What Your Home Says about You

By Lillian Reiter

On their long journey to Earth from Mars and Venus, men and women probably experienced enough cosmic static to permanently alter the wiring of their "environmental feelers." Ever wonder why little boys' and little girls' rooms are decorated differently? Before investing all your free weekends or the balance of your bank account on new feathers for your nest, check out how both your gal pals and members of the male species might react to your new digs.

Answer "True" or "False" to each of these statements:

1. Your floors are covered with pure white, pale gray or light beige carpet.

She thinks: "Wow, isn't this gorgeous! Hope she doesn't offer me a glass of red wine. Wonder how much time she spends cleaning?"

He thinks: "Ouch! Maybe I should I leave my shoes outside. If I'm lucky, she'll let me hang out in the kitchen."

2. The corners of your living room are filled with tall chunky candles atop elegant wrought iron pedestals. The coffee table holds a mass of tapers in different sizes.

She thinks: "Ah, she must be real romantic. Maybe she's into aromatherapy. You could read a book in here during a blackout."

He thinks: "Wow, hope she's got a fire extinguisher nearby. Hmm, wonder if she arranged all this candlelight just for me?"

3. A collection of travel books, lots of classics and the most current "self-help" titles fill your living room bookcase.

She thinks: "She must be pretty smart. Wonder if she's actually read all these books?"

He thinks: "I guess she likes to read, too. What's with all the psychology books? Maybe she's got problems I don't know about."

4. One of your hobbies is restoring old furniture. Your latest "finds" - two small love seats covered in pale blue silk - have been given the place of honor in your living room.

She thinks: "Gee, she sure has great taste. Bet these antiques cost a few paychecks."

He thinks: "Uh oh, is it okay to sit on these? They don't look big enough to hold two people."

5. An elegant glass-top cocktail table sits in front of your sofa.

She thinks: "I've seen this table in a decorating magazine. Wonder what kind of glass cleaner she uses?"

He thinks: "What would I do if she offered me a drink? Guess no one puts their feet up around here."

6. A small-screen television sits next to a pile of magazines in your entertainment unit.

She thinks: "Looks like she doesn't watch much television."

He thinks: "Guess I won't hang around here for the big game tonight."

7. Your interpretation of "country" means tiny gingham checks covering the sofa and a prominently displayed doll collection.

She thinks: "Oooh, isn't this darling? It feels like a cozy county cottage."

He thinks: "I think this is what a little girl's room is supposed to look like. Wonder how old she really is?"

What does your home say about you? Count of the number of times you marked "False" to the questions above.

"False" for 5 to 7 questions. The men in your life tend to drop by often and stay longer. If that special someone doesn't already live there, he's probably ready to move in.

"False" for 3 to 5 questions. Girlfriends love to visit but the man in your life may welcome a few changes to feel that your home loves him as much as you do.

"False" for 1 to 3 questions. Start off by banishing the self-help books to the bedroom, buying some inexpensive dark area rugs and investing in a new television and VCR.

More on Decorating