Aunt B

Archive for September, 2007

Hand in More Than One Cookie Jar???

In MySpace, Personal Relationships, Polygamous Relationship Infidelity on September 30, 2007 at 8:08 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

My ex and I have being talkin for over a month. He gave me a password to his MySpace I read the messages they were all from his exs he even told each and everyone of them that he wanted to get back with them. We got back together for about a week now. There was this message he send recently saying to the girl to call him asap. I want to break up with him so he can keep doing his flirty thang so it wont hurt me no more. WHY WOULD YOU SAY YOU WANT TO GET BACK TOGETHER WITH ME IF YOU WERE ASKING ALL THOSE OTHER GIRLS OUT?! right? plz help!!
he even told me that this girl was just a friend that gave him advice about love but when i read the messages he said that she was pretty and ect.. on and on. and the password thing i had to kill him for it but he didnt want me to get uppset over the messges does this even mean anything?

Dear Friend,

Yes, it does mean something. It means that this guy wants everything and wants to give you nothing. This means that this guy wants to flirt and be with anyone, and if you were the one who went to him then he is all fine and happy. But that he will always be looking for someone else.

I truly hope that you come to your senses with this, and get of out of this relationship. I normally include something here for the off chance that things can work out, and some kind of advice as to go about doing it. But in this situation, I really believe that you are going no where with this guy.

The fact that he gave you the password to his MySpace account is inconsequential because he figures that he can talk his way out of what ever you read… and likely pawn it off as things ‘prior to you’ getting back together again.

Maybe this guy likes to have his hand in several cookie jars… who knows. But the one thing that I am getting from you is that you do not want to be in a polygamous relationship, which is to say that you do not want to be part of a relationship that involves your partner having relations with other women. And it is clear to me that he will/does want this.

Do yourself a favor and get the hell out of this one before you get hurt.

Nothing Changes Unless You Change It…

In Abusive Relationship, Co-Dependency, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Seeking Counseling on September 30, 2007 at 4:52 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

I am 27 years old. I am the mother of three kids. Their dad and me have not been separated a year and we are almost fully divorced. He has changed a lot since I left him. Every night I cry because I miss him and I love him. I did not like who he became when we were together. He was mean, abusive, and was addicted to the internet. I really really miss him. With everything he did to me it doesn’t matter right now. I am feeling as if I want to get back together with him, but I know for sure my family would basically disown me. Him and I have both spent a lot of money with a custody battle and divorce and pfa hearings and the such. I have not even talked to him about this. I do not know what to do. Part of me is saying to be with him another part is saying no. Please I just need some advice from someone that is not emotionally involved in this situation.

Dear Friend,

Far be it from me, to discourage you from affairs of the heart. I think you’ll have to weigh things out carefully and then own the situation.

You’ve not told me, if this divorce is amicable, meaning did your husband want it too? Was this your design?

I can understand your family’s feelings. It is a protective stance and I’m sure you understand how they feel. However, you must do the right thing for you and you alone. Therefore, you must look at things, trying to put your feelings and emotions, to the side…

Most men that are violent, without behavioral modification and therapy, do and will continue to behave in a violent manner. That’s almost guaranteed. It’s what they know and how they deal. That’s not to say that he could not, after getting into a treatment setting, change his approach to life on life’s terms. They do have Anger Management courses, geared specifically, to those that use violence as an outlet for emotion. But just like an addict, you must admit you have a problem, before you seek help, rather before that understanding can sink in. Often times, just going to jail, does not make the man deal with the raw emotion, as it really is. And just like an addict these violent guys need to hit some sort of bottom, in order for them to understand the ramifications of their behavior.

Off the record, if I had my way, men that are violent would be taught how it feels by being beat down, by someone bigger than themselves. Then, they might understand just how appalling it really is. In my perfect world, they’d know first hand, the fear, pain and degradation of a real beat down.

In case you didn’t know it, I was in a abusive relationship for too many years, myself. It is only now, that I have some semblance of clarity and am able to look at it all with some sort of understanding. It took years to understand the nature of the beast, all it’s components and to understand my own part in the co-dependent relationship. Yes, you must look at your own role in allowing this to go on. You must own it and rise above it.

I suggest you begin to look online, at all you can, concerning Co-Dependency and Abuse. The more you understand what factors into this type of relationship, the more tools you will have to deal with it. You must built a sturdy tool belt, of life changing skills and tools. Yes, you must study this, take it as seriously, as it really is and look for healing within it. The more you learn about it all, the more empowered you will become.

As I said, you must look at your primary role in what happened, within your relationship. More importantly, you’ve got to look in the mirror and be brutally honest with yourself. You’ve got to stop being a “Victim,” and become empowered by it. It’s not about assigning blame, it’s about you taking back control, within and of what you can, could and will have control of. This is a study in and of your life. Yes, you can work through this, you are not alone and you’re not the only one who’s gone through this. The numbers do not even reflect the true nature of this centuries old epidemic but it’s no longer taboo to talk about it and it’s no longer something you must be ashamed of.

My suggestion is for you to begin to assess your situation first. Read as much as you can on this scenario; this cycle of abuse and co-dependency. Then, you may be able to approach your husband, concerning him getting counseling. If he wants to be with you, he’s got to realize he has a problem and begin to deal with it. Most men, know it’s monstrous behavior, they’re usually sorry, after the fact but can’t control it. This is where counseling can help. It can give them tools too and better equip them to handle their anger before it gets out of hand.

Please, if only for yourself, research this and possibly seek help. Then maybe, allow yourself to heal before you make any rash decisions. You see, my Dear, nothing changes, unless you change it.

Overview of codependency

  1. What is codependency? What’s the definition?
  2. How do I know if I’m codependent?
  3. Isn’t everyone codependent?
  4. Why do we become codependent? What causes it?
  5. Melody Beattie writes that codependency is unique in that recovery can be fun and liberating. What does she mean?
  6. How can counseling help?


Co-Dependency Links;

Co-Dependency; The Problem

Mental Health America

The Skeptic’s Dictionary

Nothing Changes Unless You Change It…

In Abusive Relationship, Co-Dependency, Domestic Abuse, Domestic Violence, Seeking Counseling on September 30, 2007 at 4:52 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

I am 27 years old. I am the mother of three kids. Their dad and me have not been separated a year and we are almost fully divorced. He has changed a lot since I left him. Every night I cry because I miss him and I love him. I did not like who he became when we were together. He was mean, abusive, and was addicted to the internet. I really really miss him. With everything he did to me it doesn’t matter right now. I am feeling as if I want to get back together with him, but I know for sure my family would basically disown me. Him and I have both spent a lot of money with a custody battle and divorce and pfa hearings and the such. I have not even talked to him about this. I do not know what to do. Part of me is saying to be with him another part is saying no. Please I just need some advice from someone that is not emotionally involved in this situation.

Dear Friend,

Far be it from me, to discourage you from affairs of the heart. I think you’ll have to weigh things out carefully and then own the situation.

You’ve not told me, if this divorce is amicable, meaning did your husband want it too? Was this your design?

I can understand your family’s feelings. It is a protective stance and I’m sure you understand how they feel. However, you must do the right thing for you and you alone. Therefore, you must look at things, trying to put your feelings and emotions, to the side…

Most men that are violent, without behavioral modification and therapy, do and will continue to behave in a violent manner. That’s almost guaranteed. It’s what they know and how they deal. That’s not to say that he could not, after getting into a treatment setting, change his approach to life on life’s terms. They do have Anger Management courses, geared specifically, to those that use violence as an outlet for emotion. But just like an addict, you must admit you have a problem, before you seek help, rather before that understanding can sink in. Often times, just going to jail, does not make the man deal with the raw emotion, as it really is. And just like an addict these violent guys need to hit some sort of bottom, in order for them to understand the ramifications of their behavior.

Off the record, if I had my way, men that are violent would be taught how it feels by being beat down, by someone bigger than themselves. Then, they might understand just how appalling it really is. In my perfect world, they’d know first hand, the fear, pain and degradation of a real beat down.

In case you didn’t know it, I was in a abusive relationship for too many years, myself. It is only now, that I have some semblance of clarity and am able to look at it all with some sort of understanding. It took years to understand the nature of the beast, all it’s components and to understand my own part in the co-dependent relationship. Yes, you must look at your own role in allowing this to go on. You must own it and rise above it.

I suggest you begin to look online, at all you can, concerning Co-Dependency and Abuse. The more you understand what factors into this type of relationship, the more tools you will have to deal with it. You must built a sturdy tool belt, of life changing skills and tools. Yes, you must study this, take it as seriously, as it really is and look for healing within it. The more you learn about it all, the more empowered you will become.

As I said, you must look at your primary role in what happened, within your relationship. More importantly, you’ve got to look in the mirror and be brutally honest with yourself. You’ve got to stop being a “Victim,” and become empowered by it. It’s not about assigning blame, it’s about you taking back control, within and of what you can, could and will have control of. This is a study in and of your life. Yes, you can work through this, you are not alone and you’re not the only one who’s gone through this. The numbers do not even reflect the true nature of this centuries old epidemic but it’s no longer taboo to talk about it and it’s no longer something you must be ashamed of.

My suggestion is for you to begin to assess your situation first. Read as much as you can on this scenario; this cycle of abuse and co-dependency. Then, you may be able to approach your husband, concerning him getting counseling. If he wants to be with you, he’s got to realize he has a problem and begin to deal with it. Most men, know it’s monstrous behavior, they’re usually sorry, after the fact but can’t control it. This is where counseling can help. It can give them tools too and better equip them to handle their anger before it gets out of hand.

Please, if only for yourself, research this and possibly seek help. Then maybe, allow yourself to heal before you make any rash decisions. You see, my Dear, nothing changes, unless you change it.

Overview of codependency

  1. What is codependency? What’s the definition?
  2. How do I know if I’m codependent?
  3. Isn’t everyone codependent?
  4. Why do we become codependent? What causes it?
  5. Melody Beattie writes that codependency is unique in that recovery can be fun and liberating. What does she mean?
  6. How can counseling help?


Co-Dependency Links;

Co-Dependency; The Problem

Mental Health America

The Skeptic’s Dictionary

Forgiveness Street

In Forgiving, Relationship Issues on September 30, 2007 at 4:40 pm


Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,
Hey, I really dont know what to do i’m so stuck. The thing is I have split up with my boyfriend of 5 years a few days ago. What happened is he got into my email account and read all the messages that I sent my friend Samantha. on the emails i was talking about some guy that I know and how I had been to his parties (cos he is in a band), i said things like I was imagining what it would be like bein with him and stuff. So when my boyfriend see all the chats n emails he finished with me. He did it cos I wasnt honest about what i was doing and where I was going, and the fact that I was seeing this guy there. There is nothing going on between me n that guy at all we are just friends n he knows cos I have told him that I had boyfriend, Plus i only see this guy once but my boyfriend is going off like we was having some big affair or somethin.I can understand him being upset cos this is not the first time that we have split up over this but i do think he is overreacting, cos nothin was going on. Not only that my boyfriend sometimes ignores me, when i’m at his house he will act like i’m invisible, and sometimes we dont see each other for week n he only lives like half hour away on the bus from my house, n when I ask him about it he says ‘I’m not 12years old I can go a week without seeing you’ n when I tell him that i feel sad that he ignores me he says things like ‘This is me, this is who I am, if you dont like it find someone else’. So thats the reason that I had been talking about the other guy to my friend, I mean its not like I wanted to be with this other guy or anythin i was just upset with my man so I craved the attention of that my man wasnt giving me. Wrong I know but my man made me feel so unappreciated. I cried like every night cos i didnt feel good enough for him and i had started to hate myself. I didnt even like the other guy that much, and I really dont know why i went to the parties, I wish I could turn back time and change it but I cant. I really dont know what to do to make things right with my man, cos I didnt do anythin with the other guy and I really love my man, its just I know that it will take him time to trust me again. I am scared though cos he has told me that he never wants to see me again and that I shouldnt be asking for him to forgive me cos I dont deserve another chance. But I really love him and wanna be with him so bad. How can I get him to trust me again? x

Dear Friend,


Well. To be honest it sounds like this is a good thing that you two broke up. Sounds to me like he doesn’t appreciate you, and that you do find other outlets to satisfy yourself. Regardless on if anything happened or not, You were definitely not in this relationship emotionally.. and that is apparent from the e-mails you wrote to your friend. You wanted someone who would take notice of you, and be with you the way that you need to be needed. And there is no crime in that. But it does make for some mess when you are in a relationship.

There is an obvious lack of trust here too. I mean, my husband doesn’t go through my e-mails because he knows that is my space of freedom. It is not his, and it is very personal. Makes no matter to him what I am writing in my e-mails because he trusts me. And that is how that should be. When a partner starts looking through your personal things like that, they are deliberately looking for something…. And if they find what they are looking for they feel justified in the disregard for your privacy. Some may think that this is totally unacceptable; others will say that it is a necessity for truth. But either way you look at it… he wouldn’t be in there if he didn’t think that you weren’t being honest with him in the first place. Not that it makes it all right to snoop… but sounds like you were giving him some reasons.


