay ok in the pantry for up to six months, but they should be put in the fridge once you open them.

Signs You're Struggling With Bore-Out
Common signs experts say might indicate you’re experiencing boreout include:

• Feeling uninterested in tasks and mentally checked out
• Faking being busy to look productive
• Seeing no opportunity for growth or promotion
• Spending time on non-work activities like scrolling or taking extra-long breaks
• Making careless mistakes, feel sluggish, and question your value at work
• Isolating from coworkers and experience low mood or apathy

To fix boreout, experts suggest:

• Acknowledging the problem — Recognizing boreout is the first step toward change
• Talking to your manager — Ask for new challenges or more meaningful responsibilities
• Adding variety — Volunteer for different projects or collaborate with new people
• Gamifying your tasks — Turn boring work into a competition with yourself or coworkers
• Changing your environment — If possible, mix up your routine or workspace
• Reconnecting with others — Build relationships beyond small talk to boost engagement

Second Date Update
Declan and Taylor got coffee in Sausalito, then took a drive through the Marin Headlands. What could have caused her to ghost?

Parenting Habits That Other Parents Judge

• Letting her kids run wild in public - Some moms let their kids climb on furniture, run around stores and yell in restaurants, and they definitely get the side-eye for it. 
  
• Pretending that her kids are perfect - We all brag about our little ones, but no kid is perfect and acting like yours has no flaws is bound to make people roll their eyes.
• Over-posting her kids online - There’s nothing wrong with sharing milestones of your family’s life, but documenting every little thing can be too much.
  
• Letting her kids interrupt adult conversations - Kids deserve to be seen and heard, but that doesn’t mean they should be constantly interrupting people talking.
  
• Using her kids as an excuse for everything - Sure, life is hectic with kids, but they can’t be the reason you’re late for everything or always back out of commitments.
• Publicly shaming or harshly disciplining her kids - Hitting, shaming or embarrassing your kid in front of other people is emotionally damaging.
  
• Ignoring her child’s bad behavior - Enabling your kid when they misbehave isn’t doing them any favors. If you don’t correct them when they’re rude, aggressive or entitled because you think it’s okay for your child to behave that way, don’t be surprised when people judge you harshly for it.⠀

Things Relaxed People Do

1. Shake off self-doubt
2. Own everything that’s happened to them
3. Indulge in a daily pleasure
4. Master their mind
5. Turn off the news
6. Accept people as they are
7. Refuse to indulge in drama
8. Pay close attention to their mood
9. Ask one question every single day

Social Dilemma On IG
Lauren on Instagram DMs writes: My boss follows me on social media and likes my old photos, sometimes comments on vacation pics, and even once referenced a post during a meeting. It’s never been inappropriate, but it’s starting to feel a bit invasive. I want to block or mute her, but I’m afraid it’ll cause drama or negatively affect my job. Is there a professional way to set boundaries on social media or do I just have to live with it?

Second Date Update
Brad and Trina go for a nice dinner. He is a true gentleman, not really a fan of dating apps. However, now she has ghosted.

Most Important Job Skills For 2025

1. Analytical thinking 69%
2. Resilience, flexibility and agility 67%
3. Leadership and social influence 61%
4. Creative thinking 57%
5. Motivation and self-awareness 52%
6. Technological literacy 51%
7. Empathy and active listening 50%
8. Curiosity and lifelong learning 50%
9. Talent management 47%

10. Service orientation and customer service 47%

Summer Shading
This new term is not a total breakup, rather it’s one partner pumping the breaks for a little fun and freedom in the summer sun. It gives them a chance to explore new opportunities they wouldn’t have in a completely committed relationship. Watch out for these red flags:

• Plans get canceled or never made 
  
• They’re out and about … but not with you 
  
• Everything feels vague 
  
• You’re ghosted … but not quite
  

One in Three People Have Dated Their Boss
After that CEO got busted at the Coldplay concert with his side piece, this has been a topic. Have you ever dated your boss? Were you the boss?

Second Date Update
Marco and Chelsea had a great first date. They met for coffee in Fremont. It went so well they decided to have dinner as well. Now, she's disappeared.

My youngest Corgi, Ryland, was fat-shamed at the vet. I think there is a better way to let someone know their kid needs to drop a few lbs.

Take Your PTO
Half of people don't take their vacation days. Do you? Or do you worry about being judged?

Marcus shared how his daughter impressed him this weekend. She said something that warmed his heart. When has your child surprised you with their cleverness?

