As most of you know, I grew up in a locker room of living rooms, aka a household with four older brothers. In high school, when I’d come home I’d more often than not walk into a living room of 15 guys playing video games, none of which were even my brothers. We kind of had a revolving door and it only shifted into the Jones College frat house as we got older.

And the beauty of growing up in the Jones’ household was that, more often than not, I gained fly on the wall status so I was privy to the real conversations guys have when they think no girls are listening. While these conversations would shock you, I truly think that they would give you insight to a sex that is so unbelievably unlike us that it’s fascinating to wonder how we’re ever supposed to find love with one another when we’re as different as birds and fish.

Either way, in college I was the “dude translator.” I grew a reputation for being the girl who could decipher the code that is man thought. Then it occurred to me that if there were more direct communication between men and women, we could drop the games, the mind manipulation and the miscommunication. I know way too many girls who have spent WAY too much time trying to figure out what he meant by the awkward hug at the end of the night.

The time we spend thinking about what he is actually thinking about is consuming, futile, and, 99% of the time, WRONG. So, rather than continue having the blind leading the blind, I figured, why not have an event where we bring in guys who will be honest, candid and forthright to give us insight into the brotherhood of masculinity?

Immediately I called up a few high profile boys here in Los Angeles who are also dear friends. I described the current dilemma of men and women not understanding one another. The best part is, while I thought I’d be calling in a favor, they were more than willing; in fact, they LOVED the idea.

So with that, THE MAN PANEL was created. We’re doing our first ever i am that girl event on May 31^st at the Westwood Brewing Company from 7-9pm. We’re bringing in a panel of guys and I’ll be hosting the event.

It’s the perfect girls night out and I guarantee you will not only laugh hysterically, but you’ll gain priceless insight on the male sex. Come join us and get your questions answered by the boys who know them best. It’s 15 bucks online and 18 at the door. We have a link to our Paypal account under “links” on the website and we want to get the word out so shout it from the roof tops, i am that girl presents, THE MAN PANEL… our insider’s guide to men, once and for all.

Birds and Bees, communication, courtship, dating, i am that girl, iatg, los angeles, love, man panel Hide

We had been fighting for several days, over little things that didn’t matter, but which carried more serious implications for the relationship as a whole. Things seemed to be breaking down, in the face of arguments about whether to take an umbrella or what book to read next. Nothing kept turning into everything. After talking about breaking up or maybe taking a break, he made the suggestion that we spend time re-connecting, getting to know each other again…and refraining from sex. I fought his solution for several minutes, feeling this seemed a rather painful way to revive things. But then, I couldn’t help but feel ridiculous as the one advocating for more sex. Men are supposed to be the sex-crazed ones, right?

The days of men and women playing consistent and specified roles in a relationship have passed. Men and women are no longer simply the providers and caretakers, respectively. Yet, my feelings made clear to me that there is still some residue left from these social conventions. As a woman, feeling feminine is still valuable to me, and some of how I define this is indeed rooted in traditional notions of what it means to be a woman. Had I acted desperately, or even aggressively? Women aren’t supposed to demand sex! We’re the desired ones, the ones that must thwart off the unwanted advances of leering men.

And what about the time when I was working and paying the rent, and he was in between jobs? Most of the time I didn’t mind supporting us (he was after all, finishing a book). Still, the question, “Aren’t I the one that’s supposed to be taken care of here?” tickled the back of my brain. Perhaps, my thoughts only arose because things were so tight. I have no doubt that if the situation were reversed, and I had been in between jobs, he would never have said anything about it. Now that he is working again, he’s even mentioned that I quit my job waiting tables so I can pursue writing full-time. His suggestion has nothing to do with him wanting me to become a homemaker; though perhaps the traditional image of men as providers makes him more willing to tackle being the sole breadwinner.

