The look has definitely been in fashion the past few years, but you have to be in the right mood. In the same way that a woman has to be ready to wear a red dress, you’ve got to be ready to wear a bow tie. Because people will notice; they will look at you.

Basically, I think there are two ways to wear a bow tie -- for a really dressy look and for a fun, casual one. Are you hosting a holiday party? Going to an event where you’ll be in a tuxedo? A bow tie works in either case. I also like a bow tie with a more casual look, such as the prep-school style. You could pair one with a blue denim shirt and corduroy blazer, moleskin pants and lace-up boots. But I wouldn’t wear one to a job interview -- it makes far too big of a statement.

As for the kind of tie to buy, I prefer them a bit on the large side. Textured ties are great and will layer well with the rest of your outfit; try one in cashmere or wool rather than shiny silk. If you’re just starting out with bow ties in your wardrobe, consider matching the colour with your favourite shirt or suit jacket. The resulting monochromatic look can be very elegant, and it’s not so “Bam! Here I come with my tie!”

There are plenty of videos on YouTube that will show you how to tie a bowtie correctly. You can also buy a pre-tied one (just not a clip-on, please). If you tie your own, chances are it won’t stay perfectly straight. But that’s okay -- just go with it. -- As told to Thomas Farley

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It's true that shaving against the grain will most likely get you the tightest shave, but not everyone’s face is durable enough to do so. If you think your face is up to it, prep with a warm, damp towel or a splash of warm water, and lather up so the hair will be softer and easier to cut, your skin will stay moisturized, and the blade will glide smoothly. Then take short, quick strokes in order to keep the razor’s pressure steady against your skin.

If you have pain, red spots, blood or irritation, stop. There are a few other things you can try in lieu of shaving against the grain. For example, after shaving with the grain, re-lather and shave from side to side, going across your beard growth. You can also try taking diagonal strokes going up. -- As told to Caroline Kinneberg

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Breakouts after the use of an antiperspirant can be evidence of allergic contact dermatitis, an immune reaction sometimes triggered by exposure to deodorant preservatives. Rock salt crystals are one easy alternative to traditional antiperspirant, and they carry the lowest potential for allergy. If you’ve tried a hypo-allergenic solution and sweating is still persistent, dermatologists have prescription-strength antiperspirants they can prescribe.

An even more effective solution is employing tiny amounts of botulinum toxin (botox) injected into small muscle fibres surrounding sweat glands in the armpit. These apocrine glands are responsible for a lot of sweat and harbour a ton of bacteria. The procedure need only be performed about twice a year and it goes a long way in reducing pit stains and embarrassment. It takes all of ten minutes, barely hurts with the topical anesthetic applied beforehand, and, best of all, most insurance companies will cover it. -- As told to Thomas Farley

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Making a positive first impression is important, so dressing appropriately for an interview is always a good way to start.

Although many industries have adopted a more corporate-casual look for their employees, you’re not one of them until you’ve landed the job. So yes, you still need to wear “interview attire”.

What does that mean? Essentially, you need to dress for the specific industry. Banking, accounting, finance and insurance companies still require more traditional types of interview clothes. I recommend a suit, dress shirt and tie.

Creative industries like advertising, media, Web startups and fashion houses may expect a look that is less formal and more cutting-edge. But that doesn’t mean you can show up in shorts and sneakers or kurta and jeans. You’ll still be expected to look professional -- in a suit or blazer-and-slacks combo -- though you can probably get away without a tie.

In the end, if you’re not sure what to do, play it safe and make your fashion mark after you’ve accepted the job offer.

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Women love to be pursued and courted, but at this stage, you should not be spending a large amount of money on a gift. For two reasons: First, if you give her an extravagant item now, you’ll be setting the bar very high, and at a level you might not be able to maintain for long. Second, you might give her the impression of coming on too strong and scare her away. At the beginning of any relationship, there’s a fine line between creepy and romantic.

Even though you’ve been dating for only a couple of months, you probably already have some inside jokes between you and have had some interesting discussions about her passions, or things you share in common. Think about a gift that ties into those conversations. Something that seems generic, like a book, suddenly becomes thoughtful if it’s on a subject she’s talked about non-stop. For example, if she’s shared with you how she’d love to visit a particular place, get her a travel guide for that region. (This can also be a teaser for next year’s gift — a trip to that destination!)

Another idea is to give a gift experience. Chances are, she will remember an experience for far longer than a material gift. If she’s a fan of a certain band or musician, buy tickets to see one of their shows if they're in town. If she has a favourite sport, go to an event or competition . If she has a favourite restaurant, take her there. Or buy her a great cookbook for that type of cuisine and make her a meal from it.

I encounter many men who get their girlfriends no gift at all, because they don’t want to “get it wrong.” Rather than going down that route, when all other ideas escape you, know that ye olde faithful -- flowers and chocolate -- still go a long way.

Above all, women want to know that their men are listening to them. She’ll be more touched if she mentioned something three weeks ago and you get her a gift that incorporates that. This shows you care and will count for a lot. Let’s just hope she hasn’t been talking non-stop about diamonds!

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There are many winter-related factors that contribute to a dry scalp. Indoor heating tends to remove oxygen and moisture from the air; in other words, not only is the outside air less moist, but so is the inside air. In addition to the low humidity winter brings, many of us change our daily routines as the temperature drops, consuming more fat, eating more and sleeping a little longer. These modifications affect our bodies and our circulation too. And one of the first places we see the effects of these changes is on our face and scalp.

The first thing I recommend to treat a scalp condition is changing your routine. Whatever you’re doing now, do the opposite. If you shampoo a lot, shampoo less. And vice versa. If you shampoo in the morning, shampoo in the evening.

Aloe vera oil massaged into the scalp works wonders in fighting dryness -- it contains every vitamin you can think of, plus essential fatty acids. Do it right before you go to the gym or out for a run, because the heat your body generates as you work out will help the aloe vera penetrate.

After you’ve showered, avoid using a blow-dryer and opt for a towel-dry instead. And for products, try shea butter, a pomade with essential oils or a leave-in conditioner. Another moisture-rich product you can use is olive oil. Just don’t put so much on that your hair looks greasy!

At night, massage your scalp in a circular motion, which will help increase blood flow, which will in turn combat dryness. Comb your hair daily too.

Finally, note that severe flaking is not necessarily a symptom of a dry scalp. What you’re experiencing in this case is most likely caused by a fungus. There are medicated shampoos (prescription and over-the-counter) that you can use, or you can try tea tree oil, which is both antifungal and antibacterial. Add 12 drops of oil to an 8-ounce bottle of shampoo. Alternatively, you can try rinsing the hair with apple cider vinegar before shampooing. The vinegar has a cleansing effect on the scalp. It does have a strong odor, though, so be sure to wash it out thoroughly.

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First off, to clarify your question for readers, disposable razors are the ones you buy in a pack; when the blade dulls, you throw the whole razor away. With system razors, you buy a single, reusable razor and the blade cartridges separately. The cartridges are disposable but not the razor itself.

You’ll notice the difference as soon as you pick up a system razor. From the construction of the handle for a better grip, to blades made from higher-quality steel (and usually an extra blade or two) ... all of these attributes help you get a better shave.

Another nice feature unique to system razors is pivoting heads with moisture strips on top of the blade. Anything that keeps moisture between the blade and your face will help you get a smoother and more comfortable shave.

