Yes, we have been hearing on the news, every day, how much the world is suffering economically, and this fact affects all facets of our lives. yes, even our love lives.

But even with the recession, should a person's income affect their ability to find a partner? To some persons it absolutely does, to the point that having less than certain amount of money will be the deciding factor in you pursuing them.

Popular culture has always identified the prostitute as a person who has sex in exchange for money, and gold-digger pretty has the same definition. but is there a difference? We have seen many references to both in many art forms, including Kanye West and Jaime Fox's multi-platinum hit Gold-Digger - "I ain't saying she's a gold-digger, but she ain't messing with no broke n#ggas".

I have spoken to many persons who have been exposed to the prostitutes and gold-diggers and they have said that dealing with the prostitute is more honest and easy. With the prostitute, they know right away how much the transaction will cost and what they will get. The gold-digger is trickier because they operate under the guise of caring about their target, even being in love with them. The gold-digger is also more expensive because they are usually high maintenance and very demanding, plus the payment is over a longer period.

Personally, I have no judgements for what consenting adults choose to do with their lives. Furthermore, prostitution has been around for as long a civilisation exists and as long as wealthy people exist, so will gold-diggers. It's simple supply and demand.

Are you a gold-digger? Take the quiz below. Answer Yes or No.

1. When you look at a potential partner do you notice his/her watch?

2. Do you care about the type of car he/she drives?

3. Does that annoying co-worker who had a crush on you suddenly become more attractive after a big promotion?

4. Is your favourite thing about your partner his/her Mercedes-Benz convertible?

5. Do you cringe at the thought of him/her touching you, but delight when he/she brings you another present?

6. Would you marry an 80-year-old millionaire?

7. Were you about to break up with someone and changed our mind because they bought you a present?

8. Would you break up with someone if they only write you a poem for your birthday?

9. Would you ever date someone close to death just to get named in their will?

10. Do you ask the person's occupation to figure out how much money they make?

If you have answered yes to at least seven of the questions, you have gold-digger tendencies, and money is very important to you. Make sure you find someone, who can afford to be with you. Stay sexy!

Question

Dear Shelly

I really want to give my boyfriend a blow job, but I am afraid of what people will say. What if we break up and he tells people about it? I really love him and I know he will like it but every time I hear a song, it bun out dem tings. What should I do?

Keisha, Mandeville

Dear Keisha,

Do not allow what people say to stop you from living your life and being happy. If you really want to share this with your man, it is your choice and your business. Don't pay attention to what artistes say in their songs, that's all it is, lyrics. Don't worry about anything outside of how you and your man feel and what you want to share together. Oh, if you choose to go ahead with it, have fun!

Stay sexy!

Shelly