In examining my inner misgivings, I realized they seemed to arise because of a gap between ‘how things are’ and ‘how I think things are supposed to be.’ Both the difficulty and benefit of being a woman in this generation is a lack of a definite role. And perhaps, as we swim around in this (sometimes) uncomfortable space, there is something that is still comfortable about these former definitions, as it once gave us a cultural script from which to act. We shed those roles because they were confining, and now we must find confidence in our actions, whether they align or deviate from the past. It’s not only about being in a relationship; it’s about finding confidence in being a woman. As it turns out, I can demand sex.

photos courtesy of seattle municipal archives, maciek lempicki

Birds and Bees, couples fighting, sex, women Hide

There are few things in this world that feel as good as having someone fall madly in love with you. Whether it’s the reasonless gifts, huge doe eyes, or the smitten smiles, few things can stroke your confidence feathers as a person enamored by little ol’ you. Obviously, this is only second to when you are so mutually infatuated with them that the world seems to stop . You find yourself totally and utterly unproductive, fully distracted by the mere ding of a text, and hopelessly overwhelmed by romantic daydreams. On the other side of this rainbow filled, My Little Pony Pleasantville is the barren, desert of unreciprocated love.

I had breakfast with my sister-in-law (Sarah), who happens to be one of my dearest friends and often a sounding board for my life’s decisions. During our conversation I was talking about a dear friend of mine who is dating someone she really likes, but not someone she is madly in love with. The difficult situation she has found herself in is that he, on the other hand, is in fact puppy dog, want to get married, in love with her.

She obviously adores him, and has no desire to break up with him, but at the same time, she often times feels guilt ridden and inauthentic when they are expressing the “I love you” pillow talk. She recently asked me my thoughts on the situation and I was reiterating this conversation with Sarah.

My feelings on relationships are that we all have a “heart responsibility” to one another. While it’s natural to not always be on the exact same page, there is an obligation when one person jumps off into the deep end and the other person is not willing to walk the same plank that we need to have a conversation about where we’re at in the relationship. And this is one of the most dreaded, uncomfortable, stomach turning conversations; but it’s also a litmus test for people who’s character outweighs the parameters of “what’s comfortable and easy.”

The fascinating thing is how many times we are presented with a situation where we can do what is right or we can do what is easy. This transcends relationships into life. And there are plenty of people who choose to hold themselves to certain expectations in certain areas of their lives, but it’s hard to know which hat to wear and when it’s appropriate to make a wardrobe change.

One of the insights Sarah had on this conversation, being happy married, is that at least for her, she knew when she met Nate (not necessary that she’d marry him) but that the relationship was worth not “screwing it up long enough to find out.” If we’re honest with ourselves, I think our gut will sound the alarm when it’s the “one,” otherwise it’s the silence we know all too well that says, “next.”

I have no doubt that the scare from my personal, past broken hearts are underlying motivation for this blog, but it’s from that fragile place that I implore of you and others to respect those precious strings by which our hearts dangle. Several times in life will we be able to take advantage of a situation, ignore someone else’s needs to pursue our own; but what if there was one less person who did? What would this world look like if we treated each other better, with an awareness, an honesty and a selflessness?

I think we sometimes forget how precious our hearts are and what an honor it is when someone hands us theirs with the trust we’ll cherish it and protect it. All I’m asking is that we make an effort to take better care of one another and infuse heart responsibility into our character’s repertoire. So to my dear friend who asked my advice, let him go. We all deserve to have someone as madly in love with us as we are with them, and your sweet boy certainly deserves the same.

Birds and Bees Hide

Movie outings, romantic dinners, and weekend getaways—being in a relationship can get expensive! Traditional dates are fun but they lack creativity and certainly aren’t easy on the bank account. In a time when the economy blows, it’s becoming necessary to start thinking outside the box. Just because you’re low on the dough doesn’t mean the party has to stop. Spice up the relationship by trying one of these great date alternatives.

Get Sporty
Hit the pavement and challenge your partner to some physical activity. Take a break from the gym and spend some one-on-one time getting fit. If you live near the beach, cruise on bikes, rollerblade or even take up kayaking. No beach? Hit the hills. Another outdoor activity great for couples is hiking. Sports are a great way to try something new together, and get a great workout at the same time.

No Reservations Necessary
Instead of fine dining, explore the great outdoors and have a picnic! Grab an old blanket and head to the park or beach. There’s nothing more fun then being outside, enjoying the weather and sharing a meal with the one you love. Be resourceful and look in your kitchen for yummy food to bring to the picnic. Don’t forget to bring board games or a beach ball and of course a camera to capture all the fun memories.

Think Red
Don’t want to spend all your money at the cinema? Then make it a Red Box night. Head to your local Red Box location and rent a DVD for ONLY $1. Enjoy a Red Box movie rental with some red wine. Try the “Two Buck Chuck” (Charles Shaw wine) from Trader Joe’s. You could even do a “red box squared” night, and get a box of red wine if you’re really low on funds. Stay home, get comfy and think red. After all, it is the color of love.