Think about this for a minute. If you were actually sending him signals of being unhappy… of wanting another man. You may have never said a word, but those who know us well can tell the difference between what is really going on without words.

The fact that you were talking to Samantha about this other guy is haphazard at best. All of us are human, and we all have silly dreams about makin’ whoopee with some other person. But the part that was the problem was that you were lying to your boyfriend about seeing this guy, and having sexual desires for him. That is the line that he decided he couldn’t let you cross. And if you have been unfaithful in the past (as was implied from the one part of your letter) then it is really quite likely that this ex-boyfriend has had it and won’t want anything to do with you. You can only be burned so many times.


Seriously though, If you really do want to try and get back together with this guy, you need to check your pride at the door and ask him if he would be willing to seek counseling. I say this because there is a lot in play here with you two: unfaithfulness, lack of trust, disrespect of boundaries, lies, lack of appreciation, and likely a very big tear to your friendship. You will both need to lay out all the issues that you have, no holds bared and just get into what you love and what you need from each other to make things work like a relationship should. You will need to ask him for forgiveness, and you will have to forgive him for all in the past as well if you ever intend on moving forwards.

I have seen relationships that were worse then this get back into the good relationship status.. but it takes full co-operation and intent from both parties to make it work. Maybe right now the guy needs to cool off and think about what is good for him too. And if that is the case, and you really want to make a go of this again, tell him that you will wait for him to gain his own clarity if he can honestly say that he might want to try again. And if he says he does, but he needs some time, then give it to him. Don’t mess around, and be diligent about respecting his feelings and your own. If he says that he doesn’t.. then consider this a lesson in life that you would care not to repeat and move on.

Planting Recovery Seeds

In 12 Step Program, 12 Steps, AA/NA, Addiction, Alcoholics Anonymous, Alcoholism, Planting Recovery Seeds, Recovery Question on September 29, 2007 at 2:16 pm

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Planting Recovery Seeds

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Hi There

I dont know what to do, ,my husband and i have been married for five years but been together for 10, the last 3 years when he drinks he is nasty to the point that i end up in tears, he doesn’t care ?

He sits on the couch at night while i do everything and says he is tired although i also work full day and have our 4 year old to take care of at night. If he can be away from me fishing he seems happiest. he has basically told friends and family while under the influence ( joking as he says) he would rather be fishing than be at home with us. When he goes fishing he comes home so intoxicated he can hardly stand. If the two of us do happen to go out for a drink he either sits in silence or talks to all his friends as if i am invisible. I dont know whether he wants out or not when i ask he says NO, but tells me if i am not happy to go,he cant force me to stay

Please help me im desperate.

Kind Regards
Gail Muller

Dear Gail,

I really feel for you and I kinda know what you’re going through. He’s probably Dr.Jeckle/Mr.Hyde, huh? Unfortunately, being an alcoholic, as he is, yes, I said,”Alcoholic,” will change a man. I do believe, it’ll take a good man down, as it’s poison seeps, deep inside and changes their outlook, on you, life in general and all unbeknownst to the individual, trapped within. He is poisoned, yet he can’t see it.

Alcoholism is nothing new, it is a disease and there is help out there. The problem is that, you can’t get the help for him. You can want it more than anything in the world but he’s got to want it, for himself.

The first step, is admitting you have a problem. Until a man comes to grips with the fact that his drinking his ruining his life and the lives of all around him, he’ll not change a thing. He must hit his proverbial, “Bottom,” usually before, he’ll decide it’s time to climb out. So, how can we usher that in?

You shouldn’t have to deal with him and his garbage. You shouldn’t end your night in tears but only you can look in the mirror and say, when you’ve had enough. You are delaying the inevitable, every day, you swallow the abuse, look the other way or tolerate half a husband. Nope, you need to get a tad bit resentful at that nasty drink that’s coming between you and the man you once loved unconditionally and without doubt.

The Harsh Reality

I will be a bit bold by saying the following; You need to get pissed enough, fed up enough to leave your husband. You’re playing cards with him right now and he believes he’s got an Ace up his sleeve and he can do, say and behave any damn way he pleases. You need to call his bluff, otherwise, life as you know it, will only get worse. This you can count on.

Now, let me say this first, I am all about working things out in a marriage. I believe in honoring your marriage vows, take them rather seriously and believe you must do all in your power to heal your marriage.

Secondly, you begin to pray for your husband, fervently. You pray that God or your Higher Power, deals with him and you must, “Let go and let God.” It’s not easy saying, “Thy will be done,” but that’s exactly what needs to happen.

Third, he needs to feel the burn of your raw emotion and know just how stinkin’ fed up, you really are. I can just about guarantee, if your husband were sober, he’d be a different man, loving father and husband. Remember, all along, his thinking is poisoned.

I don’t know your situation, financially or otherwise but if I could prescribe an ideal plan for you, I’d tell you to leave your husband, telling him on the way out the door, that when he comes to terms with the effects of drinking and the extent of the damage done, because of it, you will talk to him. Until then, he need not bother you. One of two things will happen, will come about or out of this; You’ll make him think or you’ll break free. I hope it’d be, that he would begin to see the light and will rally.

If there’s no possibility of your leaving, then I suggest you begin to plant seeds. Do your homework, concerning addiction/alcoholism. AA/NA is the absolute best program out there. It’s principles are to live by and when used, implemented and lived, there is a healing. As I said before, all the wishing in the world, on your part, with not get sobriety for your husband.

I think it’s time for the tough love. If nothing else, he needs to realize that you’ve had enough. He needs to realize that you’re calling him on his crap and you’re putting a name on it; Alcoholism

You must begin to arm yourself with information, knowledge concerning the nature of the beast. Yes, it is a disease, for which there is no known cure but there can be a healing, if he understands his addiction. Planting seeds is the beginning. There’s lots of info on the internet and if it’s possible for you to go to meetings designed for family of the alcoholic, I suggest you go. Read this, “Red Flags.” This post has some good advice, as well as the 12 Steps of AA.

You’ve got your hands full and your work ahead of you. This can be done but you’ve got to make up your mind, that you’re gonna stick to your guns. When it comes down to the harsh reality of it all, you’ve got nothing to lose but so much to gain. You have a right to be happy. But you must realize that it won’t go away on it’s own. It looks to me, like you need to make the first move here, dig in and say that you have had enough. You let him know that you don’t like who he’s become and you want your husband back. You must let him know that he has a problem, he must admit to. If he admits to it, seeks help and does what he can to work this, you’ll stand by his side till the bitter end. make sure you mention to him, that he needs to be honest with himself. Right now, he’s living a lie and no it’s not manly to make an ass out of yourself, treat your family like crap and hurt your wife, in the name of, “I work 40 hours a week and I deserve to drink and fish,” so on and so forth. Yea, some men can do this and it doesn’t cause problems. More often than not, alcohol has the ability to kill, break up marriages, ruin friendships and eventually, you lose your dignity, not to mention the respect you’ve lost from family and friends.

Make the decision, to take this disease on. Decide that you deserve to be happy, as well, so do your children. Begin to plant seeds.

Let him know that you love him enough to say stop. You love him enough to stick by him, if he chooses to get help. Most of all, you love him enough to bring it all to his attention, hope he gets help and begins to heal, instead of just writing him off, as half a man, with an incurable disease.

I pray that your healing begins. Please keep us updated.

Alcoholics Anonymous

12 Steps of AA

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

1 comments:

Stay True To Yourself

In Accountability, In Response, Personal Accountability, Personal Relationships, Personal Responsibility on September 29, 2007 at 1:49 pm

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Stay True to Yourself

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

This is an additional response to this post.

HI there,

Thank you for your reply. I am not married to the man I am with. We’ve been together for 4 years now. He really loves me alot but I told him over and over that I do not want to be with him, he ignores the fact and keep on making plans and dreams about us. I live with him with my 4 kids. I started my own business a year ago with his help. I gave him the money that he helped me with back tripple the amount. The other day we had an argument and he told me that I put him in financial difficulties. My business is’nt doing that well yet, but when I make money, I put every sent into our home. He told me he wants money in his account too. I told him I dont go to his employer and say that I want money in my account. This business is my job. I started this business as I could not find a job that pays enough to provide for my kids. My ex pays me R500 per child for the last 4 years. My ex borrows money from me all the time, he never has the money to pay me back and therefore I write off the debt every month. I operate my business from home, I do not have the funds to move out yet, but are planning to do so when I am financially stable.

I wrote to my ex numerous occasions and begged him for us to try again. He completely ignores my letters. When I drop the kids off to visit him, he does not even mention my letters. He only contacts me when he needs money or want to see the kids. When I do see him he acts asif he still cares about me. When I need help in difficult situations he is there for me, but emotionally I dont know how he feels, he never wants to talk about things.

Please advice me what to do.

Regards

me

Dear Friend,


Honestly I think that you have done all that you can do with regard to the ex. Seems to me that you have spilled out your soul to both the men involved in your life, and that if you continue down the road that you are on you will truly not be happy.


The way I see this, is that the man you loved wasn’t a provider. You left the security of love for the security of a pay check. Now that in itself will burn a man like nothing else. Leaving a man because he couldn’t provide is hard on the esteem. And he likely doesn’t want anything to do with you, because of the chance of that happening again. A person can only handle so much. So he does what he can, and he is still borrowing money from you, which in itself must be degrading to him. Borrowing money from the woman who left him. I do not see him returning to you.


And then there is the man you are currently with. You are not in love with him because you are in love with your ex. But the truth is, you were the one who left and you have made your bed. So why punish this man with an unloving partner? Seems rather selfish, and you both deserve so much more then that.


I know that you will not take this advice, because it is pretty unsympathetic (and for that I do apologize) but you should get out on your own and start new. Leave these two men to begin their lives with people who accept them wholly. And you should do the same, stay true to yourself, and let this be a hard lesson to learn.

Be Yourself

In Being Yourself, Empowerment, Teen Issues, Teen Problems on September 29, 2007 at 1:47 pm

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Be Yourself

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Dear Aunt Babz,

I seriously cannot get a boyfriend. My friend Emily gets alllll the guys. But this guy i like Jake likes her too i think. but the only way i can hang out with jake is with emily too. because it would be all akward if it was just me and him. like i look pretty cute for school i think, and i try to IM him but he just doesn’t keep the conversation going. What am i doing wrong? help me!

from,

confused

Dear Confused:


Why would it be awkward to hang out with this Jake guy without Emily? Do you feel like you are not being truthful to Emily and are crossing a line? Does Emily like Jake and you know this? That is my first gut instinct because when a girl likes a guy she does what she can to see if the feeling is mutual. And you will not get a good ‘read’ if you idly let things go by.

If Jake isn’t interested in you, well you will know. And even in this day and age of ‘IM’ing… that is just not personal. And you don’t get the quality of feeling and humanity from it. So you will need to talk to him in person.


One thing that I will say is that you cannot compare yourself to Emily. It is just not fair to your well being. You need to establish that you are of worth, and that you can have people in your life without measuring it to someone else. That is about the best advice I can give you. Be yourself and be of worth to yourself. You sound like a nice girl, and you will get to a place where you are happy with who is in your life. So stop comparing yourself, with your friend. Maybe she isn’t all that happy with the guys she attracts, and it isn’t her fault that they are attracted to her. The worst thing you could do is to be jealous over something so uncontrollable, because you will lose a friend and become bitter. You don’t want that.


Of course it isn’t easy seeing all the guys flock to Emily, and I am in no way saying that you should shrink back like a wall flower. Be yourself, but also have a little bit of adventure. Talk to people a little more, and to their faces instead of in an instant message. Gradually you will see the change it brings, and I am sure you will be happy with the outcome.

Good luck.

Modifying Mom

In Behavioral Modification, Being Truthful, Inappropriate Behavior, Mom's Behavior, Respect, Respecting Parents on September 29, 2007 at 1:45 pm

Saturday, September 15, 2007

Modifying Mom

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Dear Aunt Babz,

I’ve never written to you before but I’m in need of some quick advice…..

My ex and I are planning a vacation for our son next month. All 3 of us are going to Disney World. Even though my ex and I aren’t together anymore we are trying to get along for our child’s sake. We split up when our son was an infant. It’s been a very tough 3 years but we’re trying to get along for his sake. For his birthday my ex and I wanted to take him to WDW. We are going for a week. And we were so excited about going. My ex paid for the trip which was very sweet of him.

After I made the reservations my mother asked me if she could go. I was shocked. Mostly because she doesn’t like my ex at all. I can’t understand why she would want to spend a week with him?! She wont even stay in the same room with him now and to be with us for a week??? My ex and I just don’t get it. My ex said to tell her that she is more than welcome. I on the other hand know it’s not going to work but what else can I do. I can’t tell her no. Then I would hurt her feelings. She talks about my ex like a dog. Now she wants to go on a 7 day trip with him????