On the other hand, disposable razors are usually very light in weight. To compensate,

men tend to apply too much pressure when shaving, which may result in irritation and ingrown hairs.

The number of shaves you get with a system razor really depends on how thick your beard is, but disposable razors, by contrast, are usually meant to be used fewer times and then thrown away.

I say make the switch. You’ll be amazed at what shaving in the 21st century feels like.-- As told to Caroline Kinneberg

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The reality is that people with larger bone structures definitely tend to have an easier time building mass. (However, there are exceptions to the norm: An example is Frank Zane, an excellent bodybuilder with a fairly small frame.)

First of all, are you sure you're small-boned? It's pretty easy to determine: grab a flexible tape measure, then wrap it around your wrist and ankle. If you're small-boned, your wrist will be 5.5 inches or less and your ankle will be 8 inches or less; medium-boned, your wrist will be 5.5 to 6 inches and ankle 8 to 9 inches; large-boned, your wrist will be 6 inches or more and your ankle will be 9 inches or more.

If you've measured and are small-boned, the end of the world has not arrived. One, you've got plenty of company. Two, you actually have an advantage against bigger-boned men: smaller wrists and ankles make the muscles on your forearms and legs look larger than they actually are.

Plus, you can still bulk up, but you'll need to gear your workouts and meals to gain muscle mass by training with a high volume of multi-joint exercises (squats, power cleans, bench press etc.) instead of isolation moves (biceps, curls, leg extensions etc.), and also by having extra calories. (Depending on your size, you should aim to increase your daily food intake by 700 to 1,000 calories from a variety of food groups.) Try German volume training, which consists of 10 sets of 10 reps with the same weight for each exercise, and only one exercise per muscle group — such as bench for chest, shoulder press for shoulders, barbell rows for back and squats for legs.

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The answer is yes and no. You are capable of not just maintaining your own car but also making one from scratch. So don’t worry about your capabilities. The more important issue is the kind of maintenance you would like to do. If you have a basic understanding of your car and have the equipment, you can do periodic servicing like oil change, fuel filter and air filter cleaning. And no, looking after your machine is not a full-time job. If done regularly, you won’t need to spend more than a couple of hours on it every 10,000 kms. How do you begin? It will help to spend some time with a mechanic to learn the basics. Also invest in a good car mechanics manual that will get you started. The positives? You save a lot of money which you could use for the fuel. You also learn a new trick and have a sense of accomplishment. Car mechanics are a different breed and a rather fun kind to be part of.

The negatives? If it’s a new car, you lose the warranty and will actually end up spending rather than saving. Plus you need space especially to store your tools and equipment, not to mention a good laundry to take care of the grease. If you do not have garage space or a separate store-room to stack your tools, don’t bother. But the most important con that many men have revealed is that their better halves would rather have them do them the dishes than get their fingers dirty on a spark plug!

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Even if you are prone to ingrown hairs on your face, you shouldn’t be intimidated by shaving your head. First of all, head-shaving and face-shaving can be very different experiences. One reason is because the hair on your head -- as opposed to the hair on your face -- typically follows a more uniform growth pattern, making it easier to shave with the grain.

That being said, you can still approach your first head-shaving with caution by beginning with a small area that’s easy to cover up, such as the neckline. Prep the area in the same way you’d prep your face, and shave with the grain -- never against it. Follow up with a thorough rinse and an application of aftershave balm, and then wait it out. Any shaving irritation will be visible within two to three days.

If there isn’t a reaction, try again and shave a larger area, or even the entire head. But remember, no matter which part of the face, neck or head you shave, always stay with the grain.

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Common sense says stretching should prepare the body for exertion and prevent injuries. But the evidence is inconclusive. Compared with Australian army recruits who didn’t stretch during training, those who did suffered the same rate of injury.

But in one US study among high school American football players, stretching prevented injuries. And in another case, even though stretching didn’t reduce injuries in firefighters, it reduced the severity. Total medical and absence costs were three times greater in the control group -- $235,131 (Rs 1.12 crore)  vs. $85,372 (Rs. 40.6 lakhs) among those who stretched.

Even if stretching doesn’t prevent injuries, it does improve range of motion -- which is why the Arthritis Foundation recommends it. And in one Indian study, three months of yoga one hour a day reduced men’s blood pressure, cholesterol and stress, resulting in “improvement in subjective well-being and quality of life”.

Finally, if you stretch in a yoga or fitness class, women usually outnumber men, so you’ll be well-positioned to find a lady. Just don’t expect stretching to magically immunize you against all injuries. That would be a stretch.

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First off, you are not alone. Shaving, whether with a razor or an electric shaver, can lead to skin discoloration. It happens when the rubbing or scraping action of the blades results in minor cuts to the skin, which in turn causes hyperpigmentation -- the skin’s way of replacing colour to the damaged area.                        

The good news is that this effect can be prevented with just a few easy steps:

1. Prep well.
When wet-shaving, make sure you follow the necessary steps for prepping the skin, which will greatly reduce any nicks.

2. Avoid shaving against the grain.
This practice will not only cause irritation, but also nicks to the skin in some cases, which result in the hair being pulled and snagged instead of cut. When this happens, your skin enters damage-control mode -- and the signs of hyperpigmentation begin.

3. Exfoliate.
The act of exfoliating gently removes the dead skin cells to free up younger and healthier layers of cells that are working their way to the surface. A skin-exfoliating regime twice a week (a day or two after shaving) will show fantastic results.

One more thing: Bear in mind that it will take time for your skin to lighten. Patience is the key for all three of these steps to produce results. Trust me: If it worked for me, it will for you!

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These days it seems like everyone has their own startup, doesn't it? It's true that the Indian economy is growing like crazy compared to the rest of the world, so there are a lot of opportunities in every sector.

In my case, it was the passion and the eagerness to constantly learn and do something of my own, that led me to start Xeye. I'd worked elsewhere before, but I realised I really had a difficult time working under someone.

Also, I had a passion for design and technology since I was a kid. For example, even when I was in school, if I saw a well-designed advertisement or design in the newspaper or a magazine, I'd examine it, cut it out, try and learn from it.

So starting a business is both the idea of owning something of your own and following your passion.

On the other side, you've got to be ready to work really, really hard, have a high level of patience and drive for the long run. In our case, it's a service oriented business, where you have to deal with the whims and fancies of the clients, versus what your own creative vision might be. Of course, if there's a downturn, times are bad and you have a lot of risk being an owner.

It may not be the best way to start your career. In the initial stages it's very hard work, you don't have weekends any more, and it can take a toll on your health. Since it's your company, you're responsible for everything, from the bills to marketing the company to actually doing the work, whether it's graphic design like us, or something else, like software or garments or food or whatever.

Second of all, you need the confidence and the experience. You need to build a network, which only happens over time.

That said, there's nothing like following your dream and succeeding! So think long and hard about it and then make your decision. Best of luck.

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Here are three great moves that will strengthen your whole core. They’re simple and they can be done at the gym, or at home if you have an Exercise Ball. Do three sets of 15 reps each, three times a week with at least one day of rest in between.

Lying leg raises: Lie down on your back, hands at your sides. Raise feet 1 inch off the ground, keeping your knees slightly bent. Slowly lift your legs to 12 inches off the ground, then lower back to 1 inch off the ground. Repeat, without letting your feet touch the floor in between reps.