Art Appreciation
Museum visits are culturally stimulating and offer some intimate time to observe and analyze together. Many museums offer events, lectures, exhibits and special events. Be sure to look out for reduced tickets, free admission hours, and Art in Dark nights (art, music, food, and wine) for a low cost.

View from the Top
Stargazing, sunrises, and sunsets are not only beautiful but free. Don’t be embarrassed to grab some fast-food and head to the rooftop of a building or drive to the top level of a parking structure. This is a great place to appreciate city lights, architecture, and a natural setting. Plus, it’s romantic!

These inexpensive date ideas are simple and may be more memorable than splurging on a costly dinner at a fancy restaurant. Take advantage of free events, performances, happy hours, and special offers in your community. Start using the USPS and mail a love letter or cute note to your significant other. Technology is convenient but letters are always tangible and of course, wonderful keepsakes.

photo by tom kulbowski

activity, art, Birds and Bees, date, dating, economy, save money Hide

Hooked up. Got together. Fooled around. Messed around. Got play. It’s the language of a generation, our generation, but what does it all mean?  We use these terms to describe some kind of sexual interaction.  It could be a bit of kissing or it could be any type of sex. It could be with a friend or a guy whose name you don’t know or just can’t remember.  But ultimately, it’s a technique for isolation.

We don’t always like to think about it or allow it to be true, but the way we talk says a lot about who we are.  From regional dialects which use words like “y’all” or “wicked” to job specific vocabulary, much of what you say reveals something about you.  And the way we speak when it comes to sex says more about our generation than we are willing to say to one another.

No one can enter into my personal life unless I invite them in with particular detail.  Otherwise, I can build a wall.  “Oh, I hooked up with Jason last night.”  And what is the response we get for clarity?  “Hooked up hooked up or just hooked up?”  What does this mean?  Obviously, it’s telling of some sort of sexual progression but what?  That’s exactly the point.  Only the speaker is allowed to know.  Everyone else is left in ambiguity, shut out by the speaker’s sense of personal space and self-protection.

That protection could be from fear of judgment. No one likes to open themselves up to ridicule or disdain—especially when it comes to sex.  We’ve grown up with terms applied to girls like “slut” or “easy” or “skank” or “whore.”  We shout them out at one another or whisper it under our breaths and invite guys to do the same.  And though we may occasionally dish the terms out, in jest or in truth, we prefer to give and not take.  So we mask our sexual lives with terms like “fooled around.”

Even “went to bed” or “slept together” can be taken literally or figuratively.  Have you ever had that conversation where your friend and some guy slept together and you think you know what she means until she says, “but all we did was sleep?”  Sometimes it strikes me as odd that a statement like that needs to be amended. And these are some of the more clear-cut versions of our hook up vernacular.

A conservative might say we use protective terminology because we aren’t supposed to be engaging in sexual activity whereas a more liberal person might contend that we have been trained to think that female sexuality shouldn’t exist, let alone be discussed in any public or semi-public forum.  Either way, the result is we censor ourselves, locking ourselves into miscommunications and misconceptions.  We shy away from candor so that we can create a glossy veneer that is translucent but not transparent…and no one seems to notice. The result is no one knows the most personal level of who we are, the most vulnerable and most honest level; we don’t let them.  And by using such ambiguity with others, we can often lose sight of who we really are.

Did you know that if you tell yourself something enough, you’ll begin to believe it’s true? Try this experiment on soda. Tell yourself you don’t like sodas. Say it out loud in a group at your next venture to a restaurant. Remind yourself when you see soda.  “Ew.  I don’t really like that.”  Soon not only will you never drink it but you really will not like it.

The power of words is incredible and here we are using phrases without finite meanings. It’s deception.  The only question is why are you doing it?  To distance yourself from your own cognizant mind or to distance yourself from your friends?  It’s definitely not distancing you from the guys you’re making out with or having oral sex with. What you’re really saying with those words is that you trust a guy enough to have sex with him but you don’t trust your friends to admit it to them. It’s a remarkable foundation for friendship, don’t you think?

photo by valeria c. preisler

Birds and Bees, casual sex, friendship, gen y, Generation Y, hook up, language, sex Hide

We at IATG are devout followers of the recent book and soon to be movie, He’s Just Not That Into You. It seems recently we’ve been quoting it religiously. However, like always, it’s easier said than done.

