Got a guy question that’s tearing you up inside? Don’t trust your girl friends to give you honest advice (because they’re afraid if they tell you the truth you will freak out and throw things at them)? Just want to try and understand what a guy is thinking?

We’ve got the dude for you. Send your questions to AskTheDude@CollegeCandy.com and he’ll give it to you straight, whether you want to hear that you’re being a bitch or not. Because you can’t throw things at him, no matter what he tells you.

Alright Dude, here goes:

I’ve been dating my boyfriend for two years now and I love him to pieces. Our relationship is pretty great except there is one thing that is bothering me: his acne. He’s 21 and still has acne all over his face, back, and chest. Understandably, this can be a major turnoff for me sometimes (getting up close and personal with whiteheads isn’t really sexy). He currently doesn’t use any skincare products or see a dermatologist.

So… is there any way I can tactfully suggest he start a skincare regimen or see a dermatologist? Or should I just forget about it and deal with it? I love him a lot and don’t want to offend or hurt him. I also know that if his skin cleared up he would gain a lot of confidence because sometimes he is insecure about his looks. Any advice from a guy’s perspective would be much appreciated!

-Spotty Situation

Dear Spotty Situation,

First of all, let me just say that if more men were like women more relationships would stay together in the world. The fact that women can willingly love men (despite our many flaws), is commendable, admirable and adorable (in the least). Never the less, although men are not always perfect at blindly loving women (and ignoring their imperfections), we easily reflect this talent on ourselves. If there is anyone that loves a man the most in the world (other than, perhaps, his grandmother), it’s himself.

I know that I have lived most of my life feeling like I am “the man”, and that “man” may find it very hard to see himself any other way. Even though your boyfriend is likely aware (and already insecure) about his current complexional state, he may not be entirely open to hearing that it bothers you too. This is definitely a case of “handle with care” (and perhaps some Benzoyl Peroxide). Tread lightly in how you approach this situation. Since all men are different (and chicks love projects), try an approach that subtly increases in intensity.

Step 1: approach him with your latest  Proactive “discount,” say you want to buy the package deal but there will be too much leftover product…will he help you take it off your hands? (We love a good damsel in distress).  If this fails to be proactive (in the non skin cleanser sense of the word), up the ante with a sudden trip to the dermatologist for an annual skin exam. Sign him up. If your guy is still not clear (whether his brain or skin), shoot it to him straight (making sure to throw as many additional strokes in to the deal as needed…whether ego or otherwise). Tell him you love him, you are deeply attracted to him, but you felt a lot better when you started using a certain cream, regimen or doctor…and encourage him to join in on your habits.

In the end, if the man feels that a lot of the focus is put on you (and not his faults), he will likely be a lot more willing to see your perspective, face the facts, grow a pair…and pull out that toner.

Hopefully that will help you guys get up close and personal.

–Dude

One problem that I would rather not encounter is seeking into depression, or what some may call the quarterlife crisis. And after doing extensive research on this topic for a previous blog called My Impending Quarterlife Crisis, I am realizing that it’s only a matter of time until I sink fully into the blues.

Therefore, I am attempting to be proactive and launching a pre-emptive strike on becoming depressed. Who’s with me?

My first tactic: reincorporate exracurriculars into my adult life. No, I don’t think that “joining a club” is the key to social issues such as obesity and body image as Leah rightfully points out. But, I was the QUEEN of being busy and involved in everything throughout high school and college. Why should the rest of my life be any different? Because of my activities, I met so many interesting people, learned all kinds of new things, and kept myself from boredom.

Here are some of the options that I am exploring now that I am no longer on a college campus:

1. Intramural Sports: Big cities tend to have adult pick-up leagues. For example, in NYC, Chelsea Piers offers all kinds of options for those no longer eligible for little league to get in on some sports action. And plus, sports leagues are a great way to meet some eligible bachelors…wink wink.

2. Childhood hobbies: Okay, let me explain, I’m not suggesting you start playing with Barbies or Legos again. But, when I was younger I used to make jewelry. Given, I don’t think there is as much of a market for friendship bracelets as there was when I was ten. Regardless, I’m just saying that there are a number of creative hobbies that can be transferred into adulthood. I stopped by a bead and jewelry store the other day while strolling through the Fashion District and realized I still had those creative juices flowing for elegant or funky jewelry pieces. Why not spend some time seeing what I can create? Also, I’ve always been interested in learning to knit or create pottery. Look into local classes wherever you are to divulge your artistic side now that you have no paper or midterm exam deadlines weighting you down.

3. Book Clubs: I know, what are we, like 40? Seriously, I just found a book club in my area that reads a book related to the career I am hoping to get into…and then meets to discuss it…over BEER! Sounds like a pretty great deal to me. If there is not one available, then think of starting your own. I am sure there are at least a few recent grads near you that would love an excuse to get together and dish over booze.

4. Church/Spiritual Groups: Okay, I’m definitely not suggesting joining a crazy religious cult type thing, but I do think that it can be refreshing to keep our mental or spiritual sides healthy and in check during this crazy time. Get involved with a group in whatever religion or denomination you might believe in. I feel that it’s always a safe bet to at least meet some nice (hopefully) people. Totally not into the religion thing? Try some yoga or meditation classes at least where you are able to relax.

Those are just some of the options I am looking into. My feeling is that if I can have at least one or two of these activities/events in my weekly schedule, it will keep me busy and help avoid the quarterlife crisis boredom, as well as enable me to meet some new people along the way. Anyone have any other great suggestions?