Swiss Ball crunch: Lie down on the ball with your lower back over the centre and knees bent so that both feet are flat on the ground. Lean back so your torso is nearly parallel to the ground and then slowly rise up until your torso is almost perpendicular. Repeat.

Supermans: Lie flat on your stomach. Holding both hands and feet straight out like you’re Superman flying, slowly lift hands and feet 6 inches off the ground and then lower to the floor. Repeat.

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Get out of your relationship ASAP. Date other people and let at least six months go by.

Once your ex has a new serious guy, make sure that when you see them, you’re super-friendly — especially with him.

Now, back to the ex-girlfriend’s sister: Send the “interested” vibe out to her (running into her seemingly by coincidence, choreographing seating so you are next to her etc.) but do not make any moves. If this is going to work without imploding, she has to ask you out — that way, you don’t look like a troublemaker.

Sounds like a lot of work? It is. My suggestion is to consider dating someone that just reminds you of her sister instead.

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Roughly 25 percent of the adult males who enter my office are there because of acne issues, so this is by no means uncommon.

Part of the reason adults still have acne is simply genetics. The cause can also be environmental -- perhaps you are using a cream that is clogging your pores. Or you sweat a lot. Or you take medications like lithium or steroids. And men, because their bodies have higher levels of testosterone than women, are naturally more acne-prone.

Fortunately, no one -- teen or adult -- needs to live with acne. Medications and treatments have advanced greatly over the past few years and there are effective treatments for just about everybody.

Of course, we will all get pimples from time to time and this is nothing to be concerned about. For these occasional appearances, you might want to try an over-the-counter salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. But where there is a concentration of acne on the face, you should see your dermatologist, who will set you up with a treatment plan.

One of the most potent but effective remedies is Isotretinoin (available under many brand names, such as Sotret). It’s not always recommended for teens (because it can hinder physical growth) or patients with any of the following:

• Certain kinds of depression (especially suicidal depression)
• Liver disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome, colitis or Crohn's disease
• High levels of cholesterol
• Those using medicines in the tetracycline family.

Sotret can also make the skin particularly photosensitive, which presents an issue in India, especially during the summer. But for acne sufferers who don’t fall into any of the above categories, Sotret remains a very good solution.

If you merely want to be vigilant about acne and take precautions against it, cleanse your face twice daily and take care not to apply hair products within an inch of the scalp. (Otherwise, it can drip onto the forehead and clog your pores).

Other tips: If you sweat a lot during sports, keep a cloth handy so you can wipe and clean your face and prevent a dirt build-up. Use sunscreen and face creams that are non-comedogenic (those that won’t block your pores).

Shaving can also be an excellent safeguard against acne because it exfoliates the skin and helps remove dead layers from the epidermis. Just make sure you shave in the direction of beard growth, not against it (which can cause ingrown hairs), and use a clean blade (changing your blade every few shaves). You should also be using a shaving gel (not cream) designed to help prevent acne. Finally, allow your razor to dry between use so it won’t harbour bacteria.

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Roughly 25 percent of the adult males who enter my office are there because of acne issues, so this is by no means uncommon.

Part of the reason adults still have acne is simply genetics. The cause can also be environmental -- perhaps you are using a cream that is clogging your pores. Or you sweat a lot. Or you take medications like lithium or steroids. And men, because their bodies have higher levels of testosterone than women, are naturally more acne-prone.

Fortunately, no one -- teen or adult -- needs to live with acne. Medications and treatments have advanced greatly over the past few years and there are effective treatments for just about everybody.

Of course, we will all get pimples from time to time and this is nothing to be concerned about. For these occasional appearances, you might want to try an over-the-counter salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide. But where there is a concentration of acne on the face, you should see your dermatologist, who will set you up with a treatment plan.

One of the most potent but effective remedies is Isotretinoin (available under many brand names, such as Sotret). It’s not always recommended for teens (because it can hinder physical growth) or patients with any of the following:

• Certain kinds of depression (especially suicidal depression)
• Liver disease
• Irritable bowel syndrome, colitis or Crohn's disease
• High levels of cholesterol
• Those using medicines in the tetracycline family.

Sotret can also make the skin particularly photosensitive, which presents an issue in India, especially during the summer. But for acne sufferers who don’t fall into any of the above categories, Sotret remains a very good solution.

If you merely want to be vigilant about acne and take precautions against it, cleanse your face twice daily and take care not to apply hair products within an inch of the scalp. (Otherwise, it can drip onto the forehead and clog your pores).

Other tips: If you sweat a lot during sports, keep a cloth handy so you can wipe and clean your face and prevent a dirt build-up. Use sunscreen and face creams that are non-comedogenic (those that won’t block your pores).

Shaving can also be an excellent safeguard against acne because it exfoliates the skin and helps remove dead layers from the epidermis. Just make sure you shave in the direction of beard growth, not against it (which can cause ingrown hairs), and use a clean blade (changing your blade every few shaves). You should also be using a shaving gel (not cream) designed to help prevent acne. Finally, allow your razor to dry between use so it won’t harbour bacteria.

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I’ve never met a person who doesn’t have innate talent. Everyone has at least one. You may not like the one you got, but you’ve got one. For example, there are people who are incredible at being organized; they could never not put something back where it belongs. But they don’t perceive this as an ability, because they assume everyone can do what they do.

I suggest two approaches to finding your gift. The first is to think about what you love. What keeps you forever curious? What has you staying up late at night? Your healthy obsession will point to an area where a talent lies.

The other approach is to focus on what you complain about. If you have a regular gripe that begins: “I don’t understand people who just can’t seem to … ”, chances are that for you, this particular task comes naturally -- so naturally that you don’t even think about it. You can turn those complaints into contributions by taking what you know and doing something constructive with it.

Once you find out what your passion is, you’ll need to cultivate and commit to it. Work out an action plan. Establish consequences if you don’t follow through. Surround yourself with people with similar goals. Take a class. Network. Practice five hours a day if need be. And most important, stick with it. 

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In general, “scoring” during an interview depends on more than simply having an answer ready for every question. Interviewers are interested in your attitude and maturity, your work ethic, your professionalism and how well you communicate. Regardless of the job, they’re also evaluating you as a problem solver, a team player and someone who wants to learn and grow.

When you get an unexpected question, the most important thing to do is take a moment to ponder, “What can I say that is authentic and professional?”

In the end, honesty is best. This might include saying that you don’t have an exact answer or even admitting that it’s a challenging question. What doesn’t work is posturing or pretending you know something you don’t. Gaining the interviewer’s respect will always be more important than having a “perfect” answer.

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All stylish salons in India recommend the fauxhawk cut for a simple reason. It looks very cool and is also easy to maintain. Young men like to make a fashion statement with a stylish haircut, but it also needs to be practical. And practicality means a hassle-free redo every morning, in this today's fast-moving world. This haircut requires any decent brand of hair wax or gel (popular brands are Set Wet and L’Oreal). You don’t need a comb, just run your fingers through your hair to style it.

The great thing about the fauxhawk is that it goes with most young Indian male faces, which tend to be slightly oval with strong jaw lines. It's also a very popular style because of all the media exposure it gets. Football players like David Beckham may have started the trend. But it's also followed by several young Indian upcoming celebrities like Sidharth Mallya, son of Force India F1 team owner Vijay Mallya. Male models on Indian catwalks have been sporting this look since the late ‘90s. And it isn’t going anywhere in hurry.