See the problem is that my mother is VERY hard to get along with. She’s very moody and basically hates men. One day she’ll be as happy as can be and the next day she wont answer the phone because she doesn’t want to talk to anyone or doesn’t (her family) to come over. She loves her grandchildren but NEVER wants to spend time with them. She buy them things, have us over for a few hours but that is it. Never babysits. Never takes them anywhere with just her. So the reason why she is going to Disney World can’t be that she wants to spend time with her grandson. What do I do???? She already booked the trip. I’m not looking forward to this at all. I’m afraid that she’s going to start an argument with my ex or have a bad attitude the entire time we are there. I love her to pieces. Don’t get me wrong. No one gets it. Not my aunt, not my sister. No one.

If I knew that she would behave her self and not say rude things to my ex (or to me even) I would be happy about her going. But I know her and it’s hard for me or my sister to be around her because of her moodiness. What do I do????? She just invited herself. And there is nothing I can do. Or is there???

Thanks for listening….

Dear Friend,

Sounds a bit Bi-Polar, huh? But it takes one to know one and I just might be the same way. I can be moody but not too much. However, I do have the problem with becoming almost anti-social or rather, it’s gotta be on my terms. Now, I’m not around my Grandkids because I live about 9 hours away from them but I’d probably be the same way. I might babysit, when “I” felt like it but it’s not a given. Some women feel they did their time, the Warden let them out of the Child Caring Prison and they’ll never go back. Some women just evolve where they feel they don’t still have the coping skills to take care of Grandkids. Your Mom may be one of them.

Mom may very well be set in her ways. However, it does not give her license to be a cranky old lady or to make life miserable for all those around her. Even if a vacation was not on the agenda, as it is, I think sitting Mom down and letting her know that while you respect her and love her even more, her unpleasantness is no longer welcome.

We tend to enable, typically grouchy people, not even realizing that we’re doing it. We get so used to tippy toeing around them, it becomes habit, a way of life. In all truthfulness, we’re doing them, as well as ourselves, a great disservice.

Old habits die hard but an old dog can learn new tricks. remember this. You, as well as your family, have allowed this to go on, so long, it has become a way of life, a given. Nip it in the bud! Behavior Modification can happen at any age. I think it’s time. Read this, “How Will I Be Remembered.” No, it’s not the same scenario but you can take some good thoughts, good advice and apply it.

Quite often, the only emotion some of us allow ourselves, is anger and animosity. Quite often, we tend to allow a person, in our family, to continue on this path, which is actually self-destructive. Your Mom may not even realize that she is thought of as an unpleasant and hard to get along with person. I do believe you’d be doing her a favor by bringing it all to her attention. Now, how do you do that?

I am a big proponent of writing ones feelings down, in the form of a letter. You must be careful how you word things, be respectful and make sure that you start the letter, on the premise, that you want her to be happy, live a long time, you love her and respect her. Happy people live longer, besides the fact that you want to enjoy her company. You know you can love someone unconditionally but not like them, or their behavior. It’d be real nice, if you all could learn to like each other and enjoy the years, Mom has left. You let her in on that little secret.

I think it’s all a matter of approach. In your mind, you have to know that her behavior is unacceptable. For you to worry that she will act out and behave inappropriately, on your vacation, is a clear indication, that things are not as they should be. As an adult, you must look at it, from the perspective, that you will not tolerate or put up with her moodiness, any longer. If you were her employer, she’d have to behave or be fired. If you were her best friend, she’d not keep a friend, very long, if she mistreated them.

We all have the ability to control our emotions, for the most part. When we don’t control them, it’s usually in a setting where we feel it’s safe to act out or to show our rotten side. You guys, unknowingly, have given her this safe spot and you’ve just chalked it up to, “Well, that’s just Mom being Mom.” But it’s wrong, it’s inappropriate or you’d welcome her and her company on your trip. You just need to make a conscience effort or observance of when or why she’s behaving as she does. You’ve got to get to a point where you say, “OUCH.”

PS, Maybe write a Contract of Fun. If you write out a contract and everyone signs it, stating that all involved will behave like an adult, be respectful and mindful of others, she may not think it’s directed at her but all involved. Close the contract with, “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.”

What’s Good For The Goose…

In Guy Behavior, Men and Porn, Pregnancy, Women's Issues on September 29, 2007 at 1:41 pm

Saturday, September 15, 2007

What’s Good For The Goose Is Good For The Gander

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Dear Aunt B,

I have been married for 14 yrs. I have a daughter that is 2 1/2 yrs old and I am 8 months pregnant. I caught my husband on the internet looking at porn sites and it totally devastated me. I dont understand what you can get out of looking at pictures. This made me feel real insecure, I feel like is that what he wants because I sure dont look like those girls on the site. And if that is what he wanted why did he marry me? I asked him why and he just says he doesnt know why he did it. He says he’ll never do it again, But it isnt the first time this has happened and I dont know how to deal with it, It has really put me in a depression. Everytime I see I pretty girl I hate her, I feel like she is ruining my marriage even though I know she isnt and I hate feeling this way. Please Help me….

Confused
Dear Confused,

You’re not alone, when it comes to your man looking at porn, just to let you know. A lot of men/husbands look and watch. I was and felt the same way. As well, I do believe there’s a larger group of us, who just don’t care for our men looking/ogling at porn.

Recently, I had a friend who’s husband went to a Strip Club with all his buddies. She was 8 months pregnant and I’m sure you can relate to all that she told me, as to how she felt. I spoke with her at length, to get to the bottom of it all.

For starters, when we are pregnant, we don’t often feel that glow, people say we have. You get to a point, where you feel more like a beached whale, than a woman having a baby. You’re already feeling vulnerable, concerning your own appearance. You get to a point where you no longer feel sexy, much less desirable. So, how can you compete with those young girls with their perky breasts and high -n- tight tiny hiney? You begin to view those girls that dress rather teasingly as your own demise, a threat, those little sluts, huh? Well, again, you are not alone.

Even those of us, who aren’t pregnant, feel the sting of the scantily clad. Those girls are not representative of what’s real, you know the ones in the magazines and porns. The girls in the porno mags are airbrushed, as well, in the movies, they can digitally make them next to perfect. No one can compete with that. No one.

It’s a double edged sword, this so called equality, we have as women. We fought for all the wrong things, we really did and in this sexual revolution, ushered in, in the 70’s, we’ve gone from bad to worse. Why do I say this?

In an age where women are getting all this plastic surgery, it puts undue pressure on those of us, that are, “a la natural.” Once again, we can’t compete with that which is fake.Unfortunately, this mind set and behavior will continue, until we, as women change it. I don’t see it happening, anytime soon. But what can you do about you?

I think hubby needs a little dose of perspective. He needs to understand how it feels, to be in your shoes. I assume you two, planned this child together? It takes two to Tango, does it not? He must pull his weight, in every way possible. But in order for you to get this from him, you must take away any resentment.

I’ve always said, “Men are just boys in big clothing.” Now, I am not a feminist and it’s never been, “I am woman, hear me roar,” either. But men and women are different and quite often, it comes down to making your man understand, just what’s what. I won’t call it training but coaxing. Your hubby needs to be coaxed to do right by you.

They sell porn, it’s on the Internet, it’s just about everywhere you turn. There is a demand for it, or they’d gone out of business, a long time ago, right? So hubby sees that all the other guys are looking, why can’t he? I’ll bet he’s thinking this, right now. He needs perspective, coaxing so he can let go of that resentment. Yes, it’s there, guaranteed.

What’s Good For The Goose Is Good For The Gander

He must try to understand, how you feel right now. I’m quite sure, he tells you he loves you, every day, huh? But there is a difference between love and desire. He would probably tell you that he desires you too, right? But you don’t feel very desirable right now and he could tell you, till he’s blue in the face and it wouldn’t change a thing. Now, this is not his fault, that you don’t feel desirable, now is it? But it’s a fact of life, a rite of passage, for a mother. Things change, the variables change, your body changes. It’s highly doubtful that you’ll ever be or feel the same. You must adapt but that does not mean you must bow down to what you dislike or find offensive.

A Dose of Perspective

You must put all this, in terms your man will understand. You must help him to feel what you are feeling. Try to explain to him, calmly, what it is like, when you feel like a baby making machine, then a Mom and not the young and desirable woman, he once lusted for. Don’t lecture him. No, we must make him understand but put the resentment aside. You will both become resentful, if you can’t calmly allow him to feel what you are feeling. You must make him understand how it would feel if he caught you looking at porn.

How would he feel, if he purposely had to gain weight? Would the girls look at him? What if he shaved his head? I mean some guys can sport that look, while others look absurd. But I say this for a reason; how would he feel about himself, if through no fault of his own, he was suddenly fat and bald? I mean like, he wakes up one morn and then, he looks in the mirror and he sees himself and thinks, “Eeeeeew!” He then walks in, feeling less than and you are watching some built guy, bulging with muscles with a big, you know what (bigger than his) and it’s very apparent that you are purposely looking at it. It wasn’t an accident, you went to that site, for a reason. How would he feel? No you didn’t fool around but it feels like you might as well have cause he feels betrayed. He feels like he doesn’t trip your trigger anymore cause if he did, why in hell would you feel the need to look at that? So, now he’s standing there feeling like you must not love him anymore and at the very least, he’s not desirable? You must make him understand.

Flip The Coin

The other half of our realization here, is that if we don’t want our man to shop at another store, we must know the nature of the beast and embrace the facts. Men are hardwired differently than women. They think about sex more, this is a statistical fact, I’m sure you could bear witness? What the hell are you saying, Babz?

I’m telling you to always be aware of the fact that, your man is an animal and you must feed the animal. You may have to work at it. You may have to give a little more of yourself. Don’t just get pissed off at him, look at his nature and try to understand it. Yes, he’s a Lion, capable of being savage. It was a savage act, for him to look at the porn but just like a lion eats raw red meat, raw feelings are there and you must understand this. You must know how to master the Beast.

You will not be pregnant forever. These feelings of inadequacy will subside and you will begin to feel like your old self. Right now, I’m sure you’re Hyper-Sensitive to the subject and the impact of it all cuts a bit deeper. I have the feeling that you don’t care for him, looking at porn in the first place but right now, is sure as hell, not a choice time for him to make that mistake. Put the shoe, on the other foot for him and make him see.

At the same time, you guys have been married 14 years. I imagine that you had some magic/chemistry there. Ask yourself, if you quit working at the marriage? Did you take things for granted? I mean he needs to ask himself the same question. I am not pointing the finger at either of you. I am simply saying that, although you can love each other, is the lust and desire gone? He’ll deny it, ya know. But there are things, you can do, to keep him coming back for more.

As I said before, you’re almost done with the pregnancy thing. This sensitivity may subside a bit but, I feel you must come to grips with who you are and where you want to be. No, you’ll never be the young woman you once were. You could make yourself sick, just thinking about it. I went through this myself and I know how you feel. It’s enough to piss off a preacher, when you see some young girl, walking around with the top of her thong, clearly showing, purposely sticking out of her pants or sweats or whatever. Yea, your husband is going to look and yea, he might even think it’s sexy. Facts of Life.

You can’t change how he thinks, even if he looks. You can control, if he acts upon things. Put it into perspective, as to how it feels, for you, especially right now. But do your part to keep him thinking about you. Do your part to blow his mind and trip his trigger. Yes, men have fantasies but if what you’re doing is real, he’ll think about that first. Go that extra distance to be a dirty girl, in bed. Take control and pretend you’re at the rodeo. Ride ‘em Cowgirl!

You Just Have To Believe

In Chat Rooms, First Love, Gay Issues, Gay Male, Vulnerable on September 28, 2007 at 1:55 pm

Soulseer Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Hello Aunt B,
I am a 23 year old gay guy who’s not out yet.
I haven’t had any boyfriend for real and just a year back,came across and tried out online dating in a gay website.
I met a man from US there.He’s 59 now.He showed a lot of interest in me and messaged me saying he wanted to know me better etc etc.I started chatting with him and liked him.he seemed very friendly,gave a good advice on my problems( i had some personal problems at that time).He filled up the void that was in my life.I was not out to anyone and needed someone to confide in and someone to guide me.

It wasn’t that he was always giving me advice but he did emphasize a lot on the fact that he liked me.Sent me lots of nice emails and flirted quite a bit in his letters and during chats…like when i told him I was a virgin he said something like’ ahh ,losing virginity to someone you love is such a nice feeling.I wish you would share that banquet with me’..kinda poetic in a way.I liked him immensely and mailed him quite a few times daily when we didn’t get to chat.He encouraged me to write to him saying he liked my emails etc etc. Soon we started chatting daily..twice a day to be precise.
He started acting like a boyfriend of sorts.used to get jealous when some guy sent naughty messages to me while in the chat room.So,when i asked him about his being jealous he just emphasized again that he liked me and that he wanted to take my virginity in a loving way and didn’t like it when other guys sent me messages on sex.

