Dear Cheryl: Your recent columns about dating with and without sex have inspired me to write about how I approach the situation.

I enjoy sex. That's why I've found it wise to avoid women who are too naive to realize that I'm like most other men, and they shouldn't go out with me if they won't accept the possibility of some degree of sex.

To avoid an awkward situation at their front door, I think the possibility should be negotiated on the drive home from a movie. What do you think? — Upfront Guy

Dear Upfront Guy: I think when a man asks a woman on a date, he's usually thinking that if all goes well, there's going to be some kind of sexual activity at some point. That may be a hug, or a good-night kiss, or a lot more. It may happen on the first date. It may happen on the wedding night. I think if the woman accepts the date, she's thinking the same thing. So far, I'm with you.

But I'm not a big fan of a negotiation in the car. I'd much rather have a two-second awkward moment at the front door than a two-minute awkward conversation in the car, which may lead to a much more awkward ride home.

If you make your pitch at the front door and get shot down, all you have to do is turn around and go home. If you get shot down in the car, you still have to drive her home and walk her to the door before you get to turn around and go home.

Dear Cheryl: I got divorced a year and a half ago after being married for a long time. Recently, I met a remarkable woman. She's bright, funny and absolutely gorgeous. We have a ton of things to talk about and have been out on three or four dates.

I've been a perfect gentleman to a real lady and resisted all urges to attempt anything physical. This relationship is no more than two weeks old, but I'm nuts about her. She's everything I'm looking for in a companion and a partner. I know it's incredibly early in our relationship, but I haven't felt like this in years.

So, my question is am I crazy about her, or am I just crazy about spending time with a woman again? Is she the woman of my dreams, or am I just dreaming? How can I solve this wonderfully lovely conundrum? Am I Sick; Am I in Love; or Am I Lovesick?

Dear AISAIILOAILS?: As long as you don't do anything foolish, like tell her you love her and want to be with her forever, what difference does it make? Enjoy it.

Dear Cheryl: I'm an African-American woman interested in dating outside my race. I've done it before, having met the guys online. The results haven't been good.

How can I approach white men? Where are the white men who are appreciative of beautiful black women? I smile and try to act welcoming, but nothing happens other than a brief polite conversation. — This Black Is Beautiful

Dear TBIB: You're going to have to turn up the heat a little. If smiling and acting welcoming isn't doing it, you need to flirt more openly. You know the drill: Touch your hair; touch his arm; lean in when you talk, etc.

They should get the message you're interested in more than just a "brief polite conversation."

Got a problem? Send it, along with your questions and rants to [email protected]. And check out my e-books, "Dear Cheryl: Advice from Tales from the Front" and "I'll Call You. Not."