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The Essentials by Chanel
A short and witty young professional with tons of advice for you to grasp onto. I can cover anything from relationships to small business management to modeling to photography to career changes to having babies. Bring it on!
The Essentials by Chanel's Latest Posts
All My Secrets
Dear Chanel, This is hard for me to say to anyone. I am hoping this comes out how I wish. I’ve messed up a lot of things in my life. I never thought it would affect anyone but myself. Sometimes I view myself as a failure but I know it’s not really me. I work […]
Roll of the Dice
Dear Chanel, I have a gambling problem. I have been cautioned by relatives to watch myself when I go on vacations but now Maryland is going to have their own casinos. I am nervous to what my next move may be. I have kept myself away from Atlantic City and Vegas for over a year […]
The Roommate
Dear Chanel, I’m writing you out of desperation. I have experienced the worst roommates ever – and it’s not getting any better! I’ve tried all the roommate websites, ads within local colleges/coffee shops and friends of mine or friends of friends. Im exhausted and upset. I need a roommate to be able to afford average […]
Always a Bridesmaid
Dear Chanel, Tis the season to be married! I’ve been looking around my Facebook and noticing something strange. Everyone is getting pregnant or engaged this time of year – and if they aren’t getting – they are! What happened to me? I’m not 21 but I’m not 30 either. I felt as if I was […]
Pretty Little Liar
Dear Chanel, My friend of a few years has decided to betray me in the worst way possible. She stole from me in various ways. Not just personal tokens which meant a lot to me but even someone for whom I loved and cared deeply. Clearly this isn’t a friend anymore but how do I […]
Winds Of Change
Dear Chanel, I’ve been with my spouse for a very long time. I will not specify my gender because I want to see how either sex takes the issue at hand. We are a married couple of over six years. In those six years and the ones prior to marriage, we have overcome many bumps […]
The Rule: Bros Before Hoes
Hey Chanel– What do I do? A long time good friend of mine is now stuck so far up some girl’s $#%& that he and I don’t ever do anything. I understand about girls and all that, but we have been friends for a while and now it seems like he is tossing that all […]
Marriage! Are You Ready?
Hey Everybody! So, I technically did not get an email/letter for advice but this topic came up this past weekend with four different couples. I feel it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty of it. I want FULL feedback about this. TOPIC: Marriage Issues: When is the right time for someone to get […]
Hollywood or Bust
Dear Chanel I am 20 years old. I want to become a famous star one day. I know I have it in me. I have been holding onto this dream since I was a child. I have performed in front of people, I have been a model for a few photographers, and I enjoy being […]
She’s Just Not That Into You
Dear Chanel, I am dating someone – well actually I’m not. I consider this person my girlfriend and she considers me a friend who she cares for. I have had very strong feelings towards her for a long time. She has never shown it in return. She is dating someone else and she knows it […]
The Faker
Dear Chanel, I like to party, a lot. I have been doing it for years and aside from some drama, it’s been worth it. Lately I have been acting weird. Instead of drinking and getting myself drunk…I pretend to be wasted. I fill up the cup and then I dump it out in the bathroom […]
Just Another Dime?
Dear Chanel, I have been with one of my closest friends for over six years. He is a fun guy and very smart. His job shows it and he makes decent money. But I make more. When we go out with friends I am always expected to pay. I never hesitate, but it hurts my […]
Mannequin Or Girlfriend?
Dear Chanel, My boyfriend of a year has decided to be overbearing and controlling all of a sudden. There has not been a reason for this to happen. Neither of us have cheated on the other or have had reason to believe. He claims he is just looking out for me but I do not […]
Fools Rush In
Dear Chanel, The best friend is getting married in a couple of months. I am worried because she barely knows this guy. She met him less than 6 months before he proposed and then they suddenly moved in together. I do not think this is healthy or safe. She is 5 years older than him […]
The Seasonal Seven
Dear Chanel, I am debating using a dietary supplement to lose weight. I have not decided which to try out but I am unsure if this is the right thing to do. I have tried going to the gym but I have no one to go with. I have tried personal training but I cannot […]
Dopey Or Doc?
Dear Chanel, I am a freshman in high school and today, some older kids came up to me and asked if I wanted to buy drugs. I don’t do drugs and told them “thanks but no thanks” and they went on their way. I know drugs are bad for you and I am wondering, should […]
Mr. Empty Agenda
Dear Chanel, I am in a bind. I have the woman of my dreams in my life and yet, there is one thing that just is not settling within my soul. I am constantly stuck between my friends and her. Do not get me wrong it’s not that they do not get along or that […]
Silk, Lace & Everything Nice?
Dear Chanel, I have been in a serious relationship for several years. Recently I found out he cheated on me while we were in a long distance relationship a very long time ago. I chose to stay with him because he grew from the event and realized it was a mistake. In revenge, I had […]
Beautiful Nightmare
Dear Chanel, In an attempt to keep anonymous, I hope you don’t mind me not telling you my name or the names of the other two involved. I’ve read both of your columns and I thought that maybe you would be able to give some good advice, or at least give me some clarity. Is […]
The Doormat
Dear Chanel, I have a friend who is too much to handle. She overpowers everything I do. For example – one week we will get together and then the next she avoids me. It’s almost as if she thinks I should see it as a privilege for her to want to hang out with me. […]
The Other Woman
Dear Chanel- I’ve been living with this dark secret for too long and I just don’t know what to do. My best friend Justin* and I dated and are now strictly friends. Justin has been dating Rebekah* for quite some time now. Justin has been doing some stuff behind her back for months. I have […]
A Conflicted Man
Dear Chanel, I have been dating this girl (Girl-A) for about 8 months now and everything has been going really well. We have been friends since high school and finally started dating after we both had our own experiences mine more then hers. As one of my experiences, I was hanging out with a girl […]