Things went on like that and i gave up chatting with other guys(apart from a few known friends and I didn’t talk about sex with them) and chatted only with him.I started loving him and he said he loved me a lot too etc etc.We made a lot of plans and I even intended to move out if necessary to be with him someday.He encouraged me for all that.But gradually he started losing interest or maybe i got boring.We stopped chatting twice a day and started chatting once a day.Even then he often complained that he was feeling sleepy when we got together for chats(we chatted during his morning).Also when using cam if some problems arose like my cam wasn’t working properly or his wasn’t, he would put his hands on his head and act as if he was frustrated with it etc etc which made me feel bad specially if the problem was on my side.

Also one of the main things I noticed was that when I made a mistake,he would be quite rude to me and would threaten to call it quits but when i caught him a month later doing the same thing which i had done(and for which he had almost threatened to break our relationship) he had this excuse it’s just for fun.Nothing serious’.

I was quite angry because when i had made the same mistake,he had been very sarcastic to me but now when he had done the same thing,I was supposed to accept his reasoning.
Also his romantic emails and ecards stopped coming.He started saying things like my emails were too numerous and he couldn’t answer them and i should decrease the numbers(do remember that when we had met,he said he loved receiving them).also there were quite a few instances when he seemed uncaring and rude.

Also,when we had tiffs and i would want to discuss what was wrong he would leave me in the chat room in a huff in spite of my repeated pleadings to stay & discuss what was wrong in our relationship.I felt very bad at those times.He would leave the room although i was requesting him to stay and discuss our problems.No doubt I didn’t expect a smooth sailing in a long distance relationship but I don’t wanted to be a doormat either.When during our last tiff,I requested him to stay ,he sent me a very rude letter saying i shouldn’t contact him anymore or email him.He blocked my emails and said he would delete all my pics and i was to do the same.That was the worst time for me.I had known him for almost A YEAR and we had chatted almost everyday, sometimes for hours and it didn’t take him more than 5 minutes to send me that email.He said he didn’t love me as much as he used to.

I had asked for a serious commitment from him a few times because i was moving to a new place to join my job and wanted to be sure that he really liked me(some of his actions made me worry,so i had to ask if he was really committed).He would say anything was possible and that maybe someday just like he had met me,he might meet someone else again and fall in love.Also he wrote to me in anger that he wished I would leave for my job early and then he would have his peace and quiet again(as if i was blowing a trumpet and beating drums around him all the time,the whole day).Also i know that when other guys asked him,he used to say that we was not dating anyone and not in a relationship.No mention about me at all and he was cooing to me over the internet all that time saying he loved me.
After he dumped me,I asked if I could still be a friend(because i was very very attached to him and loved him a lot..I don’t know whether he loved me or not) and we do write to each other daily now.But,somehow at the back of my mind,I am still hurting.He likes being ‘just friends’ now.If friendship was the only thing he wanted,why all that talk of love from his side.Every couple has it’s share of tiffs ,so just because we had tiffs ,did he have to dump me and ill treat me that way.I am unsure if i should continue my friendship with him.I loved him a lot .He was the first guy i ever loved(as i said,i am not out and am from a country where it’s taboo)..so what do I do?

Hey Friend,

The short and sweet of this is that I believe he wasn’t as serious as you were and he became bored with a situation that was not really going any where. I hate to say it but I think he told you what he thought you needed to hear and then got tired of playing the game. You may have been too demanding also?

Take a good hard look at your situation and what I believe happened; as you stated, he was kind of your first. You were and are vulnerable. So, when he started saying things that were hurtful and down right inconsiderate, you should have taken notice. But you over looked it, embroiled knee deep in his good words to you; words you needed desperately to hear. Now, please read these words; I don’t blame you and it’s completely understandable. It’s also normal to feel as you have. That doesn’t mean it’s good for you though.

You might not be able to see it but I don’t think it was meant to be. I also don’t think you can see that there’s a lot more fish in the sea, ones that’ll be closer to your age group and interests, maybe even a bit more considerate and really serious, towards affairs of the heart.

I hate to say it but I think he may have meant well but sort of played with your heart strings. Sorry to say it, but I think he may have even led you on and then grew weary at playing the game. He saw just how serious you were, for real and he ran. Unfortunately, you’ve paid dearly for his endeavor. I suggest, you to look at all this and move on.

I encourage you, to find a completely new Chat Room. This way, you can start fresh and not stumble onto his word thread or whatever. You will find another, you just need to look else where. You found him and I guarantee, there are hundreds more out there. Later on, I will send you some links to different chat rooms.

I think you have to be honest with yourself and see this as it really is before you can move on. But there is hope, you just have to believe.

Be Safe, Act Safe, Love Safe.

The Kelsey Briggs Story

In Bless This Child, Kelsey Briggs on September 28, 2007 at 10:13 am

It’s really SAD that people in this world do things like this. It’s unexplainable sometimes that in this day & age people are still abusing children to the point of DEATH! I’ve seen many a sickening ,gut wrenching story on the news .Abuse is never recognized by the abuser, to them it’s second nature most of the time.Abuse is a dirty ,ugly thing . It’s a damn shame that this child had to die ,in order for a simple Law to be past. Abuse is never OK ! I believe that this beautiful child’s life was not lived in vain. Kelsey’s death is just a reminder of the lost souls that float around in our world just so we may “SEE MORE CLEARLY” My heart & prayers go out the family & friends. May one day you see, Kelsey’s beautiful smiling face, again.

Aunt Babz said…

If you suspect abuse, be a nosy, prying person and say something, to the Authorities. Don’t just look the other way, you may be that child’s last hope.

Bless This Child

Bless this child who’s beaten daily,much more than he can take
Bless this child who cries at night, his hunger still awake.
Bless this child who’s born of drugs, no habit of his own,
Bless this child who screams in silence he bears his pain alone.
Bless this child not wanted still, a lonely path to lead,
Bless this child so young, too young, molested, made to bleed.
Bless this child born of pain,whose mother barely cares,
Bless this child afraid of dark, it only brings nightmares.
Bless this child too frail to eat, afraid to die just yet,
Bless this child disease will claim, his dreams are never met.
Bless this child who wants to die, his life seems only lies,
Bless this child through suicide can’t say his last good-byes.
Bless this child who’s father’s gone, his love poured out in vain,
Bless this child through poverty who’ll only know hate and pain.
Bless this child who’s shook in anger, now knocks at heaven’s gate,
Bless this child you’ll never know, his story told too late.
Bless this child who’s sent to you, a present from above,
Bless this child you call your own, make sure you show them love.

by Aunt Babz

Losing Weight???

In BMI Chart, Female Issues, Weight Loss, Weight Problems, Weight Resolutions on September 28, 2007 at 12:09 am

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,

I am 15 years old. Currently I am 5 Foot 9 inches an I am 151 pounds. I play field hockey, basketball and lacrosse. I am very active but that doesnt seem to be enough. I want to be 120 pounds but I dont know how to go about doing so or keep the motivation. I need advice cause I just am not sure what to do. Please help. My friend just lost 30 pounds and has been rubbing it in my face. I have wanted to lose my whight for a long time but I just can’t. Please I really need the advice because I just don’t know what to do.

Kat.

Dear Kat,

Struggling with weight is something every teen girl goes through. And I will tell you that I had so many issues with this and an eating disorder that I know in my heart I am a great person to ask this question. Because I am going to show you something, that you might not believe.

You are classified as a HEALTHY WEIGHT with a BMI (body mass index) of 71%. I will show you… (you are fifteen, so I just totaled a b-day using January first of this year. But the date isn’t really important, it’s the age).

BMI Calculator for Child and Teen: Results

Calculate again: English | Metric

Information Entered

Age: 15 years 8 months

Sex: Girl

Birth Date: January 01, 1992

Height: 5 feet 9 inch(es)

Date of Measurement: September 27, 2007

Weight: 151 pounds

Results

Based on the height and weight entered, the BMI is 22.3, placing the BMI-for-age at the 71st percentile for girls aged 15 years 8 months. This teen has a healthy weight.

underweight, less than the 5th percentile
healthy weight, 5th percentile up to the 85thpercentile
at risk of overweight, 85th to less than the 95th percentile
overweight, equal to or greater than the 95th percentile

What does this mean?

BMI is calculated using your child’s weight and height and is then used to find the corresponding BMI-for-age percentile for your child’s age and sex.

BMI-for-age percentile shows how your child’s weight compares to that of other children of the same age and sex. For example, a BMI-for-age percentile of 65% means that the child’s weight is greater than that of 65% of other children of the same age and sex.

Based on the height and weight entered, the BMI is 22.3, placing the BMI-for-age at the 71st percentile for girls aged 15 years 8 months. This teen has a healthy weight.

Maintaining a healthy weight throughout childhood and adolescence may reduce the risk of becoming overweight or obese as an adult.

Now. We have established that you really don’t need to lose weight. But you are in the percentage flow that you can lose some weight (not a lot) and still be healthy. That is a strong sentence there… you CAN lose weight safely BUT you do not have too. You are healthy, and in a great range for your age and height.

Losing weight can be tricky, but if done right can feel great and not make you look like a dried up skeleton. You are active enough, so the exercise portion is fine (and very important for you metabolic rate).

Please keep in mind that hormones are fluctuating in your body (you can’t help this) so your weight may go up or down daily by five pounds or so. It’s just nature making things grow and widen the way we are suppose to. So don’t get discouraged and get into a really bad eating disorder because you thinking eating right isn’t working. It will, it just takes a few weeks to really see all the changes. You could be losing weight in fat, and gaining more in muscle tissue.. Which does weigh more. So don’t get hung up on the scale counts. Look at your body, and you will see where the changes are. Also, if you are taking any kind of birth control pill, that will likely make you have ‘water weight’ and that is something that you cannot control as such.. but If you increase your water intake from the standard of eight 8oz glasses a day to ten 8oz glasses a day then that should help a little.

Really though, to lose weight it breaks down into these three things:

  • Eating healthy foods
  • Participating in physical activity on most (preferably all) days of the week (Limiting television viewing, internet use or other sitting and stationary entertainment)
  • Drinking eight 8oz glasses of water each day.

If you need help on what healthy foods are you can try these sites:

http://www.nms.on.ca/Secondary/healthy_food_choices_checklist.htm

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=570

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fn-an/food-guide-aliment/index_e.html

But the one message that I do want to make clear is that you do not actually need to lose weight. And that if you choose to do so, you should do it healthy and clean. No artificial drug supplements, no crash diets, and dear god girl if you tell me you want to go on any kind of soup diet I will kick your butt. Seriously. Those methods may have results, but they are SHORT TERM and do massive damage to your body and self esteem. Take the better road here, and make sure that you are treating your body as it should be treated.. you only have one body and it will not last forever on diet pills and bulimia. Hell, that will send you further to the grave.

Let me know if you need anything else, but I am sure that you will be great as long as you respect the body you have and know it’s limitations.

refrence: BMI calculator for teens and adults: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/bmi/index.htm

Truth/Trust

In Being Truthful, Infidelity, Relationships, Truth/Trust on September 24, 2007 at 1:41 pm

Friday, September 14, 2007

Truth/Trust

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,

Hi, my name is Ashley. I’m in a bit of a pickle. see I have been with this guy for almost 3 years ( on and off) and while we were on an “off” stage I cheated on him with one of his friends, not a close one, but still it was one of his friends. We swore never to tell, but in the town we live in everyone knows everything, so we just denied it. I feel terrible about what i have done, but i dont want to tell my boyfriend because im afraid of losing him. the other guy and i havent talked since the whole thing happened, he played me, and i knew he was going to but i let the temptations get the best of me. im not sure if i should tell him and take the chance of losing my boyfriend/best friend. or if i should just keep denying it?

thanks for your help.

Dear Friend,

You are in quite the pickle. The thing that you did wrong here wasn’t in having sex with another person (you guys were broken up, so don’t call that cheating). It was that once all the cards were thrown on the table, you denied it.

So really there is the pickle. To confess or not to confess. Well. This is not going to be easy.


The thing of this situation is, your boyfriend is going to find out. How do I know that? Well he already ‘knows’ to some degree and when that is hanging over your head people can tell. He will likely not stop wondering and asking until he is satisfied with the truth. If you have been played by the other guy.. well he just might tell his friend one night while drinking, having coffee, or just for spite. Men are strange that way, wanting to tell each other of their conquests (I am laughing at this statement because it is more an elaboration then the truth.. but some guys just like to brag.) . But regardless, the thought it in your boyfriends head and that is damaging.

So you can continue to lie, and see if you can prolong the agony. But I think in your case I would just tell him. Why? Because if you love him and you want him to trust you again you are going to have to come clean. I am fairly certain that he will not trust you ever again if you don’t tell him… because in the back of his head you not only slept with his friend, but you lied about it. Makes no matter if that is the truth, it is to him. But if you admit to what you have done there might be hope. Another thing to keep in mind is that your relationship will suffer if you have this enormous guilt in you and you keep lying. Those sorts of things always come out, and never in a good way. Your conscious will get the better of you. There is still the chance that he might break things off, but if you are truthful at least you have a shot.

Talk To Me!!!

