When Someone Doesn't Meet Your Standards

Dear Michelle Valentine,
I'm a financially stable, professional working female with a Masters degree in Marketing. I enjoy my career, and it is very important to me to find a mate that shares my achievements (such as an advanced degree and a corporate position) because I want someone who enjoys and understands my type of life. The problem has arisen quite a few times of men responding to my ad who are completely unsuitable for me in those aspects. Sometimes, they just call and tell me, "I don't have an education or career you're seeking, but I'm a really nice guy. . .". What can I do to alleviate this problem?

Janette, Winter Park

Dear Janette,
Your dilemma is a common, but easily resolved problem. After reading your ad, it was obvious why unsuitable men were responding-- you never stated how important to you their education or career was to you. Feel free to blatantly state, "must have an advanced education. . . or please do not reply". Show how much more important their education and career are to you than say, "rollerblading and walks on the beach." It is good that your ad will be more representative of what you are looking for on your part, and of course for the men who want to respond to your ad.

Amore till next week