Hi All,

I admit that I'm no expert on women, so I hope that you'll take a minute to give me some input. I'm also asking this question offline, but I trust your advice.

My girlfriend ... okay, ladyfriend ... said that she wants a decent soldering iron for Christmas. She's into ham radio and frequently builds stuff for her computer and her hobby.

I bought her the tool, but I'd also like to get her something a little more intimate, but I'm afraid that if I get her a sexy nightgown, it might be seen in a negative light. Is there something else that ladies like that's intimate without being sexy?

Or is this maybe something I should talk over with her? Argh! Maybe I should just leave well enough alone.

Thanks in advance!

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), December 19, 2000

Answers

How about a pretty gold chain (a bracelet or a necklace)? Lasts a long time, and can be enjoyed whether she dresses up or wears jeans.

-- (sis@home.zzz), December 19, 2000.

Gold Anklets are awesome and sexy, and not too expensive... Or..Scented Body Lotion, but make sure it's a scent you like! (and a good name, not the Kmart type)

-- kritter (kritter@adelphia.net), December 19, 2000.

c'mon Krit,

There's nothing wrong with K-Mart. Martha Stewart buys all her stuff there.

-- gene (ekbaker@essex1.com), December 19, 2000.

I'm glad that I asked! Good suggestions about jewery, but I like the body scent idea, which means that I ought to go to some place like Bath and Body, not Target? (very evil grin)

Gene, I thought about Martha when Krit mentioned K-Mart. Somehow, I don't think that MS really shops there, but I guess that's not the point. Did you know that Martha Stewart is selling shares? Argh!

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), December 19, 2000.

K: shame for not asking on the other board :-) just kidding.

Hey Bath & Body Works has alot of nice scents I LUV that place.

You might consider getting somethin w/a little glitter in it also for the holidays.?

The BEST would be a massage. you can look in your phonebook I bet they have great places where you are.......A full body massage um, also is very stimulating!!!!!

-- sumer (shh@aol.con), December 20, 2000.

Hi sumer,

I didn't want too many off-the-wall comments since this was a sincere request, so I posted here.

You always find me! 8-)

The full body massage sounds like a good birthday present. We have at least two Charles Penzone Spas around here, but I honestly haven't had the time to check them out. I assume they're upscale places that women like.

I went to Bath and Body because it's in the same mall where I get my hair cut. With these -15 wind chills, I don't like to spend anymore time outside at night than I have to. The Bath and Body had this great berry body wash and lotion set, so that problem is solved (thanks!)

How are you, sumer? Are you staying warm? What cool thing do you want Santa to bring you this year?

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), December 20, 2000.

I don't recommend a full body, part-body, or even partial-body massage with a soldering iron.

But surprise her and also get a de-soldering tool (it's like a soldering iron, but with a wick or suction tube to suck the melted solder off of a joint to let you take wires apart......)

Anyway, skip the soldering as a romantic gift and go directly to the massaging.

Unless you like keeping too many fires in the iron ....

-- Robert A. Cook, PE (Marietta, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), December 21, 2000.

Good advice, Robert. But let me ask: have you ever built a Ramsey Kit with your beloved? Picture this, the two of you, an isolated workshop, romantic music on the stereo, cups of hot chocolate in tip- proof cups on the workbench ... her skin smelling of sun-kissed berries. Your fingers brush hers but there's no need to be self- conscious because you're buiding something, together. And all is cozy.....

.....Until you drop the #$%%@^ soldering iron on your leg, burning a hole through cloth and flesh. Worse, that's your last clean pair of pants and all your other clothes smell like cat pee because you're taking care of a roommate's tom who has decided to scent your entire closet and there hasn't been time to do laundry.

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), December 21, 2000.

Noooooooo.

But I can remember some fun times completing certain Boy Scout and Cub Scout projects in the garage after the kids went to bed wearing (shall we say) less than the " minimum prescribed safety clothing and equipment" ....for viewing in public, or even operating most common household and consumer power tools.

-- Robert A. Cook, PE (Marietta, GA) (cook.r@csaatl.com), December 21, 2000.

I went to Bath and Body because it's in the same mall where I get my hair cut. With these -15 wind chills, I don't like to spend anymore time outside at night than I have to. The Bath and Body had this great berry body wash and lotion set, so that problem is solved (thanks!)

How are you, sumer? Are you staying warm? What cool thing do you want Santa to bring you this year?

-- (kb8um8@yahoo.com), December 20, 2000.

FINALLY a MAN who listens (Re: the bath & body works)...um, will you marry me? :-)

Santa will come for me AFTER christmas...I just enjoy doing for my family and others. Although I did buy me a remote control holder for 10.00 at Target.

COLD brrrrr wind chill @ -20 here....yowza!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a happy happy and a merry merry to you KB and ALL the frl friends.

xoxo, sumer, who's son is in Florida, lucky dog

-- sumer (shh@aol.con), December 22, 2000.

Robert, I cannot get the mental image out of my mind...

-- helen (b@r.n), December 22, 2000.