In Babz (631)292-5005, Call Aunt Babz, Sending Me Messages on September 24, 2007 at 1:39 pm

Friday, September 14, 2007

Talk To Me

Contact Aunt Babz by Telephone

(631)292-5005

PrivatePhone Free number with voicemail

Nixing The Negativity

In Nixing Negativity, Teen Issues, Teen Problems, Teen Talk on September 24, 2007 at 1:36 pm

Thursday, September 13, 2007

Nixing The Negativity

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Dear Aunt Babz,

I’m sorry to bother you yet again. i have issues. :( and im only 18 man thaz

crazy but anywayz, im so negative its become a problem. i dont believe in

relationships or marriage and i doubt everything but my intelligence and

ability to be successful careerwise. i just want to be happy whether im

single or not. i want to count on me and god for happiness. i know i’ll have

problems and rainy days but i can deal with them. i just want to be content

with everything in my life and everyone in my life too. help.

Dear Negatively Drawn,

When you are eighteen and trying to pave your way in the world, the feelings that you are having are very normal. It is difficult to ‘get it together’ when you don’t know what your real drive, your purpose is. And it is even more difficult to make your way when you have notions of what you do and don’t believe in right off the get go. Let me explain.

See, I have said this before, but I was just like you in this regard. I had thought marriage was an archaic and unnecessary burden, which was passed down through centuries of tradition. It wasn’t until I was older, and ready to commit myself to another person did my mind ever waver on this subject.

One of the words that I hear often (and from myself as well) is “Belief”. You don’t believe in relationships, however relationships are prevalent. Examples are those of friends, parents, siblings.. they don’t just stay together out of sheer luck. Multiple families have torn apart because of the unwillingness, or inability to communicate and share common goals. Likewise, partnerships also dissolve because of all sorts of reasons. But it is still a relationship that is broken. So when you say you don’t believe in relationships.. I am going to assume that you don’t think having one right now is in your best interest.. or just interesting to you period.

Going with that thought, I would like to give you a piece of advice that will be a jagged little pill to swallow. Don’t be so ready to make your mind up on what you believe and do not believe in at this point. You have so much time to figure out what is right for you, and if you release that mind set I can guarantee that you will be more alleviated. It is the ability of the human mind to make choices which makes life so enjoyable, and when you take the choice away.. you are left with conviction and judgment. Not to say that having those traits are undesirable, in fact it is often what builds our character and makes us part of this society on earth. But predetermining your whole life with a statement is not in itself very reflective or effective to living. We have the opportunity of our entire life span to change our minds, grow as people, and do what is good for each other and ourselves. That is the magic of life, I kid you not.

Being content with your life is only in the power of you. What are you doing to make yourself content? Hanging around with people you do not feel comfortable with will not do it. Staying in a dead end job that you hate will not do it. Staying in a relationship with a person who doesn’t get you will not do it. So what to do then? Change. It is one of the simplest words, and I think the hardest to embrace. Changing yourself into a better you is something that multiple ads for weight loss, depression medications, and stylists have cashed in on for decades. But the actual phrase shouldn’t be washed away with the product. The choice to change things up is ours, and we should always remember that choice is what we have to make our lives better and to get to that place where we are content.

Another piece of advice I would give, is (and seriously bear with me on this one) think happy thoughts. Sounds like Peter Pan is about to erupt out of this page, pixie dust in tow. But seriously, if you are always doubting the motives of others and doubting the credibility of things, you will make yourself miserable. Don’t get me wrong, be smart and don’t be taken for a ride when you know better. But if a guy at work suddenly asks you for coffee, don’t just immediately think he is just after your body/money/what have you. At least give him the chance to prove he is not a dumb ass. I assure you, there are some out there that aren’t.

And if you are wanting for more happiness within yourself, then I strongly suggest not being negative towards yourself. All of us have this self sabotage button that we just love to press. And it is really a shame, because if you could see yourself through another’s eyes I think that you would be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. We are not worthless, we are not idiots, we are not wasting our time… as long as you are committed to living. Not just wandering through life without feeling. LIVING. You don’t need any other purpose then that. And it is the most fun and rewarding thing to do, to live and enjoy your life. And more often then not, those who embrace that method have what others covet for themselves. Not material possessions, anyone can get those with hard work. But the happiness that you exude due to truly being happy and satisfied that this life that you are living is one with your 100% dedication. If you can make it happen, it will. Trust me.

This Is…Your Life

In Teen Issues, Teen Problems, Teen Talk on September 24, 2007 at 1:35 pm

Thursday, September 13, 2007

This Is…Your Life

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
I live in an emotionally abuse family home. My parents fight all the time. My mom threatens to put my in juvenile if i dont do stuff for her. For instance. Clean my room. Clean the bathroom. Im not lazy. I do do the stuff. but while im doing it she starts to throw her two cents in and just tries to imtimidate me. Like: use this cleaner-do it right- or your not going to work until its clean (i love my job and she always tries to threaten to take that away when its my only way to get away from all the stuff that i put up with at home) or anything that she can do to get to my head. I want to leave and live my friends instead. She says that if i leave she will call the cops and they will track me down and take me to juvenile. im starting to think juvenile wont be so bad. What is juvenile like? Can she just send me to juvenile because she wants to? What should i do? Plus i still have school and stuff to worry about. Im almost able to leave legally at 17 but ill be 16 for another year, then i can leave. im starting to think about suicide for some reason. What should i do? please keep this between us and dont post it on your site.

-Anonymous
Dear Anonymous,

Parents and law is exactly it.

Are you sure that you know the state laws of parental obligation? You might be able to remove yourself from your home even if you are under age.. especially given the circumstances. If you were to seek help from a social worker they are bound to confidentiality within the law (which is to say that if there is no fear of physical abuse or anything that would break the law) and can give you the rules flat out on what it is you can and cannot do.

Of course, you may not be comfortable with this, and I understand. My first time seeing a social worker was when I was six years old and I didn’t have that fun a time of it. But if you remain level headed when talking, and ask specific questions like “what is the law regarding parental custody.” “what age do you have to be to legally move out on your own” “what are the circumstances that my parents could send me to juvenile detention?”. These are great questions to ask and will help you make up your mind.

One thing that I would like to add is that unless you have done something illegal or physically abusive, your parents can’t just send you to juvenile detention. It’s not there to have teens just be dropped into. It is there as a correctional facility, to help young adults not become criminals. So keep that in the back of your head, and don’t blow up at her. You have not indicated in your letter any reason for her to send you, and she would be laughed at if she had nothing to prove you were violent or on drugs. Another thing to keep in mind, is that if you were to leave, the police would return you to her custody, not juvenile detention. She clearly has no idea what she is talking about and is hoping that you do not either. This is why talking to a social worker would help so much in your case, you need to be educated to relieve the fear factor.

And that is the main thing I am getting here. The fear of things your parents (or maybe just your mom) are saying might actually be true. You need to be educated in this matter and know your rights. I strongly suggest that you seek help in this area, as I am not qualified to give legal advice.. and I do not know the legalities of things for where you are.

If you can manage to leave that environment, please do everything that you can to continue your schooling and make your education the most important thing in your life. I can tell you from experience, I moved out when I was 16. I was being thrown around by my step-dad and decided that I would do much better on my own. And I have to say, it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I worked three jobs and went to school so that I could live and have a future. And had I went a different way, and sought out help from the community programs like social services, I could have had some of that stress eliminated. In my final high school year I was admitted to the hospital with severe dehydration and had collapsed at my work site. I was on IV for a week and in what they call a ‘lapse coma’ which means I was out cold from exhaustion. I would not recommend this road for anyone, as it is hard and tiring and lonely. You don’t get to have much of a life when you are working to survive, and when you are so young. So please, I urge you to seek support so that maybe you can stay in a subsidized house, a shared house, or even a foster home while you attend school. And you will need your schooling, so don’t let that go on the back burner. You want to be able to look at your mother in ten years and say to her “despite your efforts, I have become a responsible and productive member of society.” You really will enjoy it, I assure you.

And while I am on the topic of seeking out help.. I need to also stress the last sentence of your letter and how impacting that is. Suicide is a HUGE word, and is not the best solution is your situation. It is rarely the best solution in any situation. When we get down and feel like someone/something is crushing our very will to be alive… those thoughts can slip in. And that is normal, 100%. But you need to have the strength and the courage to know this for what it is… and that is the human flaw. All people have this little button that once activated sort of reacts like an eject button. Things get rough in life, sometimes far too rough that any one person should endure. And we decide that it would just be better to get the hell out of here, and let the people who hurt us cry over a grave that they couldn’t prevent. But I am telling you, strait up, that it is the wrong road to go down. Do not make this mistake. You are young and you do have ample opportunity to change your life, and to change the future. You cannot do that from a coffin. I am asking Babz to put a few links in here for suicide prevention, and I would love it if you could subside your thoughts and just call or click on them and just hear what they have to say. You did a brave thing already by contacting us. Now do yourself that same favor and live… live for the life that you will have. You will be okay, you will get through this. You just need a little help, and that’s totally acceptable.

So, talk to a social worker. Don’t let your mom freak you out about Juvenile detention (and no, it isn’t that bad). Talk to someone about the thoughts you have been having. And always, always remember that we are here for you to help out in any way that we can. If you need a little more research done for the area you live in for people to talk to, let us know and we can try and find what we can. Stay strong, and remember that this is YOUR life, live it well.

Aunt Babz Said…

Always think it through. Always!


Fooling Around Faux Paus

In Empowerment, Empowerment Practices, Faux Paus, Honesty, Honesty in Relationships, Infidelity, Trust Issues, Truth on September 24, 2007 at 1:33 pm

Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Fooling Around Faux Paus


This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,

I have been married for 4 years. All these years we have had financial problems but somehow our love (thought it was) and understanding kept us together. We shared many things, we had same interests, we loved same things. We were almost perfect couple. We were also trying to have a baby. He had kids from previous marriage but we wanted ours. We had everything but in difficult financial situation. Our dreams and hope were our drive. I suffered a lot. Before I married him I used to live in another country, had successful career, secure life. I gave up of all of it for the sake of our love. I moved into his country and started a new life. I was supporting him in all his ventures but somehow we didn’t have much success. He had to travel a lot, I had to stay at home alone. I cried many times but I was hoping it needs a little bit of sacrifice to have better future. I am not one of those jealous women checking on their husbands all the time. I was very flexible with my husband. I thought checking won’t help it, if he wants to do something he’ll do it. But I was so sure he would never cheat on me, exactly for the reason that we have been through that hardship sticking together, and that it even made our relationship stronger. It seemed we didn’t have secrets. A year ago, he had to leave the country for some business. I joined him a month later and stayed there for another month. Things with business did not go well. I had to leave and go to my parents for a while. I came to my parents for a couple of weeks but stayed a year. That business was sensitive and he was hoping he’ll make it. We put everything in stake for that. The time passed, I wanted to come and visit him at least but he was telling me just to wait for a bit longer as we were completely broke. I made a mistake. I suffered a lot and kept waiting. He was always busy but we were in touch all the time. He was telling me that he adores me and miss me like crazy and just to wait for this to finish. A year after I got a letter of his girlfriend telling me that they have been living together all this time. She sent me some of his letters to her telling her that he fell in love with her. My whole world went down. She said that she accidentally found out that he was married. I felt so betrayed, used…..taken advantage of. He tried to call me but I didn’t want to talk to him. His family is devastated, everybody is and they try to reconcile us even though they condemn what he did. They want us to sit and talk. Anyway we will meet soon eventually and I feel…..very difficult to explain. He believes there is chance for us but I am not sure I can forgive. I try to understand why this happened and why to me, trying to analyze things but I guess I am not so good at that. I have only my pain at this moment. To leave or not, is it worth trying? Would I be able to trust him again?

My Dear Friend,

I really feel bad, that you have to endure this betrayal. I do believe I would feel the same way, you are currently feeling. On one hand, you want to forgive him, on the other, you could just spit in the wind and walk away, spit nails and never blink. Such mixed emotions.

Yes, it is the ultimate betrayal, to be told you are loved, only to be found that, that love has been split between yourself and another woman. My instincts tell me that your husband does love you. They further tell me, that he may not realize just how devastating this has been. You tend to hide it well, when I know it stands to kill you, if you can not work through it. You must work through this. Regardless of the outcome, you must seek healing.

Your healing, must come from within. Stop looking for rhyme or reason or indicators as to why, how or when. You will never find an explanation for your husbands poor choices. They were exactly that and somehow, you must rise above it and do whatever it takes, to not take it personally. I know that’s a tall order but this is what’s on your plate, so you must grasp the truth but put that truth in perspective, one which you may live with. What are you talking about Babz?

If it were me, the first thing, that would run through my head would be, why me and what did I do wrong? Did I not love him enough? Not enough sexual interaction? Am I not pretty enough? Is she a better woman than me? I could go on and on but I think you get the idea? You’ve been questioning just what or where you went wrong, huh?

Just in example, I’m sure you’ve seen the most beautiful celebrities in the world, break up, have affairs and they have been betrayed by their spouse or partner. Statistics show (Read Here)that men are more likely to fool around than women(more Statistics Here) but it’s a fact of life, that we are not very good at following our marriage vows. Sadly enough, people are hurt by an infidel partner, every day of the week. This does not, by any means, excuse the behavior.

