Single Lady

Dear Misty,

I am a professional gay male with an image problem. The company I work for is rather small and we tend to all carpool together. This is great, "Green", and environmentally great however, more often than not I am in a car with just my boss. I will get checked out at stop lights but then they see him and think I'm "taken", "property", or my Sugar Daddy. This has gone on for years now and every so often at social and business functions people just assume we are "together." We are the furthest from that and I was wondering if there was anything I can do to avoid that. I can't find a boyfriend to save my life and think that would be the only solution. I wish I could hire someone for a couple of weeks but with this economy...

Single In the Other Car

Dear Single Lady,

I do understand and can definitely relate to this situation. A year and a half ago my brother moved down, and after being estranged for several years we re-built a very healthy and loving relationship. I love my brother and I truly enjoy taking him with me when I travel, not only do I have a ball spending time with him but he makes the perfect body guard. Soon after being seen with me all over the place together: At clubs, at Shows, at restaurants, at bear pool parties everyone started to think that he was my boyfriend. Unlike your scenario Im not embarassed and I dont care if people think he is my boyfriend. (Other than the fact of course that its also gross he is my brother.) Yet, this can be a double edged sword, it can be a nice filter of protection, guarding you from the annoying riff raft. However it can also keep away the guys you want. So he and I have mastered the move when we see a guy we like one of us will bring up the fact that we are brothers. Signaling not only to the target that we are available but also to each other that we are interested in this man. I don't know what you do, but I'm sure you can casually bring up in conversation -- "Yeah, This is name, he and I work together..." It would also be great for networking and Im sure he would like it. Also beware of your posture and mannerisms toward each other. Often times in small companies you are more intimate and friendly than if it were a major company. You may be close but regulate how affectionate you are towards each other you will be surprised at how much people pay attention to your body language especially in a social event. As for the guys in cars next to you... Dont let that bother you, be proud that you are looked at as a "BOY" and who knows many of these daddies like to take other's castaway boys so if you ever see that guy in the car next too you, you never know maybe that could open a whole new door for you one day?

XOXO Misty