Working in an office of all women is a constant reminder of what emotional, caring, giving, strong beings we are. Add to that the fact that we are a bunch of twenty-somethings and I’ve observed an eternal optimism when it comes to the opposite sex paired with genuine confusion and utter frustration, which makes for intriguing afternoon conversation.

We talked at length about the things guys say, how they behave, and the things they weren’t doing. We let our moods rise and fall with every move they make, and then wonder why we are disappointed. We are dealing with guys here, not gods, guys. Much simpler creatures, who most likely don’t sit around waiting for us to call or analyzing our every move with their friends.

After a good hour of this conversation, it occurred to me that we were giving them an awful lot of credit, and being stingy when it came to issuing it to ourselves. (Uh, hello.  What girl doesn’t like some solid credit? We can take it shopping and buy some shoes.) Like we should be grateful when they stop to give us the time of day? Uh, not so much. I was sitting in a room full of smart, uber-attractive women, and we were worrying about some silly boys not paying attention to us. Really?

It’s high time to start investing our time and precious energy in something we can control: ourselves!  I decided I had spent just about enough of my day, of my life, contemplating and stressing about the decisions of another some guy. The thing is, I am a most sincere believer in the commandment Thou Shalt Follow Thy Own Instincts (I think it’s #11). As girls, too often we ignore the rational voice in our heads shouting warnings and waving red flags to signal he’s not the one, don’t try to fix him, move on.

Yet we stay, take a little more abuse, endure more awkwardness, and try to make it work. Thinking maybe he’ll turn into Prince Charming, we keep kissing frogs. We make excuses for them, and bend over backwards for them, more often than not to no avail. Then, when things inevitably end, we are discombobulated and distraught about something we innately felt wasn’t meant to be in the first place. Left with battered confidence and disheartened with romance, we scrutinize ourselves into a frenzy.

What we fail to whirl into our minds is we’re ok all by ourselves. Being single is fabulous if you make it so. Ok maybe he’s just not that into us. Even better, maybe he’s just not worth that much energy, but how about he’s just not that necessary. We need to learn how to be the best versions of ourselves, by ourselves, and figure out what exactly that entails before we add another person into the equation. And for argument’s sake, before the right one comes along, let’s chalk up all the others before that to personal research.

So don’t fret that pretty little face of yours and do consider that maybe he isn’t that into you. So not calling you is the best thing he could ever do for you. Change your perspective and recognize he’s freeing up your time, so you’ll be alert, hot, and ready when that amazing man does cross your path. Keep your head up and those lashes curled, because the sad girl look is never in style.

polpolux photos

Birds and Bees, guys, he's just not that into you, mr. right Hide

White, sterile, silent. It’s 8:30 am and I shift uncomfortably in the Planned Parenthood waiting room. Already, most of the seats are full. Fear and sugar free Red Bull churn in my stomach, a nervous bile that begins to burn.  I am here to get my first ever HIV test.

I consider myself a smart, college educated and socially aware young woman, yet I have committed two serious sins in the modern woman handbook: I’ve had unprotected sex and I’ve neglected to find out the consequences. How can I be so irresponsible with my own health and those of my partners?  The answer is simple but seemingly irrational. I’ve been afraid.

I tell people I am afraid of having my blood drawn, which is true. Secretly, though, I’ve feared that this test would come back positive. The ramifications of such results would be earth-shattering. I’ve imagined having to tell my parents, the kinds of medications and treatment I would undergo, the images of wasting away that proliferate our culture, the knowledge that my body is a device of disease and death. Dramatic, perhaps, but all too real as I begin to sweat in the over air-conditioned lobby.

Where were these gut-wrenching fears at the moment of impact, I wondered? In truth, I’ve been lonely since my last break-up. An air of recklessness has descended upon my single status, cloaking desires too dark and too sad to name, disguising them as cynical quips and ironic wit. I find it easier to lose myself in superficial passion– sexual encounters the only form of affection my hardened heart has seemed capable of accepting. These are the morals I’ve picked up while standing in line at the grocery store. The magazine headlines have assured me that this will make me independent and strong.

Looking around at the other women my age, squirming in their chairs, I suspect they’ve been similarly duped. Whatever they’re here for – pregnancy tests, STD tests, medication, birth control, we are all victims of ignorance. The sexual revolution freed us from society-imposed modesty and chastity, but in our eagerness we’ve forgotten to be impressed by the potential mortal and moral consequences of this freedom.

