Two articles help daters safely navigate the field of love

MSN Dating & Personals: '5 Tough Dating Conversations - Tackled' is a good read for those seeking and those avoiding exclusive relationships. Whether playing the field or seeking to settle down, one will likely find Amy Spencer's summary of talking tips useful. Spencer's source is communication expert Laurie Puhn, J.D., author of Instant Persuasion: How to Change Your Words to Change Your Life and frequent contributor to MSN Dating & Personals.

Although I recommend reading Spencer and Puhn's tips, I disagree with the authors' claim that they address the "five toughest dating topics." Tougher ground is covered by writer Jeanie Lerche Davis and reviewer Louise Chang, MD in WebMD Feature - 'Dating Dangers: Love's a Minefield' (subtitle: Dating advice from the experts about how to find Mr. or Mrs. Right). This excerpt sums up the second selection:

There's serious stuff out there, like HIV and STDs, date rape, online stalkers. Then there are other dangers -- boredom, disillusionment, getting dumped, or simply getting taken. Two love experts offer their dating advice.

Ms. Davis and Dr. Chang guide readers to avoid seven relationship landmines:

• Danger: Blinded by Chemistry
• Danger: Dying of Boredom
• Danger: Getting Cynical
• Danger: Is It Date Rape?
• Danger: Equal-Opportunity STDs
• Danger: Meeting Online
• Danger: Too Many Disappointments ###