If there’s one thing I loathe, more than anything else, I’d say it is a person who fools around. I have no respect for that individual, I feel it is the ultimate betrayal. They are the worst of the worst, bottom feeders and there’s no excuse for it. I truly feel, if you are that unhappy, where you’ll place yourself in harms way or even for those that say, “Well, it just happened,” you need to assess your values and beliefs. Primarily, if we all were to live with the attitude, that we’ll only do to others, what we’d allow done to ourselves, well, life would certainly be different.

Having said, all that, I want to point out that it is not your fault, not at all. You must embrace this fact, ok? You must realize that it is the fault of the individual who cheated and it is a clear indication, that person has problems. They may very well be or seem like an egomaniac but it is really a matter of low self-esteem, in most cases. They might need their ego fluffed or their manhood massaged, figuratively and literally. Eeeeeeeeew!

In some situations, they tell themselves that they meant no harm, things just happened and couldn’t be helped. Bullshit! A strong man, honors his vows, his promises, his word. It is only a weak man, a liar, who does not say, when he is not happy. Maybe, he wasn’t happy sexually? Still not your fault, especially if he didn’t tell you that he was unhappy enough to think about getting out of the situation. A good man, could stand in a room full of nude woman and not make a move. His heart, his words and promises belong to someone else and he honors this, to and till death. So, what is my point, in all this?

You’ve got to look yourself, square in the eye and be honest. You’ve got to assess what relationship, if any, you have left. I do believe in forgiveness and I sure do believe in the sanctity of marriage. But I do feel like you’ve got to lay it on the line; Get to the bottom, as to why and don’t settle for any crap answer. Did he do it, because he became bored? Did he allow it to happen because he wasn’t happy? Did he not realize how it would hurt? Does he understand that it is a low blow and he is lower than low, for his behavior? Does he or could he ever imagine what it would feel like, if you did this to him?

You must let him know, that if it is to ever work, he must understand that he will have to earn your trust and respect all over. He must be made aware that it is his fault, if he did not tell you that he was not happy. He needs to understand that he needs to look in the mirror and see himself and what he did, as it truly is;
Low Down -n- Dirty.

Although I would imagine, that you’ve been extremely hurt by all this, you have to make a pact with yourself that it is not your aim, to make him pay for his indiscretion. that is humbling, at best. At the very least, to forgive him will be difficult and it may be even harder to trust his emotions. But in order to do this, in order for him to truly be sorry, really remorseful, you’ll have to project the image of what his actions have done. He’s got to put on your shoes and imagine, just how devastated he’d be, if the exact thing happened to him. So, I feel, as uncomfortable as it might be, you need to paint a picture, one he can clearly see, of you, in the arms of another man, for months…all behind his back. He must understand his transgressions of infidelity and see that and be told that he has behaved like a liar and if nothing else, like a man that should not be respected. Yes, there was a time, when a man was as good as his word and marriage vows were seriously set in concrete. Maybe, he didn’t realize all this?

If you do decide to talk to him, I would convey all this and you let him know that if he ever does it again, from that day forward, you will pray that justice is served upon him. You will pray fervently, that no good will come his way and he will learn the err of his ways. You won’t have to lift a finger.

I guess this is a sore subject for me. But I do think that some men are under the impression or have been taught, somewhere along the line, that to fool around, is a faux paus but acceptable. If I had my way, they’d feel the burn for it. They’d realize just how hurtful it is. They’d learn that it is wormy, not manly.Real men are sure of themselves and do not need to have affairs.

If I were you, I’d make him read this. Tell him, if he wants to talk, he needs to read something. Print this out and hand it to him.

Test The Waters

In Peer Pressure, Taking Control, Teen Issues, Teen Problems on September 24, 2007 at 1:30 pm

Monday, September 10, 2007

Test The Waters

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,

Hi. My name is Spencer and I’m fourteen years old. I have a bit of a problem. You see, I have a group of three friends (We’ll call them Abby, Ally and Alex). Abby and Alex just started going out. Recently, Abby has been pressuring me to go out with Ally. I don’t know if she’s just saying that because she’s going out with Alex or if her interest in genuine. I admit, I have always been somewhat attracted to Ally, but I’m not sure what I should do. Thanks for your help.

Dear Spencer,

I have two pieces to this advice. So it would depend entirely on which road you are on.

1- you have an attraction to a friend, but just want to be friends. In this case, I would suggest telling Abby that you don’t want to mess things up by getting more involved, and that you like the time the four of you spend together. Who knows, maybe this is just Abby pressuring you and not what Ally wants at all… in which case, I would just go straight to Ally.

2- You are genuinely interested in dating Ally, but you are afraid that since Abby was asking and not Ally that there is a chance at rejection. In this case, I would suggest testing the waters. It’s never easy to get into dating… but you can test to see if Ally’s like of you is genuine. Try saying something jokingly (but not over the wall joking) “you know, Abby and Alex are dating we should give it a go too huh?” or when the four of you are hanging out something like “well since Alex has his partner you can be my partner for the night”. Something that will let you know if she is at all interested before you flat out ask her. And if she responds well to that, I would ask her out.

Just be sure that you like this girl and she likes you. The worst thing in the world is to be pressured into doing something that you are not comfortable with.. and usually the results end up messy and mean.

Good luck Spencer!

Seize The Day

In Older Woman/Younger Man, Older Women on September 24, 2007 at 1:29 pm

Friday, September 7, 2007

Seize the Day

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Dear Aunt Babz

I was wondering about your views on the Law of Attraction and here is why…

2 years ago i dated a younger man who, to this day i still adore.Our relationship took place in Germany and we broke it off because he could not get over the age gap difference and he got a job offer in London.

BUT, the idea of going back to London absolutely thrilled me (i studied here at a very famous college 6 years ago) and i wanted to give it a go.i did not want to be left behind in a city (münich) where i did not have enough work and had hit a cul-de-sac!So here i am, in London again!

I must add that i was honest enough with myself to know that if i never see this boy again, at least i have got my spark and drive back.I am back in my ‘territory.’I have more job opportunities than i could wish for and i am back with my creative friends which does something very good to my soul!I am that confident,vibrant person i know myself to be.My life has taken a 180 degree change.

SO…Here it is…the Law of Attraction introduced me to this gorgeous boy ,who got me questioning where i am going with my life which in turn got me back to London where i am so determined to give it my best.

But..I got hold of him on my 40th birthday

In my mind, and in the time we had not seen each other (3 months), i thought he was having a very glamorous life here in London,(he works in the financial area) but he was not,he wanted to go back to Germany because he felt nothing was working for him here.

Before leaving he stayed with me for a couple of days.While he was staying with me he saw another side of London which he really likes (alternative,creative area) and managed to get a job interview which seems very promising.Now, he is talking about finding a flat around my area if he gets that job.

My question is…all these things seem like miracles to me..proof of the Law of Attraction(because i so desire,love and want him).BUT…last night it dawned on me that it would be convenient for him to live near me (there is still so much attraction between us) and we are still freinds and he gets to meet my freinds, but he no doubt still cannot get over the age difference!

I am terrified of falling back into my old insecurities if he moves back to London.He has left his luggage with me while he is back in Germany for another job interview and i am begining to feel like i am being way too nice again.This is not what i wanted to be… i wanted to be strong enough to resist him and let him go.I want to be that tough ,smart woman and let him come and find me.It’s my fault! i initiated the contact! I believed the Law of Attraction was making him come back to me but actually he is just sweet lovely guy who does not want to feel so alone in London. This is ,however no guarantee that he wants to be with me!

What do you feel Aunt Babs?

J
Dear J,

There are no guarantees in life, huh? Darn shame cause it makes it so hard to go out on a limb, let your hair down, reveal yourself and hope for the best. That does sum it up though, doesn’t it?

I know that feeling, of dating a younger man. It put spring in my step, maybe even a little more swing in my porch. I too wondered and worried but he only validated my every wrong sensation or feeling. Meaning, I would say something about our age difference and he would tell me, to forget about it, the heart is what speaks not the number.

At the same time, I can certainly understand your trepidation and caution. It may be a good thing to keep your guard up. Law of Attraction or not, he may have told himself, that it is wrong and has done what he could to walk away. You don’t want to leave yourself, wide open, for any hurt. So, I would do just that; Be cautious.

If it’s to be, it’s to be. You must also be painfully aware that you do not misconstrue a friendship. Going into any form of friendship or relationship, I think you know, you might get burned.

I imagine, you don’t have much choice, in the matter. You will have to allow it to evolve, if it is to become fruitful. I can also imagine, you’ll have to ask yourself, if per say, he makes it very evident, that he only wants your friendship, can you walk away, without feeling burned?

You didn’t say, that anything went on, past a friendly visit, when he came for the couple days? But I would look at that time, those moments very carefully. If he did not hint or make a move but only took in the friendship, then that may be, all it is, right? Of course, my curiosity is peeked, right now, wondering?

I am 48 and of course, my life and my situation is different. But I can sure understand and remember all those feelings. One side of you, knows you are getting older but the mind says you’re 30. The other asks, are you still desirable? It’s actually hard to come to grips with this older woman thing. I don’t care for it one damn bit because I still think like a vibrant and sexy, sultry and provocative female. But my body does betray me. Things are not where they where assigned and so on. I’ve had to come to grips with the fact that when I walk past a construction site, I don’t get all the cat calling I loathed, so many years ago. I actually missed it, now how messed up is that? It’s hell to get old. But it is all a state of mind.

Carpe Diem

You only get one go around, Girlfriend…make the best of it. Live on the edge but you must be brutally honest with yourself. I dare say, he’s not the only one, that seeks the embrace of an older woman. Make them aware and they will come. Be that woman, with the spring in her step and that air of maturity. Empowerment is also a state of mind. If you feel desirable, you will be. Be cautious, if you are worried you’ll get hurt but I say…Seize the Day!

There’s No Future in Dropping Out

In Dropping Out, Empowerment, School Stuff, Teen Issues, Teen Problems, Teen Talk on September 24, 2007 at 1:28 pm

Thursday, September 6, 2007

There’s No Future in Dropping Out

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Aunt Babz,

heya my names carl im 15 =]

ive been getting really stressed lately because of the following matters:

school

school is really stressing me out lately i find hard to do the work and keep up with the coursework this is very stressing because i don’t understand it ive also been put in a lot of classes where i don’t fit in because its full of popular people and they all ignore me and stuff. also i get bullyed a bit of school because my hair style and the music i like and im not enjoying it. i just want to leave and get a job and earn money to go live near my girlfriend when im 18-19 its a long distance thing so we hardly see each other so i want to move near her and be with her and school is in my way of this.

help?

thanks ?

Dear Carl,


Sometimes when young love is involved, things get in the way of decision. I know that you care for your girlfriend, but making a decision based on her geography now will be something that you may later regret. So instead of focusing on her location at the moment, lets work out your schooling issues.

It is the beginning of the school year, and I remember how I felt that first few weeks with new classes and people around me. It’s nerve racking and I can assure you that it gets better as the year progresses. You are fifteen now, so I am assuming that you have either entered grade nine or ten (depends on the person really). Both of these grades are much more difficult then the years previous for the simple reason that the teachers are trying to guide you towards a college learning habit. That is to say, more studying more pop quizzes and higher expectations with your oral and written communication. So there is a fair bit to get used too… it’s not like jr. high or elementary, and you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed.


But I can tell you right now that if you decided to leave school and find employment while you still have the ability both mentally and financially, you will be setting up your future for some real hard disappointments. The number one of those is the likelihood of not gaining meaningful employment later in your life. Sure making a few hundred dollars now seems like a lot of money, but in five years that is not going to be sustainable to your life and living your life.


The other people in your class should not sway you to leave or stay in school, even though I do understand how that can feel and that feeling is very strong. You can’t let the reactions of others depict what you want to do, and will do in your life. It is a tough lesson to learn, and often not an easy one… but imagine if you let others bring you down all the time? In high school, college, work, everywhere there are people that will not be the same as you. And there will be plenty of assholes out there, there is no shortage believe me. But like I have said before, the trick is to not be prey to one, or to become one. And I have this feeling that if you were to cut your schooling that you will later be resentful in life, and you will be hardened by that. So please do yourself a favor and fight back now, and stay in school.


If you need extra help, go to your teachers. If they themselves cannot help one on one, they can usually find a tutor or a study group to join. Also, let your parents know of the frustration that you are feeling regarding school and maybe they can find a way to help you as well.


It all comes down to your life and how bright you want your future to be. If you want to limit your possibilities then dropping out of school and trying to make your way in the world of jobs is definitely going to hinder you. But if you want to be able to rise above this, and be in a good position for when you are nineteen and living on your own… then please, stay in school and do what you can. Then, if it was really meant to be, you and your girlfriend can start a good life together with hope and education behind you.

Good luck Carl.

Aunt Babz Said,

Carl, I agree with Xmichra on this. In this day and age, it’s so difficult to get a good job without a high school diploma. It’s even harder for those that don’t have college. Those with some college are filling the ranks of workforce, now, of those that don’t have a diploma. The pecking order is getting more difficult. Unless you have some technical schooling, you’re going to be in trouble.

