PASSIONS' Richard Steinmetz (Martin) is confident in his understanding of women, but insists that while men may be from Mars and women from Venus, no one has to have a galaxy-sized void in their knowledge of the opposite gender.

"I believe that women should read men's magazines and men should read women's magazines, because it gives you a little insight into their psyche," declares Steinmetz, an admitted ladies' mag reader. "It gives you some pointers on what you're overlooking, so you can be a better boyfriend/girlfriend. Sure, 60-70 percent is bull, but you're going to pick up some stuff.

"I have a subscription to Cosmopolitan," continues Steinmetz. "Absolutely! There are women who say Cosmo is a bunch of bull. Maybe a lot of it is, but if you read it a little bit, maybe you might find out a few things that I like — without me having to tell you!" he adds with a smile.