I realized while facing reality in a free clinic in a strip mall that I don’t want my epitaph to read, “Hot to trot and no condoms handy” or “Too drunk to care about AIDS.”  Even more real and terrifying is imagining the look on my parents’ faces if I had to explain to them that I was HIV positive because it’s my modern day prerogative to have multiple sex partners and well, condoms just kind of suck.

These are the thoughts that brought it all home for me in a way sex ed class never did.  This is real.  The thought of dying for mediocre drunk sex with a man I’m only marginally attracted to is not “oh-so-cosmopolitan” of me. No, as it turns out it is just plain stupid.

Thankfully, I found out that I am not HIV positive; not because I was good — because I was lucky.

Do the right thing: Act responsibly, take care of yourself and get tested.

For more information go to www.plannedparenthood.org or www.hivtest.org.

AIDS, Birds and Bees, health, HIV, hiv test, sex, std, women's health Hide

In the era of Google and Wikipedia, it seems logical to conclude that we are the most informed generation in history.  Most information is just seconds away, and facts that in the past only an elite few were privy to, are now accessible to anyone with a computer and a working internet connection.  But it seems that logic fails us in this situation, as our generation continues, in large numbers, to suffer, not benefit, from the digital revolution.

Israeli researchers from Tel Aviv University’s Sackler Faculty of Medicine estimate that ten percent of individuals suffer from an addiction to the Internet, with mostly teens and people in their 50’s afflicted most.

Most researchers admit the concept of digital addiction is still allusive to them.  “The problem isn’t widespread but we know of serious cases in which teenagers don’t leave the house, don’t have interpersonal relationships, and have been isolated in front of their computer screen for the past two or three years, and only speak in the language of the characters they play with in network video games,” Louise Nadeau, a professor at the Université de Montréal’s Department of Psychology told Science Daily.

But concluding that only this type of user has a problem glosses over the real issue.  In her book, Distracted, Maggie Jackson explains that “we increasingly seek knowledge in Google searches and Yahoo! headlines that we gulp on the run while juggling other tasks.”  On top of the dangers posed by this drive-by approach to learning, we have now begun digitalizing our relationships.  “We can contact millions of people across the globe, yet we increasingly connect with even our most intimate friends and family via instant messaging, virtual visits and fleeting meetings that are rescheduled a half dozen times, then punctuated when they do occur by pings and beeps and multitasking,” Jackson explains.  “We are nurturing a culture of social diffusion, intellectual fragmentation, sensory detachment. In this new world, something is amiss. And that something is attention.”

It’s worth recognizing that the internet has provided our generation with many positive trends.  After all, without the internet revolution, you wouldn’t be reading this now.  We now have low-cost access to information, the ability to tap into a wide-range of informational resources and global networks, and blogs continue to redefine the way we think, communicate and write.

So how do we reconcile the positives and negatives of this digital age?  It’s all about how you use the technology you have.  Next time your eyes are glued on your friends’ Myspace moods or you find yourself texting through dinner or Google-researching for your thesis, remember: there’s a real world out there with real newspapers and libraries and experiences and (ehem) people.

Birds and Bees, cell phone, communication, connection, digital revolution, technology, texting, y generation Hide

The technological revolution has brought many changes in society.  Porn pours into the bedrooms of junior high boys, internet cafes buzz with the click clack of lighting fast fingers, emails dominate workplace communication, and text messages serve as courtship in our newly defined “info dating age.” This new dating age is characterized by many men who no longer use the antiquated form of communication known as the phone and, instead, use texting to pursue a woman.  With the rapid spread of this dating phenomenon a burning question arises – in our generation, has textship replaced courtship?

It seems the proliferation of texting has allowed for male communication to evolve, or perhaps de-evolve, into short, succinct, faceless phrases. Many modern men prefer this type of communication, creating society’s newest specimen, “the textguy.” He follows a new form of courtship, which is a slightly less personal version of the former way of dating. The textguy’s initial overtures of interest are always through a text message.

In some cases, this initial form of contact will work, as many women understand that the textguy may be afraid of rejection, and therefore, initially ask her out via text.  But this first contact can also indicate that the guy didn’t have the guts to have a real conversation.  These initial forms of communication via text can indicate that a girl’s new pursuant is a dreaded “textguy” – a guy who only pursues through shallow communication techniques.