I have labels on my sidebar, concerning Empowerment. Do your homework and read as many as possible. You’ve got to get to a point where you don’t give a flying sausage what anyone else thinks of you. Once you are secure in yourself, always being honest with you, you have nothing to fear but fear itself.

Kid in a Candy Store

In Gay Issues, Gay Lifestyle on September 23, 2007 at 2:42 pm


Soulseer Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Hi Aunt B,
I am 23 and recently out and had been visiting a couple of the gay bars, here in my little town. I really fell for this guy, we’ll call Bobby. He’s so sweet and so cute, sexy too. My problem is that, as I said, I have really fallen head over high heels for this guy. We’ve been out a few times and yes, we had sex over and over and it was really great. I felt something for him. It pains me to say this but he’s really flirtatious and whatever else, with other guys. It’s driving me insane. No he hasn’t committed to me and I have no right over him but it really bothers me, no it really hurts me, when I see him with someone else. I think he’s gone home with this other guy. I was actually angry about it. Then I was just hurt. It seems he can be with me one night and then with someone else the next. I’m not like that. Yes, I wanted the sex, as much as he did. No he never said he wanted to see only me and I didn’t say that either. I’m kind of scared to tell him really how I feel, yet it makes me a raving bitch when I see him talking to other men. Aunt B, what can I do?

Hey Friend,

I can relate and have been in your shoes before. Not a comfortable fit, huh? So, we gotta stretch them out and make it work. Pay Less has a sale…

You seem to have some semblance of reality, concerning what or how you should feel. You’re right; No, you have no right to feel this way but yet you do. Maybe the only thing you can do, is chance telling him just exactly how you feel. What do you really have to lose, other than, that chance he won’t feel the same way?

A lot of times, young guys, newly out, want to play the field, sew their oats and see and do it all. I know I was like that. The prospect of settling down, right after I came out, were next to none. But one side of me, longed for a loving relationship, while the other was like a kid in a candy store, every Friday and Saturday Nite. I’d go to the Clubs, have such a good time, dance-n-date the night away and not think of a real relationship. My favorite place to go, was a club in D.C. called Traxx. It all went down there and who could possibly want to be tied down to one person, when all that’s going on? Bobby may still be the kid in the candy store, you see?

It happens, more than not, you do and will grow weary, as we all do, of going home alone, or maybe even being with someone, only to have them not call. Even the hardest and most seasoned Veterans of this scenario, grow tired, I think.

I also think your friend, Bobby, may not be there yet and you have to understand. It doesn’t hurt to tell him, that you care, beyond just a fling. You may get your feelings hurt, when and if he says he doesn’t feel the same way. But if you prepare for it and the fact that he’s not on the same page, as yourself, well, maybe it won’t sting, quite as bad. You then, must not take it personal. I know that’s easier said, than done but it’s reality.

Chalk it up to a life lesson, move on and I guarantee, Mr. Right will eventually come your way. As I said before, eventually, we all get tired of the game. Mr. Right will have grown tired of that game too and just want to enjoy your company. You’ll see.

Be Safe, Act Safe, Love Safe.


Aunt Babz Said…

I agree with Soulseer. I hope you can move on, if this fella, doesn’t want or understand having a relationship. The right guy will come along and as Soulseer said, you just wait and see!

You Deserve Better

In Aunt B's Bitch Belt, Empowerment, Empowerment Practices, Real Women on September 22, 2007 at 8:04 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Dear Aunt Babz,

I am 30, and have had a series of severe, long lasting crushes on men who have not reciprocated. Apart from that, I had a 3 month long relationship which ended in tears (we are still friends though), and a few flings that left me feeling worthless and dirty.
The last crush I had lasted 3 years, and after months of finding lots of ways to be near him, I told him my feelings via SMS. He politely said he was not interested in a relationship, he was only after physical affairs, that he was selfish in relationships, that he waited for women to “fall into his lap” and then he decided what to do with them.
Since then I have tried to be cool and adult about it, but I have ended up feeling worse. Although he is always polite (yet distant), I feel that I am so ugly and fat, he couldn’t even f*** me with a paper bag over my head. He’s said many times, he’s popular with the women, one even bought him a new car recently, that he’s got several on the go right now, and has had many girlfriends in his life. And I don’t even rate as a one nighter. Not even as a friend.
Recently I SMSed him saying I won’t speak to or see him for a while, maybe a few years, because I haven’t got over him yet. He eventually replied that was ok, we’ll talk later. I am still upset over this.
I’ve been reading books on how to get a partner, the strategy seems to be, be young, beautiful and thin, look like you’re having fun, NEVER approach a man, and let him make all the moves. But I’m not good at playing this game, and am despairing that I’ll never find a man, until I have lost 50lbs.
What to do?
Kathleen

Dear Kathleen,

First and foremost, I think you’ve been way too hard on yourself. In addition, I have to question your values and belief systems.

You must do what you can to make yourself feel better, as far as your appearance but it is shallow on anybody’s part to think they are not desirable because of their weight, the level of attractiveness and so on. Now, I am more than aware that this world revolves around good looks and more often than not, we have a messed up standard concerning how women should be; a rail like waif. I do not believe this is a good perception and if I had my way, women around the world would say, “Enoughs enough,” concerning this merit less perception.

Do what you can, to make a reasonable attempt, concerning your weight but the fact that you may be over weight, should never stand in the way of you, as a person. No, you must look in the mirror and see yourself, your soul, as who you really are. If you feel the need to lose weight, then you work on it, you try to limit your eating, maybe get out and walk, only to make yourself feel better. But it must be so you will feel better, not to please anyone else.

This is an extremely touchy subject for me. I feel too much emphasis is placed on appearances and an unrealistic hardship, placed on women to appear a certain way. We ruin our feet, to look a certain way, in high heels and it can be freezing cold and icy out and what are we wearing? A short skirt, high heels and so on. It’s ridiculous and we need to stop it.

I do feel if you begin a reasonable weight lose program, you may feel better, in the aspect of your health but I will say it again; anybody that judges you on your weight is shallow. They are not anyone you need to be with in the first place.

I’m sorry but this guy, you’ve mentioned sounds like one of those shallow people, I just mentioned and for the love of me, I don’t know why you’d want to torture yourself for his unrequited love? You deserve so much better. Say it with me, “You Deserve Better.”

They have a saying, it’s kinda Redneck and I hope you don’t take it wrong but they say, “There’s a dog for every dog.” Meaning there’s someone out there, that will love even a dog, every dog, any dog. What it means is that even if you were a dog, which you are not, there’s someone out there that will love you for you. Real people don’t see fat or a handicap or unattractiveness. True love is blind, deaf, dumb, crippled and crazy. Do you understand? I am not calling you a dog, I am simply pointing out, that the popular, beautiful people are a minority and if they weren’t, everybody’d be considered beautiful, right? I mean there’d be no line drawn, we’d all be considered beautiful and then there’d be no definition or exception for who’s beautiful, who’d not and every level in between. So, the odds are that there’s more real people and your mate is out there.

How you carry yourself, is how you are perceived. How and what, you feel about yourself, just like body language, can be read and is more self-evident that you may realize. If you feel ugly, you will be ugly. If you are realistic and see yourself, as you really are and look at your best qualities and allow them to shine, then that is exactly what people will see.

I have said this, more often than not, but you must use, at your disposal, every tool possible, to begin to empower yourself. It is an exercise in reality, to look in the mirror and assess yourself. One should do this daily. But in all due reality, you must also realize that people, all people have flaws. You have flaws, I have flaws, even the most beautiful people, have flaws. Because of their persona, we choose, for the most part, not to see them. I think the tabloids make such good money because we want to humanize those beautiful people. We choose to look at their flaws because it makes us feel better about ourselves. It is a contradiction, at best. We emulate and want to be just like them, yet we point the finger and say, “Ah ha, look at you Miss Wanna Be Perfect, you’re not so perfect after all.”

Now, you can choose to look at your own flaws and pick at them, or you can choose to see that person, who you truly are, who you truly can be. I can feel that you are actually, a powerful women trapped in a body, you don’t care for. Improve on what you can, begin to hold your head up and carry yourself, as that powerful woman. Put on Aunt B’s Bitch Belt, begin to know that you are the few, the proud, the “Real Women.” Once you do this, you will begin to see the difference.

I have about 30 posts(on my sidebar) on Empowerment and Empowerment exercises. I’d love to see you read, even a few and garner some strength, take what applies and run with it.

Tame the Blame & Shame Game

In Ex Issues, Marriage Issues, Personal Accountability, Stand For Values, Tame The Blame, Tame the Shame on September 22, 2007 at 6:40 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,
My husband has been divorced for six years. We will be married 3
years this month, second marriage for both of us. I have never met
his ex-wife as we life in different states. In three weeks we will
be attending a wedding and my husband’s ex-wife will be there. Last
week my husband mentioned that he does not want me to wear my diamond
ring or the expensive watch that he gave me as a gift. He said that
it might hurt her feelings if she saw them. I agreed to his request
as I have the “disease to please” and didn’t want to disappoint him.
After thinking about it his possible motives for asking this of me
are more disturbing than the thought of not wearing the watch and
ring. I have been having an inter-dialogue with myself constantly
about his request. I guess you could call it obsessing. I go back
and forth to being outraged that he would bring this up, to “do I
want to be right, or do I want to be happy?” I haven’t made an issue
about this and I’m wondering if I should after agreeing to it in the
first place.
Two years ago he had Thanksgiving dinner with his ex-wife and her
parents. Weeks before the dinner she asked my husband to pretend that
they were still married. She said that since her parents are elderly
she didn’t think they would cope well with her divorce. She kept
this charade up until a few months ago when she finally told them.
They were ok with it and totally supportive. This makes me believe
that she used her parents as the excuse for not telling them about
her divorce because she couldn’t handle it. It was all about her,
not them. And my husband willingly went along with it.
My husband assures me that he does not have feelings for her, and
that he loves me, but he still caters to her stupid requests and is
proactive in protecting her feelings. I think he feels guilty about
asking her for a divorce, and his motivation is driven by guilt. He
has made his problem my problem.
Should I be concerned about my husband’s need to protect his ex-
wife’s feelings? What is wrong with me? Why do I go along with the
manipulation and charades?
Your valued opinion would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Friend,

Well, right from Jump St., I’ll tell you, it wouldn’t sit well with me either. None of it.

While flaunting expensive jewelry is distasteful, in the first place, I guess it’s the principal behind it. Being kind and considerate, amicable and caring, towards his ex, is one thing, hiding the celebration of your love, is another story. Is it possible that he has over looked that the gift, you received from him, was just that;
A celebration, a sign of his deep love, devotion and affection for you?

There are always two sides to every coin. There are three sides to every story too; Yours, His and the Facts The facts in this case, show that he has, for whatever reason, not moved on, in the sense that he stands against the world, that you two are married, happy and his past is just that; His Past.

I think it’s time to take that old Duct Tape, off his old marriage. Yes, that good ol’ 90 mph tape has held him in place, even if he didn’t realize it. I don’t get the feeling that he does this with animosity. No, in fact, I think your hubby, is a pretty nice guy. I also feel his ex wife, takes advantage of his good nature and plays him. Then, if you say anything about it, you’d feel guilty, possessive, needy, jealous and I could go on but I think you get the point, right?

My suggestion, first and foremost, is that you have him read this…

How would he feel if your ex husband, required the same from you? How would he feel, if you asked him to let you go, to dinner, on a major holiday, with your ex husband? How would he feel, if you spent Thanksgiving, playing the loving married couple, with your ex? How would he feel, if you asked him to pretend, that a trinket, a sign of your love, should not be worn, in front of your ex, cause dammit, what would he think? What? He might get the impression, that you love him more than you loved your ex?

I’m sorry but I think he’s asked a little too much and been a little too accommodating, in respect to his ex wife. In all due reality, what she thinks should not matter and in all due respect, I’d want her to know that you are both happy, loved and care enough to give of that love.

Yes, it comes down to the principle of the matter. The heart of the matter is the affairs of the heart and he has got to look in the mirror and ask himself, if the shoe was on the other foot, how would he feel? He has not been fair to you and it is not fair of him, to ask you to not show that expression of love, for the sake of his ex wife. I have one question; Really, why do you care what she thinks? Take that duct tape off and step into your marriage, your current marriage. Stand up to her, hubby and be the husband, you were meant to be, with your wife. I doubt your vows, spoken, hopefully in truth and love, said to always love, honor and obey, your ex wife, now did they?

Have your husband read this. I know as a man, he may not care for you bringing your business elsewhere? But I do not know you, nor will I ever know you. No harm, no foul. This actually pisses me off, I can’t pretend it doesn’t and I only have one question for your husband;

How long will you allow yourself, to be held hostage, duct taped to your ex wife, before you wake up and realize that she knows what she’s doing and does it for a reason. It’s time to play the, “Tame the Blame and Shame Game.” Let her go, let yourself, truly commit to your wife and be a true husband, heart and soul. Never expect from your wife, what you would not be willing to do yourself. It’s time to let go of the guilt, your ex so fondly throws in your lap.

