DEAR NATALIE: So I just broke it off with my longtime boyfriend. I'm newly single and ready to mingle! I started hooking up with a guy I met online recently, and he doesn't want anything serious, either. But I feel conflicted. While I'm not ready for a relationship, when I don't hear from him for a few days, it bothers me. Then, when he texts me, it's just to hook up. Is this what I should expect from dating? I'm totally confused. What do boys want?

 -- Girl on the Loose

DEAR GIRL ON THE LOOSE: What do boys want? I'm not always sure. But why you are asking yourself that question instead of asking yourself, "What do I want?" Do you want to be a "girl on the loose" as you suggested in your tagline, or do you really want to be fulfilled by a partnership? If you want to date casually, go for it, but remember that casual often means no strings attached. So, if that isn't what you really want, then stop engaging in those types of relationships. Men follow our lead when it comes to dating (even though they will never admit that), so if you want the type of guy who calls you the next day, then look for that guy. Stop wasting your time with what isn't fulfilling to you so that you can make room in your life for something great. And until he comes along, have fun dating yourself for a change. 

Natalie's Networking Tip of the Week: If you are new to networking, you don't need to look far to find connections. Join a college alumni group and reintroduce yourself to old colleagues who are all there for the same purpose. This reduces the anxiety level of having to seek out brand new contacts and gives you something in common from the start. 

(This column was originally published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)

Please send your relationship and lifestyle questions to nbencivenga@post-gazette.com or tweet them to @NBSeen. You can also send postal letters to Natalie Bencivenga, 358 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

DEAR NATALIE: I am a first generation Chinese-American woman in her late 20s. My parents always pushed for a big career for me, and nothing short of perfect was ever good enough. Well, up until six months ago, I was working as a very successful engineer consultant. The job was rough, however, and I was constantly traveling all around the United States for clients. I was completely burned out after several years of this work. So, I secretly quit and went back to become a pilates instructor. I absolutely love it. However, neither of my parents know yet. In my family, it is typical to hide feelings, keep emotions bottled inside and not talk about things that are bothering us. I didn't tell them I quit because I didn't want them to be angry. Sometimes, I wish I was another ethnicity - one that lets it all out! What should I do? I fly home to visit them next week, and I'm terrified of their reaction. -- The Switch Up

DEAR THE SWITCH UP: Coming from an Italian-American family, I'm sure my relatives wish each other would not let it all out from time to time! All kidding aside, family dynamics can be tricky no matter what your background, each having their own quirks to work through. In your situation, it must not be easy to express your own interests and desires. Your family looked at your financial stability and professional success as the American dream come true. So, no wonder you feel intimidated and nervous to be honest with them. But hiding your life is no way to live either. While familial acceptance is important, nothing beats owning who you are. Take them out for dinner when you visit and frame the conversation in the context of what is bringing you happiness. Explain to them that this change has impacted you for the best. Talk to them about your plans and let them know that their love and support are what you need right now. They may be angry, confused or hurt, but remind them that you are an adult and you just want to be fulfilled in your own life. If it takes them a while to accept this, that's OK. You know how they react, so mentally prepare yourself for whatever is coming your way, but remind yourself that at the end of the day, you're the one that has to look in the mirror and like what you see. 

(This column was originally published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)

Please send your relationship and lifestyle questions to nbencivenga@post-gazette.com or tweet them to @NBSeen. You can also send postal letters to Natalie Bencivenga, 358 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

DEAR NATALIE: I have been thinking about becoming vegan for a while for health reasons. I am overweight, and my doctor said to me that I am pre-diabetic. I want to avoid future health complications. What are your thoughts on this as a lifestyle option? -- Fresh Start

DEAR FRESH START: Let me start by saying how exciting it is to hear that you want to take control of your health with a plant-based diet. Before you begin any diet regimen, talk to your doctor first about whether you have any health issues that would be incompatible with this type of diet. I have been practicing a vegan lifestyle for almost seven years, but it's all about baby steps. Start small with just one plant-based meal every few days to get the feel for it. Then try "meat-free Mondays" or "dairy-free Thursdays" and go from there. Learn a few recipes from blogs like my favorite, "Oh She Glows." A vegan diet can be incredibly healthful (and yes, you can get all the protein you need). Check out the book, "The China Study" to learn more. Try new foods at least twice before you make a decision about whether you like them or not. Be kind to yourself, and remember, it's just food. Every meal is a chance to start again. 

Natalie's Networking Tip of the Week: Networking is not a life or death situation. While we may feel uncomfortable making conversation with people we don't know, remember that everyone is at the event for the same reason. So, take a deep breath, focus on a positive outcome, find common ground and start connecting! 

Please send your relationship and lifestyle questions to nbencivenga@post-gazette.com or tweet them to @NBSeen. You can also send postal letters to Natalie Bencivenga, 358 North Shore Drive, Pittsburgh, PA 15212

(This column was originally published by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.)