The Date/mate Column

When Anna Paul—widowed and lonely—answers an ad in “The Date/Mate Column” of a local newspaper, she is not prepared for the consequences. Her best friends, Lin and Maggie, suggest revenge against all men, and thus begins an elaborate scheme to lure ’em and leave ’em, except maybe, just maybe, there might yet be one good man, even three good men. But what are the rules of modern courtship? How should a woman—hungry for love, companionship, and a lasting relationship—conduct herself in a world where behaviors have changed dramatically?