Each week, local "women about town" Anjl Rodee and Marilynn Mee answer OnMilwaukee.com readers' questions about relationships, romance and whatever else is on your mind. They point out that this column is "for entertainment purposes only," but they mostly say that so they don't get sued. Send your questions to Anjl and Marilynn at anjlandmarilynn@staff.onmilwaukee.com.
Dear Anjl and Marilynn,
I am interested in this lovely woman who happens to be well known in the community/ "Jill" has had bad experiences in her past relationships. I would like to get closer to "Jill," but do not want to become overbearing and push her away, or appear to be shallow like her previous suitors. Being so popular, "Jill" is often quite busy at many events. How can I make a meaningful impression and show I am sincere in my intentions and get into her busy life?
Dear KFed,
Marilynn Mee: You may be surprised to know that we have some experience in this area. Enough experience that this is creeping me out just a tiny bit ...
Anjl Rodee: Oh, come on now. Local celebs need lovin, too.
Boy, this is tougher to answer than I thought it was going to be. Then again, I've never been in your situation, KFed. I do hope we come up with a good answer for you, though, because Johnny Depp will be in town soon ...
MM: When it comes to being interested and getting to know somebody and asking them out, it really doesn't matter if somebody is well known or if it's the girl that works at the dry cleaner.
AR: Absolutely. If you feel the need to call attention in any way to her notoriety, then maybe you need to evaluate your motives in asking her out. It does sound like it may be a factor in your interest in Jill.
MM: And anybody that is well known, whether by media, music or politics, will tell you that it is a concern: are they interested in me, or because I do what I do.
AR: It can be hard to separate the two -- when you are in the public eye, what you do does tend to define you. And you just aren't going to know who's interested in you for the right reasons until you get to know someone.
MM: Once again I have to ask you, Anjl -- why aren't you more forthcoming with this good insight when it comes to my life? Do you like to sit back and watch me suffer? Do you enjoy my pain?
AR: It beats cable.
MM: I'm gonna start charging you to be my friend! Only $9.95 for the first six months! But seriously, KFed. Have you actually met "Jill"? The reason I'm asking is, like with any girl, the first thing you need to do is walk up and introduce yourself, instead of skulking around in the shadows. Ask her out, and if she says no, leave it at that. Persistence pays off at the driving range, not with pursuing a celeb.
AR: It's just not going to work any differently with "Jill" than with any other girl. She's going to like what she sees, or she isn't. Her bad luck with men in the past is not something that you'll be able to hurdle with a great pick up line.
MM: By the way, I wonder how he knows about her relationship past?
AR: Maybe he actually knows her, hangs on the periphery of her peer group. Or, maybe he listens to her gripe about it during her radio show. Be your charming self. Be genuine. If she turns you down, I hear Meg Ryan is single now...
Anjl Rodee is a jack of all things right-brained. After a variety of odd jobs, from singing telegrams to ballroom dance instructor to weekend overnight DJ on Lazer 103, Anjl earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Mount Mary College and settled down to a nice career as an award-winning artist. At night Anjl can be found playing with a variety of local bands. She currently fronts a classic band called Radio Doctors, and plays bass and accordion with her friend Chris Demay.
Marilynn Mee has been a fixture on Milwaukee radio for most of her adult life. After a short stint on WQFM, she joined Lazer 103 at its inception. After several years as a Bob and Brian sidekick, Marilynn became midday host and music director, earning national recognition from the likes of Billboard magazine and Radio & Records. She is currently the midday host on 96.5 WKLH. Marilynn is a well-known animal lover, lending her name and free time to humane societies and animal rescue groups.
Anjl is a mother and grandmother and is in a committed relationship. Marilynn is single and mom to 2.5 dogs and a one-eyed cat. Anjl and Marilynn both hail from the greater Milwaukee area and have been best friends for 20 years.