Second Date Update: Leo and Priya went for Ethiopian food for their first date. He thought their connection was spiritual. She has ghosted.

Firefighters Use Narcan To Revive Puppy Exposed To Fentanyl
The Bottom Line:

• Firefighters in Lacey, Washington, saved an unresponsive puppy exposed to fentanyl by administering Narcan, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses.
• The treatment was successful, and the puppy has recovered well.
• The fire department says such cases are rare, but they say they’re always ready to handle all types of emergencies.

The Full Story:Earlier this week, firefighters from Lacey Fire District 3 in Washington State found an unresponsive puppy inside a vehicle where fentanyl was present. The crew immediately administered a small dose of Narcan to the puppy, a medication commonly used to reverse opioid overdoses. The fire department says the treatment worked and the puppy is now doing well.Narcan, also known as naloxone, is an opioid antagonist that quickly reverses the effects of drugs like fentanyl by blocking opioid receptors. Fentanyl is a highly potent synthetic opioid, and according to the FDA, even a tiny amount can be dangerous for dogs. Despite the unusual nature of the situation, the firefighters’ training enabled them to respond effectively and save the puppy.The Lacey Fire District 3 shared photos of the puppy wrapped in a blanket and receiving care, writing that while using Narcan on a dog is rare, their teams are prepared for all emergencies. The department expressed relief and pride in the successful rescue.Source: PEOPLE

Things I Like More As I Get Older
This was on Reddit. Here are a few examples, what would be one of yours?

• "Myself."
• "Silence and people canceling plans – that’s foreplay now."
• "Being at home, being in bed by 11pm, and grocery shopping."
• "Not having plans."
• "Having real conversations, no phone, hanging out with myself, and the self respect I have gained over the years with no need to please others. It's like a breath of fresh air."
• "Not giving a s**t what people think is an incredible feeling."
• "Birdwatching. Sorry – 'birding'."

Things Men Do When They Are Alone
This was from Buzzfeed. We threw in a few of ours as well.

• "I take five decorative pillows off the bed and put them in the closet until the morning of her return."
• "I cook a package of bacon and save the drippings. I cook basically everything in that fat until it’s gone. My wife and daughter are vegetarians."
• "FINALLY, a chance to clean up without anyone in the way! Turn up the music and bust out the broom and mop and rags! Go outside for a smoke and get to it!"
• "I don't know, but it's not gonna involve pants."
• "Back in my early 20s, I would immediately pull the mattress off the bed and drag it into the living room, drive to Hooters and grab a giant bucket of wings, then come home and sit on my living room bed eating wings. Now, in my mid-40s, I fire up Farming Simulator and an audiobook."
  

The Best Exercise For Sleep

• Aerobic exercise - Workouts that raise the heart and breathing rates, like cycling and running, can make falling asleep by lowering blood pressure and reducing stress. 
  
• Strength training - Lifting weights or working out with resistance bands can also help you sleep better.
• Yoga - The practice of stretching and breathing can boost mindfulness and lower stress, as well as relax the nervous system and improve sleep quality.
• Walking - Even a simple brisk walk in the fresh air can ease stress and anxiety, which can lower cortisol and positively affect sleep quality.
  

Second Date Update
Derek mat Kayla at a mutual friend's game night. They bonded over their distaste for Monopoly. They met for sushi in S San Francisco. He can't think of anything that would make her ghost.

Marcus already ruined his new appliances within 24 hours of delivery. He was using his new induction stove. He didn't realize how hot it gets so quickly. Not only did he destroy a nice pan but left a heat mark on the new top. His was wife was so disappointed. Have you ever ruined something new right away?

Frugal Tips From Boomers

1. Pack a lunch
2. Use coupons
3. DIY
4. Use thrift stores
5. Do a staycation
6. Make it potluck
7. Start bartering
8. Delayed gratification

Why Is Corey's Sister So Weird?
I finally got my birthday gift from my sister. The card had pictures of cheese on the front, with the word "fromage." That's the French word for cheese, just in case you didn't know. Which is cool, because we just went to Paris. On the inside it was a blank card. All it said was:
OUI'D and then her signature...her full name with her middle initial. No "I love you," or "happy birthday." This the same woman who saw a good pic of me and texted this question: "Are you Team Zempy?" Like I must be on Ozempic to look good. Siblings, discuss.

Second Date Update
Liam met Jess on Bumble. They had dinner in South City. He said it was a fantastic date and he shared a lot of helpful investment advice with her, but she has ghosted.