Okay, I'm not serious.

I would never seriously suggest that anyone throw away their Cosmopolitan magazines.

I've always been a fan of Cosmo.  When I was younger, I devoured Glamour magazine, Cosmo's younger sister.  I used to enjoy the elliptical trainers at the gym, and I would pick up an issue of Cosmo or Glamour and "run" until I finished.

But now that I'm older, I've discovered that Cosmo magazine can actually be detrimental to your dating health.

Its "dating advice lite," appearing along with articles on real-life stories, beauty, celeb gossip, etc., assume a certain lifestyle that may not resemble yours in the least. 

From what I can tell, Cosmo's dating advice is tailored to its target market, who appears to be young women in their 20s-30s who want to have it all: Manolo Blahniks, Louis Vuitton handbag, Dolce & Gabbana dress, hot job, city pad, gorgeous boyfriend, and the perfect balance of freedom and style.

Does that sound like you?

If it does, then go for Cosmo and never look back.

If it doesn't … if you're more worried about taking care of your ailing parents, raising your children as a single mom, paying a mortgage, dealing with stress and health ailments, being a good person who recycles and volunteers … then I have another magazine that might suit you a bit better.

Psychology Today.

It's not just a magazine for psych majors, therapists, and people interested in mental health.   It's a magazine for anyone who's ever wanted to know what real research is saying about the issues we care about the most.  How do we become happier?  How do we reduce stress?  How do we resolve conflicts in our relationship?  How much is a good sex life really worth to us?

Psychology Today is written in a way that makes it as light and breezy as Cosmo, but with hard-hitting information backed up by science.  You'll be fascinated about the amazing facts you'll discover each issue about what it means to be human.

And, best of all, instead of being told what to do by someone who's basing their advice off personal experience or folk wisdom, you could hear what the actual research says and make a decision for yourself about what it means to you.

Browse the Psychology Today website to see if it's for you.  Then, the next time you're wishing for some more monthly reading material, give Psychology Today a try.  You'll learn about the latest research into human behavior: parenting, relationships, sex, stress, work, food and diet, alternative therapies, and more.

And you may just start feeling more connected to the "real world."