Guy wants to know how to groom so as to get the ladies

Dear Harlan: I've gotten mixed messages when it comes to grooming for men (this includes all body parts). Do most women prefer shaved men? I'd like to know your opinion. I'd like to hear from other women as well. Thanks for the help. — Partially Shaved

Dear Partially Shaved: Some women love a hairy chest, thick beard, full head of hair and back hair you can braid. Other women prefer smooth skin, a shiny scalp, hairless chests and freshly waxed backs (oh, the pain). Hair matters to some women, but mostly, it's the man growing it, losing it or shaving it who cares more. If you're concerned about attracting the right kind of women because of too much or too little hair, let someone get to know you over time. Keep your hair covered for as long as possible. The more time it takes for someone to know you, the less your hair (or lack thereof) will matter.

One more thought — if you're open to changing your hair or to adopting a new and exciting grooming routine, make it clear that you're open to cutting the back braids. But instead of worrying about being too hairy or not hairy enough, focus on being your best and the rest won't matter.

Hi, Harlan!: I just had my year-end review, and my boss told me that I need to work on my writing skills. I wanted to know if you have any easy tips and advice on how to incorporate proper grammar techniques and punctuation, specifically for professional writing or business writing. My manager is a veteran editor, so she is highly critical of my writing skills. I don't consider myself a terrible writer, but I'm sure I could use a refresher. Do you have any tips you can offer for mid-level professionals on their writing skills? — Working English

Hi, Working English!: You might be a terrible writer. When your boss (who used to be an editor) tells you that your writing is a weakness, clearly you're not a good writer. Accept it. Once you can face it, you can start to get better. This is serious. Typos make your boss look bad. Poor grammar is a poor reflection on everyone. Once you realize you have a problem, follow these tips:

The first suggestion is to proofread all your work before hitting the "send" button. Find a fellow employee to proofread important documents. If there isn't anyone available to read it, read your work out loud. Record it using an app on your cellphone, and listen back before sending. The second tip is to go back to school and get a teacher. Enroll in an online English class or go to a local community college to relearn proper grammar. Take the course until you get an A.

Finally, load up on books to put on your desk. It looks good, and it helps. Pick up the following staples: "The Only Grammar Book You'll Ever Need: A One-Stop Source for Every Writing Assignment," by Susan Thurman and Larry Shea; The Elements of Style, by William Strunk Jr. and E. B. White; and "Eats, Shoots & Leaves: The Zero Tolerance Approach to Punctuation," by Lynne Truss. You also can ask your boss for a suggested style guide to follow. Fix the problem before it costs you your job. Should you ever get fired in the future, you'll always be able to put together a beautifully written resume. (c) Harlan Cohen 2012. Distributed by King Features Syndicate Inc.

Harlan is the author of "The Happiest Kid On Campus: A Parent's Guide to the Very Best College Experience (for You and Your Child)" (Sourcebooks). Write Harlan at harlan(at)helpmeharlan.com or visit online: www.helpmeharlan.com. All letters submitted become property of the author. Send paper to Help Me, Harlan! 2506 N. Clark St., Ste. 223, Chicago, IL 60614.