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The sockless look says you’re confident, bold and boyish. It’s a cooler, younger look that’s appropriate practically anywhere except a business setting where a suit is required. Here are a few guidelines for success without socks:

• Let your environment dictate whether or not you wear them. If you’re going to a “serious” event, you should put socks on. It’s possible to get away without them when wearing loafers and pants, but if you’re not sure, err on the side of socks.
• Stick with shoes that are meant to be worn without socks, such as casual shoes without laces, boating shoes and loafers (check out Tod’s for some really classy footwear). You could also go sockless with sneakers in the summer.
• Be conscious of your feet. While you should definitely go sockless with sandals, flip-flops and any other sort of toeless shoe, it can be hard to pull it off if you’re not vigilant about the way your feet look -- so take that into consideration. Also, save sandals for the beach or pool or for weekends when you’re hanging out with friends. Sandals are completely inappropriate for work, and for many other situations as well. Know the dress code before you slip them on.
• Consider your outfit. If you’re wearing linen, denim or khaki pants with a blazer, go ahead and wear a pair of loafers or bucks without the socks. Generally, you shouldn’t wear socks with shorts unless you’re doing sports or going to the gym.

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The bad news is that yes, Indians are more prone to diabetes in their later years. This is primarily due to a drastic change in lifestyle and dietary habits. Blame it on westernization and a little help from your own genes! But the good news is that you can still try and avoid the big D. To begin with, get exercising. Your mother’s told you this, your doctor tells you this all the time and so does your wife/girlfriend. Well, they are right. Squeeze in at least half an hour of cardiovascular activity daily like running or swimming and you are halfway there.

Now comes the more important step -- watch what you eat. This time, do not listen to your mother or girlfriend, and start cutting down on simple carbs. This means white bread, pasta and white rice. Remember, carbs mean sugar and you need to keep the sugar level of your blood stable all day. Don’t go all paranoid but just keep a count of what you eat and start replacing things. For example, switch to sweet potatoes or use brown rice instead of white rice.

As far as possible avoid sugar and try other sweeteners in beverages. Eat as much fresh fruits and vegetables as they have natural sweeteners and enough fibre to keep your system healthy. If you are a non-vegetarian, control your intake of red meat and replace it as much as possible with fish. And please switch to more frequent and smaller meals a day rather than just the three big ones.

The golden rule is this -- Keep a tab on what you eat, squeeze in enough exercise to counter it and you are good to go!

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The first thing you need to do is determine your risk. Does the chance of offending him make you reluctant to say anything? If so, you can go to his supervisor for confidential assistance. Although that may seem awkward too, I would begin by saying something like, “I’m coming to you confidentially with a situation I need some advice on... it makes me uncomfortable... what should I do?” The boss may take things from there or refer the situation to human resources.

If you decide to handle the conversation on your own, start with a disclaimer. Your approach should be something like this: “I want to talk with you about a sensitive issue and I sincerely hope you receive it in the manner in which it’s intended. You’re probably not aware of this, but you have a certain body odour. I’m telling you because I thought you’d want to know, and so you can address it before it has an effect on your work relationships and professional image. If the situation were reversed, I hope you’d feel comfortable sharing something like this with me.”

This bold effort is an honest attempt to take care of an uncomfortable situation --and well done if you can do it. After you’ve had the conversation, say a prayer and hold your breath! (No pun intended.)

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Many men believe that the best way to prevent shaving bumps is to let the skin rest for several days between shaves, but this isn't the solution for preventing shaving bumps. 

So the short answer is... no, shaving daily does not cause shaving bumps. You can rest your skin as long as you'd like, but unless you change the way you shave, you'll keep getting those bumps. 

The primary cause of shaving bumps -- also known as “ingrown hairs” -- is hair growing back into the skin. So the frequency of shaves isn't the root of the problem; it’s the method of shaving. Proper preparation, along with shaving with the grain, is the best way to keep the hair above the “skin-line.” As long as you keep the hair above the skin-line, the hair has more of an opportunity to continue growing outside of the skin, therefore greatly reducing the chances of getting shaving bumps.

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A bachelor party is all about celebrating your friend, which doesn’t need to cost a lot of money. Gather your friends, watch a match, play sport and have some food. But don’t stay at your place -- it will look obvious that you are scrimping. Even if it’s just a nearby garden, move the party to another venue.

Of course it’s better to throw the party a little further away from your pad than right behind it. Try to combine the food and drinking with activities like bowling, pool, golf etc. Most places are open and not busy on Sunday afternoons or evenings, so you may be able to get a discount package and save money that way. Go online or ask around to find special offers. Ten is the minimum number of guests you want to invite; most places won’t give you special deals for a fewer number of people. 

The good news is that as best man, you are not expected to pay the whole tab!  Etiquette rules call for the best man to pay for the groom, and the rest of the guests to split the bill. Skip the strippers -- you don’t need them. In addition to saving even more money, your friend’s fiancée will thank you and praise your enlightened outlook to her friends.

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First, make sure you have a proper team. In baseball, for example, you need nine. In cricket you need eleven. But I advise having a larger squad of around 17, because you never know what people’s schedules may be over the course of a season. If you’re short of a few players, don’t worry too much. Sometimes individual players express a desire to play, so a league or association assesses their skill level and offers them up to both existing and new teams.

Also, make sure that your team manager has an assistant. I’ve noticed that managers often become overwhelmed without a co-manager, particularly when they’re busy playing.

Once you have a team in place, contact the state and national organisations that governs your sport, in order to find out which regional leagues to join and what the process is. Sometimes, depending on the sport and state, there is more than one body to choose from. In Indian cricket for example, Maharashtra has a Maharashtra Cricket Association and a Mumbai Cricket Assocation.

The first thing a league will ask about is your age group and skill level. There are also costs involved. To enter a league, a team must pay for the fields, the umpires and so on. On top of that, each team needs to provide its own uniforms and apparel. (Sometimes teams find corporate sponsorship to pay their costs and get free uniforms.)

It’s worth bearing in mind the cost of insurance, too. Associations may automatically provide catastrophic coverage, but it definitely needs asking about. We advise that each player has personal health insurance in case of injury.

Finally, your team needs a name! Be creative, but keep it clean. We had a baseball team called The Dirtbags once, and that was fine, but there are lines you can’t cross. I think you know what they are.

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The most important and obvious way to stay hydrated through the summer is to drink enough water. For men, this means a minimum of two litres every day. That besides, here are a few other things you can do to help your body through the long summer we have coming up:

Fresh coolers: Bored of drinking just water? There are other coolers that you can sip on that don’t deplete the body of vital nutrients, and/or are rich in natural electrolytes. Try coconut water, chhachh (buttermilk), cucumber juice, barley water, mint coolers, shikanji (masala lemonade) and rose sherbet. For best results, add a pinch of rock salt (not white salt) to your drink. Avoid fizzy drinks, tea and coffee, as these are diuretics that make your body expel water.

Eat Water: When you’ve got the munchies, stock up on fruit with high water content like watermelons and muskmelons. Don't make the mistake of going on an empty stomach, because without food the body’s water levels get unbalanced, increasing the chances of a heat stroke.

Skip the Meat: Go easy on your intake of non-vegetarian food -- it’s highly acidic, increases body heat and aggravates the liver. For the next few months, veggies are your best friend.

