Steve and Mia: Steve & Mia: Would webcam modeling be right for her?

Q: I'm a college student just starting my sophomore year. To make a few extra bucks, I've given some thought to being a webcam model during my spare time. A girl in my building has been doing it for a few years and makes out very well.

I asked if she was worried about someone she knows seeing her, but she said you can block out users from states where you might know someone or even block users from the U.S. (or other countries) in general. I also asked if it was considered prostitution, but she said it's really no different from being a phone sex girl and that it's more acting than anything else. I'm tempted to give it a try, but can't seem to get the nerve to go through with it. Do you know anyone who has ever been in this line of work? Do they have any good or bad experiences they can share?

Steve: It's not prostitution, but you run the risk of someone taping it and it could end up widely circulated on the Internet with great embarrassment to you. You must decide if you are comfortable with that possibility.

Mia: Forget about what someone who knows you might think. You should worry about what

you'll think of yourself after

you've writhed naked on your bed for a horny weirdo in Nebraska. Don't do it. Your building mate may be getting a few extra bucks, but she doesn't tell you the psychological price she's paying. Don't sully your self-esteem. Go to the financial-aid office of your college and apply for a work-study job. It may not pay as well, but you'll keep your dignity.

Q: I'm dating a wonderful guy and we get along very well - except for our politics. I'm a Democrat who would love to quit my job so I can volunteer to work for President Obama. He's planning to vote Republican.

While I don't like his politics, I mostly keep my views to myself. But whenever we are out with friends, he gets into these long debates about what a terrible job he thinks Obama's doing. He'll even try to say Obama wasn't born in America and that he's a secret Muslim. I'm embarrassed by the things that come out of his mouth.

Mia: Dump him. That may sound harsh, but dating isn't about finding another solo person and latching on. It's about having a series of experiences with someone to see if they're a good fit for you. Your Republican isn't a good fit for you or you wouldn't be writing us.

Think about it: If you're embarrassed by him now, it'll only get worse. Cut your losses. Move on. And once your schedule is free, see if there's some volunteer work you can do for President Obama on the weekends. Who knows? You might meet a cute guy while working the phones.

Steve: Hey, James Carville and Mary Matalin get along fine. It's those arguments that I'd be leery of. People should know when it's best to keep their politics to themselves.