The textguy is also infamous for following a date with a text check-up.  This is the text sent after the first date, or initial stages of dating, to show he’s thinking of you. Now, the text check-up, in-and-of itself, is not necessarily a bad thing, and, if coupled with other forms of communication, can be cute and sweet.   The textguy can however, cease to evolve past the text check-up, instead he furthers this with the text “convo.”

The text “convo” is the phase of the courtship where the male would generally be calling to chat and engage in conversation. The textguy, however, engages in long text conversations of humorous phrases, playful flirting, and general chatting that leaves your thumbs sore and makes you wonder why he didn’t just call if he had that much to say?

“Calling takes too much work,” said a typical textguy. Apparently, it requires constant attention and longer phrases, which can mandate a certain amount of effort. Not all text guys don’t want to put forth effort, they just need some time before they evolve into phone guys and relationship guys. But, in order for a textship to blossom into a relationship, the textguy has to eventually become a phone guy, otherwise the text breakup is in order.

This is where its time to take matters into your own hands, quite literally of course.  It only takes a few seconds and some simple text phrasing like, “It’s just not working so take care out there,” to painlessly dump a textguy, almost as painlessly as he’d pursued you.

But just like the texts themselves, more questions arise from this illusive form of communication, making me wonder, if in the info dating age text sex will replace phone sex? Unless the textguy’s evolution allowed for an adaptation which allows him to be incredibly ambidextrous, this could be the one area where he’ll compromise and pick up the phone.

Birds and Bees, cell phone, communication, courtship, date, dating, technology, texting Hide

Following closely on the heels of this summer’s Sex and the City, another female comedy steps into theaters this fall.  The Women, based on Clare Boothe Luce’s 1936 play and George Cukor’s 1939 film, features one of the greatest all-female ensembles to ever grace the screen, which is only magnified by the fact that no men appear in the film.

Like its predecessors, this most recent rendition focuses on Mary Haines (Meg Ryan,) a New York high-society woman, who finds out from a loud-mouthed Saks Fifth Avenue manicurist that her husband is cheating on her with a “spritzer girl,” played by Eva Mendes.  Mary is devastated by the news and is faced with the timeless turmoil of how to deal with his infidelity.  Turning to her friends for support, we are introduced to a diverse cast of mass-appealing female characters through a fashionable montage of footwear.  Jada Pinkett Smith plays the straight-forward African American lesbian columnist, Alex Fisher, and Debra Messing shines in the physically comedic role of housewife, Edie Cohen.  The quartet is completed by Mary’s best friend, stylish magazine editor, Sylvie Fowler (Annette Bening), who eventually betrays Mary to a gossip columnist in an effort to salvage her career.  When Mary finds out, the breakup of her friendship proves even more painful than her cheating husband, and the film becomes a celebration of sisterhood.

Classic film critics and fans of Cukor’s original film will likely be disappointed by this modernization, but I found this girl-power flick heartwarming.  While the original film and stage production is far more devious, centering on the cattiness of Mary seeking revenge, the latest update of The Women focuses on the Mary’s empowerment when she leaves her husband and rediscovers herself.  In comparison, the new version may lack drama but an all-star cast, stellar cameos (Bette Midler and Candice Bergen just to name a few), timeless humor, and an endearing message make this modernized version enjoyable.  It is also clear that the film partnered with Dove’s “Campaign for Real Beauty” and, while the product placement is obvious, it does not undermine the style and substance of the film as a whole. Most importantly, the actresses are charming and their engaging performances reflect the immense changes woman have fought for over the last 80 years.

That Girl says: Like It! It may be not measure up to its source material, but when evaluated independently, this comedy is an enjoyable celebration of contemporary womanhood and the power of female relationships.

Release Date:  September 12th, 2008 (Wide)
Running Time:  114 minutes
Rated:  PG-13
Company:  Picturehouse
Cast:  Meg Ryan – Mary Haines
Annette Bening – Sylvia Fowler
Eva Mendes – Crystal Allen
Debra Messing – Edie Cohen
Jada Pinkett Smith — Alex Fisher
Carrie Fisher — Bailey Smith
Cloris Leachman – Maggie
Debi Mazar – Tanya
Bette Midler — Leah Miller
Candice Bergen — Catherine Frazier
Director:  Diane English
Official Site:  http://www.thewomenthemovie.com

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