No Cheers: Stay off the liquor in the summer as much as you can. Definitely avoid hard drinks or you’re going to force your liver to work extra hard and deal with a lot of dehydration.

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In a word, yes. You probably won’t do any harm to your body by walking in them, but you probably won’t do that much good either. I have a client who wore them for six months before she came to me. She saw no difference in her bottom. Once she started working out her hamstrings and doing squats, abductions and kickbacks, all of that changed.

Which is to say: when it comes to getting in shape, nothing really replaces a proper diet and exercise. In my many years as a personal trainer, I’ve seen gimmicks galore -- BOSU balls (like a half-exercise ball), Ab Masters, you name it. The benefits are not even close to what you get from hitting the gym.

When it comes to workout shoes, the best ones are not platforms, but act as a very light shock absorber -- that’s all. Your body needs to register the surface it is on, whether dirt, pavement or grass; it will automatically adapt. And a word to the wise: You definitely don’t want to wear these platform-style shoes for running. You’ll be asking for an injury.

If you’ve already got a pair just for walking around town, and feel like they’re doing something for you, go for it. It’s certainly not going to be detrimental. I think there’s also a psychosomatic component here. But there has been no real solid evidence that they do work -- at least not from any resources that I respect.

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The whole kurta, jeans and jhola look is definitely a big no-no. In my personal opinion it doesn't work. Admittedly here in India it’s more of a comfort thing. If one can't fight it, or insists upon wearing jeans and a kurta, then at least make the kurta a little stylish -- avoid khakhi, try textured fabric, add a waistcoat. And remember, the kurta should not be lower than your knees, or you will look like box-like.

But there are other options. Jodhpurs are a classic. A traditional, safe garment that can be worn with a short bandhgala with maybe a brightly coloured kurta or T-shirt inside, to add that individual touch. On your feet, try Peshawari sandals. They go with everything -- pants, kurtas, sherwanis -- and lend any outfit that Indo-Western feel. Kohlapuris work too.

Too often in India, and especially in Delhi, we see young guys sporting Diesel jeans with an over-the-top belt, luxury shoes and a Gucci face. It’s terrible. Please don’t be a mass produced, run of the mill guy. Follow the rules of the season, but stand out in a crowd by adding a little bit of your own look to the garment. A textured shirt or one with a little self-embroidery will always win over a striped shirt, for instance, no matter which brand’s tag is on the collar. Be comfortable, keep it simple, and feel good about it.

Attending a wedding? A basic black sherwani looks stunning. Invest in something classic that you can wear again, as opposed to something over the top and heavily embellished that you’re unlikely to have a chance to repeat.

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Shaving bumps (aka ingrown hairs) can be very troublesome. They occur because the hair curls as it grows out of the skin, resulting in the hair getting stuck under the skin-line.

The good news? For any shaving challenge, there is always a solution! The tried and true approach to ridding your face -- or any other shaved area -- of annoying shaving bumps is learning the proper way to shave. Once you adopt a proper routine, shaving bumps will be a distant memory. But don't fear, there is no need to suffer with bumps while you master your new shaving process. There are ways to start erasing the signs of existing shaving bumps immediately.

The best way to get rid of ingrown hairs that have already formed is to gently pull the tip of the hair out of the bump or swollen area. Make sure to use a sterilized needle, tweezers or even a safety pin. Start by running the needle or tweezers through the flame of a match or lighter a few times to kill any potential bacteria. Then, and this is crucial, be careful to not remove the hair entirely -- only remove the tip from the bump. Why? The reason the hair is stuck in the first place is because it was growing below the skin’s surface. Pulling the hair out entirely will only cause the hair to start re-growing from below the surface again, resulting in the same problem. Whenever an ingrown hair bump is starting to develop, pull the hair out of the bump but keep it intact; this ensures that the hair will get cut during your next shave, and the cycle will not repeat. 

Incorporating this method of ingrown hair removal into a daily or weekly maintenance routine will allow for greater control of the face’s overall appearance -- and a permanent end to shaving bumps.  

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First of all, this is a very common scenario, so don’t feel funny about it. And if it is troubling you as much as you say it is, you’ve got to put it out there -- as much for the actual answer as for your own sanity. The fact is the relationship dynamic is already being affected now that you have these feelings. I think your bigger regret would come from not finding out where it can go.

One of the best ways for you to set this in motion is to create an opportunity. If you normally just hang out, plan a get-together that’s a little more romantic. Take her to dinner at a restaurant with nice lighting or go tango dancing and follow it up by a cup of coffee. When you’re with her, be flirtatious. Share compliments that she’s not used to hearing from you (but make sure they’re genuine, otherwise they’ll come off as cheesy). Through all of this, try to suss her out. Does she seem receptive? Uncomfortable? Oblivious? If you can’t get a read, you might want to have “the talk” by sending her an email. Putting your feelings in writing will allow her to digest and consider them without feeling the pressure of an in-person chat. Another option is to ask a trusted mutual friend to act as an intermediary.

Whatever you do, make sure you act with confidence. If you’re skittish, she’s going to become uncomfortable too. You can’t be too subtle or she’ll miss your intentions entirely. Just don’t show up with a dozen roses and a stretch limo -- which will definitely leave her wondering, “Now where did that come from?!”

The best relationships are built on solid friendships. I'm a big believer that if both people in a friendship are available and attracted, transitioning their friendship to a romantic relationship is a wonderful idea. Remember that to find love, you have to take a few risks along the way.

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The fact that you’re even asking this question tells me your current employer is losing a very thoughtful team member. I’ve been on both sides of this equation, and the reality is, if you’ve truly found your dream job, you’d be a fool not to accept it. Fortunately, since you’ve been with your present company for less than a year, you probably haven’t achieved indispensable status yet. Your departure may actually cause less disruption than you imagine.

Before you give notice, be sure you’ve got a solid offer and start date in writing. The last thing you want to do is quit before the new position is firmly in hand. Once you’ve established that the dream job is a lock, tender your resignation with as much professionalism as possible. Were you recruited? Don’t be afraid to say so, letting your boss know you weren’t actively looking. Be polite and professional, thanking him or her for the opportunities you’ve had during the past eight months. Don’t be afraid to share your belief that the job you’re accepting is the sort of opportunity that comes around just once.

Provide at least two weeks’ notice if possible, and when you depart, leave all of your files in order so the person who assumes your job will know what’s what.

With any luck, you’ll leave on good terms. (You never know when you might need a reference from your old boss down the line). If, on the other hand, the sahib tells you to pack your desk and evacuate the building, don’t take it personally. Business is business, and chances are he’s simply following company policy. Not to mention that, deep down, the boss man would have done the exact same thing if he were in your shoes.

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Bragging rights come to those who can boast an impressive one-rep max bench press. But you need to prepare for that heavy effort -- almost as if you were training for a race. I recommend an eight to ten week build-up. One workout a week should be your heavy chest day, where you do five sets at a weight you can handle for three to six reps. Low-rep, heavy sets will build the muscle and tendon strength you’ll need. The other key workout should focus on the assistor muscles in the bench press -- shoulder, triceps. (Do this once weekly, too.)

After four to five weeks, you can gauge where you are by taking the top weight you've progressed to benching for three repetitions, and add five percent to that weight for a single rep lift. Example: Say when you started the program the best you could do for a set of three repetitions was 195 pounds. After five weeks that weight has increased to 210 pounds for three reps. For the halfway-mark you'd increase that weight approximately five percent (roughly 10 pounds) for a lift of 220 pounds for one rep.

