DEAR JEWEL,

I am not gay. I am not gay. I am not gay. But the people around me think I am just because I appreciate the finer things in life, or know what clothes would fit people, and I have mani-pedis done twice a month. I still like girls and the sugar and spice and everything nice about them. I want to get married someday and have kids, the whole picket fence and SUV kind of thing. I am not gay.

One Hundred Percent Straight

Dear OHPS,

I get it. You?re not gay. Should we say it together this time? I?m kidding. Seriously now, why do you care so much about what other people will say? What?s important is you know yourself, and you?re not stepping on other people?s toes when you conduct your business.

So what if you?re more knowledgeable about wines, 300-count sheets, and the difference between Brie and gorgonzola cheeses? It just means you know more, and is more interested in those kind of things. I say that?s way better than spending hours in Friendster (which is so 2003 if you ask me) or pronouncing ?country? as ?kawntri.? Continue doing your thing, and they could speculate all they want until their noses bleed.

Girls like clean nails in men,

Jewel

E-mail Jewel at jewel-lifestyle@inquirer.com.ph