Instead of doing the usual mix of favored love songs that remind me of a special someone (which I'll probably do on my own anyway because I'm a dork like that), I've decided to trace the milestones of my romantic past through song. Regardless of outcomes, they were all special in some way…

1) "Don't Bother Me," The Beatles. When I was 7, I took over my big sister's Meet the Beatles album and zeroed in on George Harrison, who wrote and sang this early Fab Four tune. I drew hearts around him in the album photo, which pissed off my sis off really good. To make matters worse, she was a John fan. This tune remains one of my all-time favorites.

2) "I Just Want to Be Your Everything," Andy Gibb. I saw Gibb on a variety show and fell in love. Something about the majestic golden hair … don't know. He is not my type at all now, and, whoa, didn't he come to a tragically premature end? But who understands the tastes of an 8-year-old?

3) "Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel. It was one of my first 45s. I loved the words and sang it over and over in my room. I decided that was what love was about at an early age.