If you make that lift and think you can go higher still, add five to ten pounds more, and attempt another single. This will establish where you are at the halfway point. The next week you'd go back to training with sets of five and three reps until the eight or ten weeks are up and you’re ready for your “final” one-rep attempt.

Doing single reps is a performance lift, not to be overused or abused. It's one of the most common mistakes I see in the gym -- guys maxing out at every single workout.

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There are two types of sweat glands in the human body: merocrine and apocrine. The perspiration produced by merocrine sweat glands, the kind found in the palms of your hands, doesn’t smell. Apocrine sweat glands are found in the armpit, breast and groin areas. Unlike merocrine sweat glands, they don’t help regulate temperature control, so we don’t know exactly what their functional use is. We do know that when the sweat from the armpits or groin reacts to bacteria on the body -- and bacteria are a normal component of the skin -- it creates an odor. A second factor contributing to this odor is genetics: Apocrine sweat glands release chemicals called pheromones, and some people’s pheromones are stronger-smelling than others. The simple solution to curb these odors, of course, is deodorant and antiperspirant.

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Though texting has its time and place (such as the pithy heads-up that you’re running five minutes late), it should be viewed as a supplement to -- not a replacement for -- live communication. No matter how fast and furious you are on your keypad, it’s only natural that your sweetie pie longs to hear your voice. Show her you’re way smarter than your cell’s T9 prediction and practice picking up your phone rather than just pecking at it.

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Something to bear in mind here is that ditching any friendship -- even one that exists primarily online -- can have hurtful consequences. So unless a swath of your Facebook friends have either turned stalker or are posting comments on your wall that leave you feeling embarrassed or angry, you might want to consider simply hiding their status updates from your news feed. Technically, you’re still “friends”, but you won’t be reminded of how annoying they are every time you read a post about the “scrumpdillyicious lunch” that Mani from your NCC cadet days has just eaten.

But let’s say hiding these people from your feed is simply not enough; these lame friendships are doing nothing for you, and they’ve got to go. Unless you interact with any of these friends regularly on Facebook, they likely won’t realise for months -- if at all -- that you’re no longer friends. And by the time that happens, they may not care that much anyway. If any of them attempt to re-friend you, take it on a case-by-case basis, but don’t feel badly about ignoring a re-friend request. If someone really wants to be your friend, let him or her pick up the phone.

If you're going to shed a mass of friends all at once, I would suggest posting a status update along these lines:

“Hey, guys…. My Facebook friend list has gotten too huge for me to manage. Nothing personal here, but I’m going to start paring down. Going forward, best way to reach me -- especially if you need a quick answer -- will be email or cellphone.”

Chances are excellent that you’ll never hear a peep from your fringe acquaintances, in which case they’ll be off your radar for good. Mission accomplished!

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You might think growing a big, scraggly beard would be the easiest way to “man up” fine facial features, but you’ll just end up looking sloppy and unkempt. Instead, go for a shorter beard with masculine angles. To create a shape that looks natural and not deliberately defined, follow the structure of your face. Use a buzzer to create a line from your sideburn to the corner of your mouth. Then find a point just above your Adam’s apple, and shave clean everything below it. Run your trimmer over the beard on a shorter setting every three to five days; that way you’ll add volume to your face but still come across well-groomed. There’s just no need to run around with a prehistoric beard to prove you’re a dude. -- As told to Caroline Kinneberg

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Because birds of a feather flock together, it’s not unusual for friends to share similar desirable traits. This may be part of the reason your friend's girlfriend is attracted to you as well. Your highest priority should be to your best friend.

If she comes on to you once, tell her that an honourable man doesn’t mess with another man’s woman. If she comes on to you a second time, tell your friend. She has established a pattern of deceitful behaviour and he’s the one who could suffer from it. He needs to know what’s going on. If he’s really your best friend, he’ll be grateful. If not, and he blames you for her coming on to you, he may not be the man you thought he was. – As told to Mike Hammer

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Dandruff is an extremely common problem affecting one in three people. It involves an accelerated shedding of the skin on your head which can be caused by factors including micro-organisms, stress and diet.

However chronic, severe dandruff can often lead to hair loss. Breakage from scratching can also occur. Persistent dandruff is a medical problem and could be a part of scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis. Consult a dermatologist who may start you on oral antifungals and/or antibiotics, and possibly even a topical steroid lotion. Use an anti-dandruff shampoo - some of the medicated shampoos prescribed for the condition are Scalpe, Nizoral, and Triatop -  twice a week.

Look again at your diet and ensure it is rich in antioxidants and protein. Avoid foods that are high in sugar as well as high glycemic index foods (such as simple carbohydrates) as they promote inflammation and dandruff. Instead, try to include eggs, walnuts, flax seeds and red vegetables in your diet. -- As told to Nishat Fatima

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For any young person who's just started their career, the most important thing is to make regular and disciplined investments. That's what will allow you to save enough money and create a corpus to achieve the goals you've set, whether it's buying a home in six years, or a car in two years, or to start a business, or to fund your higher education.

But be very clear about the goal. For example, if it's to create a corpus for your retirement, then stick to that agenda. Don't worry about markets going up and down. Choose an asset class depending on that goal, rather than focus on individual investment products.

Being young means that you could probably take a higher risk. Therefore, the equity market is a good choice. It's the best-performing asset class over the long term.

There are two ways of investing in the equity market: either by directly buying stocks, or through mutual funds. Directly buying stocks has pros and cons, but the chief requirement is being informed and doing a lot of research on your own. Most people don't have the time and background to do that kind of research. Therefore you should buy mutual funds, where a professional does the research for you.

The best way to invest in funds is through a “systematic investment plan” (S.I.P.), where a set amount is automatically invested from your bank account on a particular date every month. This way there's no repeated forms to fill out, and the whole process is disciplined and regular. Secondly, due to various reasons, local issues, politics, the global economy and so on, the market keeps moving up and down. It's been seen that even the best fund managers are unable to predict what the market will do. So a regular plan ensures that over time, your purchase averages out and you maintain your investment. Here's a small example: until last December, the market wasn't doing great. Suddenly, between December and February, the Sensex shot up by 20 percent, catching everyone by surprise. If you had been investing directly, and had decided to liquidate before, you would have lost out.

Apart from equity markets, other options include debt instruments and real estate. Debt instruments could give 9 to 10 percent as post-tax returns. They're seen as safer investments. It's a cushion against equity should you want one.

Real estate is good, but if you've just started out your career, you may not have enough money to put in a purchase, since even with loans you'll need a big chunk of cash. So ideally you'd first start off with mutual funds and then move into real estate.

Lastly, choose the right advisor. If she or he is not right for you, mistakes could be made. Look at their educational background, qualifications, and also client list. Are they the right fit for you? If you're investing a few ten thousand rupees, and your advisor usually manages clients investing crores, then they may not have the time for you. 

Remember that every individual has a different risk profile – you and your colleague in your office may both have 1 lakh to invest, but your circumstances may vary. Perhaps you can afford to take a bigger risk with your money, but your colleague may not. So: decide on your goals, get a risk profile done, choose an asset class and find the right advisor to make your investments! -- As told to Apoorva Prasad

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Some patients tend to get fungal infections — such as jock itch, ringworm and nail fungus — more frequently than others. We don't know why this is, but we do know that keeping the skin barrier in good shape and dry is the best way to prevent jock itch. 

