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ATTENTION "SINGLE FILE(R)" EDITORS: THE FOLLOWING COLUMN WAS PREVIOUSLY RELEASED IN 2018. THANK YOU. -- CREATORS

How Do You Spell Success?

The following are classic definitions of success. Number them 1 to 10 -- No. 1 being the most important to you. And do feel free to add some of your own!

--Money.

--Job satisfaction.

--Self-expression.

--Helping others.

--Fame.

--Prestige.

--Personal fulfillment.

--Power.

--Comfort.

--Influence.

You'll notice that some of these are quite simple expectations; others are more grandiose. Please, dear reader, don't be afraid to admit either extreme; this is for your eyes only! And I guarantee that seeing what it is you really want from your work will bring you that much closer to whatever you consider the pinnacle. (Believe it.)

It's odd; you're moving toward full-blown womanhood -- setting up an investment plan, talking with a banker, building and renewing business and personal networks -- but somehow sex stays in the attic, along with little-girl dreams of magical moments and irresistible emotions. Somehow it seems cold and calculating to arrive at "zero hour" -- the erotic moment -- with a decision made beforehand. You'd rather be swept off your feet by emotion than admit you planned ahead. Many women use this feeling of being out of control to justify having sex. (Which reminds me of a woman I knew in college who preferred not to know "the facts of life" because she wanted sex to remain mysterious. Think about that for a while!) But it's precisely because sex does exert such an emotional tug that it needs to be demystified in the light of day -- and, yes, through the unimpassioned printed word. I'm sure you'll agree that sex is much too dangerous (and life-changing) to lose your head in a "moment of madness."

Excerpt from my Sexual Bill of Rights: "I will reserve the right to remain sexually virgin or chaste, realizing that neither state is harmful. Rather, abstinence can produce periods of peak productivity and creativity. I will avoid those who attempt to dissuade me from either choice."

Have a question for Susan? You can reach her directly at susan@single-file.com. We've uncovered another treasure trove of "Single File" paperbacks - in perfect condition, signed by Susan, ready to enjoy. Send $15 and your address: Susan Deitz, C/O Creators Syndicate, 737 3rd Street, Hermosa Beach, CA 90254.