"Love" Handles!

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I've been told "they aren't love handles unless somebody loves you!" ...but that doesn't help me love them!

I have small love handles, but they are the first place to grow as soon as I put on any weight. The only way I see them disappear is when I'm stressed out and my eating drops, but as soon as I start eating right, or wrong.. they come right back, exercise or not. I need help finding a good type of exercise that will help build muscle in that region so maybe I wont notice my little bicycle tire as much.

Any suggestions?