Powders like Axe talcum or Mycoderm can help absorb excess moisture. Another good tip is to use a hair dryer to make sure the skin in the groin is fully dry after showering. Finally, make sure you shower and change your underwear after working out or if you sweat a lot during the day.

When you have an active jock itch, try an over-the-counter cream containing clotrimazole. If the area is very inflamed, add a 1 percent hydrocortisone cream as well for up to one week. If it doesn't go away after two weeks, visit your dermatologist! -- As told to Mike Hammer

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The only way she’d be right is if your hair is really coarse or dry. Otherwise there’s no need for it. Conditioner — leave-in or normal — simply weighs short hair down. Guys with longer hair can benefit from it, but you can just shampoo. If anything, to make her happy, switch to a moisturizing shampoo.

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There are many reasons men choose not to wear facial hair. For some, it’s job-related. For others, it’s about avoiding a tedious maintenance routine. Many men with coarse and/or curly beards can relate to the latter challenge, especially those with shorter beards and moustache styles, like beard scruff and goatees; since curly hair curls so quickly, there's a very brief window for shorter styles to look “neat” compared to their fuller-style counterparts.

But here’s a trick I learned many years ago to help keep those curls at bay and a curly-beard style looking good. I call it “smoothing out”. First, get trimmers or a pair of clippers with blade guards. Select the blade guard that best fits the existing hair length and attach it to the trimmer or clippers. Next, trim the facial hair downwards, towards the neck. This process cuts only the top portion of the beard or moustache, leaving the hair length intact and cutting only the hairs that are sticking out or beginning to curl. The end result: A neater beard.

This is a simple and easy trick that can take less than five minutes to accomplish in the morning. Give it a try and see how it works for you!  

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Washing one’s hands after any activity is never a bad idea, no matter what you do. However, urine is theoretically sterile, so it may not be necessary to wash your hands after going to the toilet, believe it or not. (Unless you have some sort of urinary infection, which is unlikely in men.)

On the other hand, while it may not be medically imperative, it is certainly socially and aesthetically preferred. No one wants to come into contact with someone who has not bothered to wash urine off of his hands. It’s unpleasant, predominantly unacceptable and let’s just say a little more than off-putting. What’s more troubling about this question is that you seem to want to stand your ground on this issue. To me the bigger question here is… Why? -- As told to Mike Hammer

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Anyone can turn a great idea into an app by following the five essential steps below. Before you jump in, though, be aware that the entire process can take from two to nine months and cost hundreds of thousands of rupees, depending on the complexity of your app and your budget.

1. Start drawing. Even if your artistic skills are lacking, sketching out the main screens of the app will help you flesh out your idea. Think through the value you want to provide the user and ensure that the app delivers it quickly.

2. Think of a catchy name. Try to keep it short because it needs to be recognizable under that little square icon. You should also ensure the domain is available as you'll want a website to promote it.

3. Take your atrocious drawings to a designer. This step is often skipped, but it’s worth it — unless you are a designer, and then you can go ahead and skip away. Design matters, and creating an intuitive app that delights users is as much about the colours, fonts, icons and navigation as it is about your idea. Go to Elance or freelancer.com and start sorting through profiles and work samples to find a good freelance designer who matches your budget.

4. Find a developer using the same sites. Pick one who has live apps in the app store that you can download and evaluate.

Once it’s developed:

5. Register as an Apple developer, upload your app to iTunes and wait a week or so for Apple to approve it. Reasons for rejection include explicit material, frequent crashes and misuse of third party trademarks (all apps must comply with Apple's App Store Review Guidelines). If the app is not approved, you’ll typically receive a notice with an explanation as to why, so you can make the necessary changes.

Then your app will join the more than half a million others out there jockeying for attention. Good luck! -- As told to Caroline Kinneberg

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The biggest mistake most people make before a phone interview is not preparing just as thoroughly as if the interview were in person. Phone interviews don't allow for the benefit of "face time" and therefore require focused effort to make a positive impression. Here’s what I suggest:

Dress to Impress
The interviewer may not be able to see you, but you will act and sound more confident in a suit and dress shoes than you would in your kurta-pajamas.

Get in the Zone
Position yourself in a space that's comfortable, private and free of distractions. And use a landline instead of a mobile phone to ensure a better connection and avoid cutting off the call.

Clear Your Throat

Shortly before the interview, call a friend and talk about something fun, like last night’s game or what you're doing this weekend. It will get you into conversation mode and test your phone connection — as well your environment — to make sure they're conducive to an interview.

Make Notes to Self

Have notes and a pen ready. Your cheat sheet should include main points you want to make about yourself as well as questions you have about the job.

Stay Hydrated
Keep a glass of room-temperature water nearby. Avoid caffeine, sugar and dairy, as they can strain your vocal chords and affect the sound quality of your voice.

Stand and Deliver
Your voice will project more powerfully if you’re standing. And don't forget to smile while you talk. Again, your interviewer can't see you, but your positive energy will come through loud and clear.

After the interview, and within twenty-four hours, send a heartfelt thank-you note via email. A handwritten version dropped in the mail will also help you stand out. I always tell my clients to go even further by including with the thank you a relevant article, white paper or news of an upcoming conference that the interviewer might find interesting (and that is ideally related to what you discussed about the job). This way you're able to act as if you're already hired.

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In my experience, new year’s resolutions last anywhere from four to six weeks. Often, it’s because the goal isn’t realistic. You can’t go from 0 to 100 overnight and maintain it for any length of time; in fact, it will eventually turn you off to exercising. If you currently don’t work out, make your goal three sessions a week, or simply do something active every day (like taking the stairs or parking further from your office). If you’re already working out but want to turn up the intensity, doubling your time in the gym is a solid goal. You can always double it again the next month, exponentially increasing the intensity.

A lack of creativity is another reason resolutions tend to fade away. Personal trainers bring motivation, guidance, intensity and -- above all else -- fun. You aren’t going to exercise for any length of time if you don’t enjoy it. If you don’t have the pocket change to pay for a personal trainer, taking a class is a cheaper way to get the same benefits.

Finally, if you do the same workout again and again, your body will build up resistance. So not only will the workout be less challenging, causing you to lose interest, but you’ll benefit less too. Keep the body guessing by doing push/pull and upper body/lower body splits: Work on your lower body (glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves) one day, then work on your upper body (chest, back, triceps, biceps, shoulders) the next day. Push movements include triceps, shoulders and the chest, while pull includes biceps and the back. Another way to stem the boredom is to do all machines one month, work with free weights the next month and focus on cables the following month. -- As told to Caroline Kinneberg

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Life would be a lot simpler if we could leave thoughts of work behind when we leave the office for the day — not to mention that annoying guy in accounting. Given that our jobs often encroach on our leisure time, I don’t blame you for not feeling the urge to buy rounds for your department-mates at happy hour.

That being said, I think your question can be answered in one of two ways:

1. Are you obligated to? Well, no. That is, as long as you’re okay with being perceived as a lone wolf who couldn’t care less about his colleagues, let alone his own career advancement.
2. Should you? Certainly. Particularly if you’re interested in forging relationships and being viewed as an asset to the company rather than as a self-important snob.

If the first answer sounds like you, feel free to stop reading and go back to web surfing. However, if you grudgingly appreciate that quality social time with work colleagues can give you a leg up, you most likely have a follow-up question: “What’s the minimum amount of face-to-face time I have to dedicate?”

