...was anyone reminded of Steve Urkel from Family Matters (the one with the annoying snort-laugh)? Don't worry, you don't have to admit you actually watched the show. Anyways, he was a science genius and developed some contraption to turn himself into the illustrious "Stefan", whom the love of his life, Laura, actually liked. If you could change yourself quickly from something hated to something loved whether by magic or a pill, would you do it? Who wouldn't be tempted? Is that why those weight-loss drugs are so popular? Also, if you were Laura, be honest, how easily would you turn down Stefan for Steve? C'mon, even if Tessa is upper class, can't we still identify a little with her?

Now after that fluffy post, I'm trying to ready myself for all the hatred from you "hard news" Salon buffs out there. Please don't hurt me! ;-)

I will miss the Fix so much. It was something I looked forward to *every* lunch break. To be honest, it's what I read first (much like reading the comics before the front page). Frivolity is much needed -- as much so as hard hitting stories. Without the Fix, I'm honestly not sure how often I'll check Salon's site. Please don't judge me! I've got as much liberal cred as the rest of you...I'm just being realistic.

I generally agree with the letters so far. It sounds like you (the LW) already find him at best uninteresting and at worst unappealing. For sure, do not 'settle' for this guy! Just imagine, if you *did* settle and make things work with him, your love life, feelings, etc., would have already peaked! At age 18! That would suck.

I have to comment on the annoying, patronizing, tone of some of the letters. Just because you are 18 doesn't make you "too young" for anything that you're feeling, anything that you want to do, or for *the* relationship. Everyone goes at their own pace. Just focus on finding someone who you connect with. This guy connected for awhile, but now your paths are diverging; it just didn't work out.

I would definitely go to the conference that I helped organize over going to a I-barely-know-you wedding, because it sounds like you really put a lot of effort into the conference! And honestly, I would probably think twice about going to a I-barely-know-you wedding even without the conference in the mix. It boils down to, how much will you be missed or how much trouble are you going to be in for missing the wedding? How large is the wedding? How many people will you actually know there? How many of them will actually care that you're there? Think of it this way, you're most likely in the "we barely know her/him, but she/he's cool, and we're inviting the whole family anyways, but if everyone does show up, god help us" category. Just send a gift!