For starters, make sure you’re at any function where the entire staff will be in attendance and your absence would be glaring. This includes the Diwali or Christmas party, the company picnic and off-site team-building events. You should also show up for special occasions such as an after-work toast celebrating the award your company just won or a party in honour of someone who’s leaving or retiring.

Here are a few tips to bear in mind at such occasions:

Don’t:

• Drink to excess.
• Talk exclusively of work. Instead, seek out alternate common ground; you might be surprised.
• Raise controversial topics.
• Feel obligated to stay till the bitter end.

Do:

• Arrive on time.
• Mingle.
• Be seen by your boss.
• Have a short conversation with all of the powers-that-be.

Will any of this mean you’ll be responding to your work mates Facebook posts, celebrating each of their birthdays and inviting them to your annual Holi party? Probably not. Indeed, there is definite value in preserving the perception that you do, in fact, have a life beyond work.

But once you do start acting a bit more social with the work crew, I think you’ll find the career benefits can be very real. Heck, you might even start liking your colleagues. Even that guy in accounting.

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So you finally moved out of your folks’ place and into a bachelor pad with mates. Your first worry would obviously be what you’d do for music? Forget about your home theater or those bulky speakers, amplifiers and complicated messy wiring and get small and practical!

First figure out how you play music. Are you into LPs? Still crazy about cassette tapes or do you press play on your computer? Chances are you use your computer most of the time. In which case, invest in a pair of desktop speakers like the Harmon Kardon Sound Sticks. They are relatively cheaper and are slick enough to be a cool accessory in that room of yours. If on a budget, go for the Logitech Z523 that comes with a woofer to enhance those basslines.

USB speakers are even better, as well as compact. Check out the Edifier Micro Speaker that provides dual tweeters, dual midrange cones and an oblong bass driver. It’s one of the best sounding USB speakers in the market and works great as a travel companion as well.

On the other hand, if you do own an iPod, then it’s best to buy a dock. This means no wires as well as the ease of transportability. Check out the Altec Lansing Octiv 650, or the iHome iP90 which both looks and works like a radio-clock – apart from playing music, of course.

If you inherited your father’s LP collection and want to stick by them, then get a turntable. New ones like the Ion TTUSB Turntable hook up to your laptop and convert your LPs into mp3s, so you can pass on the legacy your kids!

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While there isn’t an exact number of wears that make a jumper or pair of jeans officially dirty, they can become contaminated after just a few hours of being on your body. 

The simple fact is, as we work through our daily routines, we get dirty. The sweat glands in our body are constantly perspiring; our skin cells are always shedding. Wearing an underlayer may protect a jumper from your body’s contaminants, but it doesn’t protect it from surrounding impurities, such as food, dirt and pollutants in the environment. In fact, most people get their clothes dirty by touching them with their own dirty fingers!

Though contact with any of these contaminants can lead to fungal or bacterial infections (which can manifest on your skin as itching, rashes or clogged pores), a good majority of the germs you'll come across are harmless. That doesn’t mean you should be careless about washing your clothes, however. Just use common sense.

• If you’re wearing clothes for long periods in the day, are exercising in them or are working outside often, then wash them after every use.

• If you have any open wounds, cover them with plasters to create a barrier between your skin and the clothing, and make sure to check that the skin is healing well.

• Wash your hands often and use hand sanitizers. Never share used clothes or towels.

• Always keep your dirty clothes separate from the clean ones.

You don’t have to live in a bubble. Just be cautious and aware of your daily activities, and you can avoid clothing-caused skin irritation. -- As told to Elizabeth Narins

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Dry , wintry weather can dehydrate the skin, making it itchy and irritated. You might think that standing in a steamy shower would help keep your skin hydrated, but long showers, particularly in hot water, can actually have the opposite effect. Why? Our skin contains special proteins and fats that make up a protective barrier and lock in moisture to protect us from harsh outside environments. Long or frequent showers remove protective oils that the skin naturally produces. When the oils are lost, water from the skin also escapes; thus dehydrated, the skin can crack or rash. For this reason, you should take warm showers instead of hot. The cooler water is less harsh on these protective oils and therefore allows them to continue to do their job.

If you insist on a hot shower, then at least take a look at your soap. Soap cleansers are alkaline, which are damaging to the skin. They can aggravate dryness, leave your skin feeling tight and even, eventually, lead to a rash. Try using a mild soap, particularly one designed for sensitive skin, for those areas that require extra scrubbing — like your face, under your arms and in the groin area. Or replace your traditional soap with an oil-infused shower gel; the oil can replace the natural oils that the water strips from your skin.

After showering, gently pat the skin dry with a towel — don't rub. Then apply a moisturizer to seal the water into the skin before it can evaporate.

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Smartphones have become an integral part of our hyper-connected lives, and today it's almost necessary to be able to do things like check emails and look up GPS maps while going somewhere. Look out for phones with features like Super AMOLED touch screen, 1GHZ processors and up to 8MP cameras to make your phone experience richer and more fun. Prices range anything from Rs 32000 for a Samsung Galaxy S II (I9100) to Rs 5000 for a Micromax Andro A60.

In fact, there are a myriad of choices, and you can get anything from the latest HTC Salsa with its super VGA touchscreen and 3G support, to the Apple iPhone 4S with its quad-band GSM support capability. But does it really matter with the kind of network connectivity we have in India? Yes and No. Smartphone -- yes, 3G -- not yet.

3G (and now 4G) phones don't have the same value in India. And that’s because the 3G ecosystem is still nascent. Ask yourself what you want 3G for? If it’s to surf the net and download music, then you might as well do that on a tablet or laptop, which will give you faster speeds. To check and send mails, Blackberries do just fine. If you are hoping to do video conferencing, then you have to first ensure the other person has a similar handset. Let’s face it, there aren’t any localised 3G apps that will make your life any better. Most apps are generic phone-based applications that are available worldwide and are not reliant on 3G speeds. And this is not just an issue with India. In most parts of the world, the 3G ecosystem is just about developing.

There are only a few companies, in Japan for example, that are building a localised 3G ecosystem to offer services like banking and e-commerce, which will start changing lives. It will take a while for that evolution to happen here. Till then, a 2 or 2.5G Android or iPhone with a minimum of 512MB RAM and features like push-mail, Skype and fast browsers are adequate to enrich your experience. And by the time you finish all the levels of Angry Birds, 3G will be ready for you! -- As told to Anup Kutty

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The best way to avoid suffering from a tennis elbow is simply not getting it. Contrary to popular opinion and the name itself, tennis players actually form a minority of people who suffer from this complication. That’s because they follow a discipline regime. For starters, make sure you build your core muscular strength. Focus especially on your triceps and forearms, with exercises like pulley pushdowns, bench dips and the classic one-arm dumbbell. Avoid heavy weights if you are not a regular with strength programmes. If you are just getting into racket sports, remember to begin with a lighter racket, with a proper grip. A lighter ball will also help with softening the impact. Most cases of tennis elbow are known to happen because of bad backhand techniques, so get advice from a professional coach. Always remember to do some basic stretching and warm-up exercises before you begin any sport. And most importantly, listen to your body. Stop the minute you experience any discomfort, and use an ice-pack to soothe the muscle. You may also want to get yourself a calcium-rich diet, so replace that cold drink with milk!

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