I’d want to wear the ring and watch proudly. Is he ashamed of your love? It’s high time, to play to win. Now, just for shitz -n-giggles, wear matching t-shirts.
(Just kidding)

Takes Two To Tango

In Being Assertive, Financial Responsibility, Pregnancy, Relationships and Pregnancy on September 22, 2007 at 5:37 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,


I have a friend…

Who’s pregnant and going thru a lot of problems financially and emotionally. She’s pregnant from her ex husband who she was in the process of divorcing.
She says she still loves him, but really not sure if she’s with him because she loves him or because there is a baby involved.

I feel bad for her. I want to help her with some good advice. I saw her crying today because she says her ex nickel and dimes and it couldn’t be at a worse time. She’s struggling financially and has to answer to him and he never bothers to ask how she’s doing financially.

What should I tell her????

Dear Sonia,


The best thing that you can do for your friend is to just be supportive. Right now she has a lot on her plate with being pregnant and trying to make a relationship work. Never mind the added stress of financing.


Right now, if you were to try and talk her out of being with this guy, I think that you would be the one kicked to the curb, not him. She is likely trying to do what she feels is best for her family, even if she doesn’t think it will work out… she has to try. And this is her lesson to learn unfortunately.

All you can do is ask about her health, keep reassuring her that she is doing the best that she can, and hope that she ends up well (either in this relationship or out of it).


Ultimately she is the one who has to decide what she is going to do… and if you interfere you might end up on her bad side. However, don’t be too afraid to ask normal friend questions either (like how they are doing, if she feels it’s working out, etc) because these conversations will help her speak her mind… and possibly to change it too.

All of us make mistakes, and sometimes things work out for the best. So just keep supporting your friend, and let her know how amazing you think she is.

Aunt Babz Said…

I agree with Xmichra, you must be careful, as she’s got mixed emotions and you don’t really want to be more than supportive. What I mean is if you hand her, your opinion, she may throw it at you. I’m not saying that this is what she will do, but it is possible. If the subject is brought up, I would tell her she needs to be more assertive and state her needs. It’s within her right to ask him for help, as he is the Father. Of course, the law states otherwise, until they can conduct DNA testing, then he most certainly will be held accountable. But morally, he knows she needs help, he knows the child is his. She must make a stand and state her needs. It takes two to Tango and last I knew, it took a man and a woman, in sexual union, to impregnate a woman. She needs to take away that sense of guilt she’s wearing and realize, that he was there for the making part of this baby and he needs to be there for the financial part. Throw away the guilt and you have the cold hard facts, as I said before; It takes two to Tango.

Never Had Chocolate???

In Gay Issues, Lesbian Issues, Sexual Experimentation, Sexual Issues on September 22, 2007 at 4:32 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,

Hello

I really dont ever know were to start. I am a mother of 1 that has realized that I can not connect with men. For years I have wanted the touch of a woman. I love all the things about a woman. I grew up in a christian home were lesbianism is wrong.I was talking with a friend and I told her how I felt and she said that I was a lesbian. I cant get sexual pleasure from a man at all I have a hard time giveing myself to a man. I even lost interest in my childs father.We have been broken up for a year.I find my self getting overly excited while looking at a woman.What excites me the most is the form and the beauty of a woman. Is there something wrong with me I feel as though I am loseing my mind trying to figure out what to do. I cant seem to get women off my mind I have no interest in men only woman.

Please help!!

Dear Please Help,

Let me start with one simple answer: there is absolutely nothing wrong with you.

There are plenty of women and men who feel the same as you. And there are plenty of normal reactions that you feel. In fact, I know of several women who feel excited or love the female frame. And it is something that you can either choose to ignore and possibly avoid happiness, or you can embrace that feeling and let it take you to something that you never knew was possible.

There is the possibility that you are bi-sexual, or that you need to get this urge to be with a woman filled. I will relate to my own experience here, but it doesn’t mean that this is where you are. See, before I met my husband I had sex with a woman. It wasn’t because I was gay (though I see no problem with that) I just wanted to know what it would feel like to lay with this woman I met. And I can recall that evening with more clarity then any boyfriend before her, and with very good reason. It was so intricate and so… romantic. That it will stay with me forever.

Of course since this encounter I have met my best friend and lover, and he is amazing… and I couldn’t possibly think of straying or choosing a woman over him. And that is the point that I am getting too. I know that for women (mostly) sex is not always thought of as a connection of body, but a connection of minds. And it can be something very special when the soul is involved. And I do know of one particular female friend of mine who has been married and happily so, to a man for ten years now.. but regrets not “experimenting” when she was younger. It’s nothing to be ashamed of, it’s something to seriously think about in respect to future relationships.

Lets take something really silly here as an example. Say that you had never tried chocolate before. You diligently ate your meals with all the food groups, and were very satisfied.. and knew that it was good for you and your body. But you just know that others have eaten chocolate.. and you love the smell, the many varieties, the look of the displays and fountains. Would you completely deny that you wanted a taste? Or would you dip in to see if you did enjoy it? Of course, you may still love your meals a little more then the chocolate, or you might become a chocolate lover. But either way, you are not pining over what you ‘could have’ had/done.

You see what I am getting at here?

Now as for the family issues, I know that lesbianism (or being gay in general) is offensive to a lot of religious people. But, if they don’t let their religion dictate HOW they love a person then you might be making more out of this then you can imagine. Sure, there is the possibility that they will not talk to you… but this is your happiness that we are talking about. So make your choices, and then write your parents a letter explaining how alone you feel. Explain that this choice has nothing to do with disregarding what they have taught you. That they have taught you to be loving and in search of happiness, and that you feel happy with this choice, and wish they could feel the same.

I would write a letter to them after you had spoken to them though, for one reason: they might not react the way you think they will. Some people who are very religious actually don’t care if people are gay. Seriously. They just want their loved ones to be happy, and still remain connected with God. Now, you might not know where your parents are in this mind set, but if you go into a conversation assuming the worst you can offend and upset. So go into it knowing that you have a back up plan (the letter) if things don’t go well.. but that you are giving them the benefit of thinking your choices are fine.

Let us know how things pan out, and don’t be afraid to make this choice. You don’t ever want to regret not following your heart.

Curious

In Uncategorized on September 20, 2007 at 2:12 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,

Im dating this girl who has had the biggest crush on me for a long time,

well things were going good for a month, then she told me that she had a
secret that was soooo nasty and terrible and disgusting that she was ashamed
of herself, but she wouldnt say what it was.
She said its an addiction and it wasnt drug related . Its something Physical
about herself and its not def not sex with men or guy related. She doesnt
want to talk about it but it has nothing to do with men or drugs. She said
another girl at work had the same addiction and thats why they were really
close.
She wont say what it is but that someone else before me a year ago saw it
in her and she was sooo ashamed . Its really bothering me cause she says if
we get really close I’ll start to notice it in her.
she said her mom and ex husband didnt even know she did it, tis sooo
disgusting and nasty .
my question is…what the f*** can be that disgusting and offensive thats
not drug related or related to men and is something thats a physical
addiction about her ?????? I was thinking body mutilation but I remember she
said every now and then she goes out and does this nasty thing .
last time she did it was over a year ago……. can you help me figure this
out ?

Dear Friend,

I know that you want us to make some kind of guess as to what it is this girl is so ashamed of.. but truth be told, it would be nothing but a guess and wouldn’t help you in the slightest.

See, when someone lets a secret out, it is such a piece of them that they are freed by it. And I feel that she is just not there yet… but wanted to give you a heads up to make herself feel better.

There are thousands of things it could be. As minuscule as she picks her nose habitually to having what’s called a ‘blood fetish’ where a woman saves her own menstrual fluids and reuses it for making art (you think I am kidding right? http://community.livejournal.com/blood_art)

But no matter what it is, it will be a mere guess. And no matter what it is, this girl wants to know that she can trust you before she tells you her dirty little secret. And we all have one of those… it is just different for each of us. For me, I am insane when it comes to tweezing. I will tweeze the shot out of my eyebrows, legs, whatever.. I just can’t stop once I have tranced in on it. But that is something that I don’t think of as a big secret anymore to discuss… however you wouldn’t ever catch me doing it in front of another person but my husband. It is private, and something I am not comfortable with sharing. And all couples have a ‘thing’.

You just never know until the trust is there. I would advise you to be patient, and above all tolerant and accepting. Because even if you don’t like what ever this is that she is so scared to share… you will devastate her if she opens up and tells you. So at least if you cannot condone it, don’t judge her for it. That’s who she is.

Talk openly with her on the anxiety that you are feeling not knowing her secret but knowing somethings there though. Because no matter what the relationship is… you don’t have to keep that kind of feeling bottled up. You should be able to tell her that the anxiety is somewhat like a dark cloud that is bothering you, and if she isn’t ready to share what that is.. that’s fine. But that you don’t really want to talk about it, and you don’t want to be lied to about it. And maybe throw in that once again, you don’t mind that she needs time to divulge her secret, but make it clear to her of the things that you would consider a ‘deal breaker’ (like molestation, cheating, watching strange porn, whatever) and that if it is something in there, you are going to really have to think about the relationship and that she needs to accept your behaviors and what you are willing to do as well.

I hope that things go well with you two, and hope that whatever the secret is that it isn’t a deal breaker. Let us know how it all works out.

All Band-Aids Off

In Death and Healing, Grieving, Healing on September 18, 2007 at 5:22 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B;

My fiance passed away about 1 year and a half ago. 6 months after he died I drank more heavily then I’d used to. I was naturally very vulnerable. One day I went to the Pub a few blocks from my place and I sat on the patio and
had a drink by myself. I was immediately approached by a guy my age. We slept together that night. In the morning I felt amazingly connected to him and we went for lunch. He proceeded to call me every day and spend every evening
with me for a week and a half. He started getting paranoid and possessive-there were small little warning signs. He’d accuse me of cheating on him one day when I was out of his sight for 15 minutes, even though I’d told him I was going to the bank.He told me he was seeing a therapist and he
had a history of getting obsessive with woman. This is where it gets crazy.
One day I decided not to answer my phone because I was getting claustrophobic
and I needed my space. He had just finished telling me he wanted to move in
with me, he really liked me and things were just going to fast for me. He
proceeded to call me all day long and the phone calls got weirder and
weirder. At 3:00 a.m., he left a message saying his fortune telling stones
told him that I was cheating on him and that I know that they don’t lie. He
left another message saying “You are acting all nice and pretty, but if you
don’t toe the line, I will kill you”. He the started to climb my balcony. I
called the police and they arrested him and placed a restraining order
against him (their choice, not mine). They hinted that he had a history of
such behavior. I know this makes me sound screwed up, but after a few days I
missed him. We had spent everyday together and we had connected on many
levels. I called him and we continued to sleep together. The sex was
amazing! We also felt very comfortable with one another and we could talk
about anything and everything. My feelings grew stronger and then he became
detached. We would have a very sexual evening and I wouldn’t hear from him
for 3 days I would call him and he would be icy cold and tell me that his
lawyer didn’t think we should talk. We would argue and then he would come
over and sleep with me again. He became hyper critical of me and my flaws
and constantly focused on them. He would play hot and cold and this
continued for a few months. He ignored me over the Christmas holidays and
finally ended it over the phone. He told me the timing was off and that he
wanted to focus on his career and that I’d changed his life. Afterwards he
completely ignored me for 6 months. I emailed him and he responded one day
and we hooked up yet again. I’d never gotten over him. I dreamed about him
every few nights and thought about him obsessively. He claimed to
have never gotten over me. He said he missed me, he could only truly be
himself around me, he said I was smart. he said there were no other girls.
He had what I interpreted to be amazing sex and another romantic interlude
only to have him ignore me again for a few months. Many men find me
attractive, but I can’t get him out of my head. I felt amazing chemistry
with him; it was like I knew him from another life. This happened one more
time and I have never heard from him since the last time. We had sex, but he
told me we were too much alike and their was “bad energy” between us. I have
no idea what he was talking about. He repeatedly puts woman on a pedestal
only to be rejected by them later. I was the one girl who didn’t reject him
yet he pushed me away. In the beginning he was the one who was obsessed with
me. Why did he reject me? Why can’t I let go? I feel as if there is
lingering baggage between us and I have no sense of closure. Thank-you!

Robyn

Dear Robyn,

I think you might be playing with fire and ice. They can both be memorable, to say the least but they can be so damaging.

My second husband was like this. One side of me loved the attentiveness, the possessiveness and so on. The other half was being smothered by it and he did the same thing with the accusations, always thinking I was fooling around on him. Eventually, he got help through the V.A. and was found to be Bi-Polar.

Now, we don’t know that your fella is Bi-Polar and I’m not implying this. It is not my expertise to even indicate that sort of diagnosis, so I will steer clear of it. I will say, however, that there’s a lot of indication of inappropriate behavior. But my concern is not for him, it is with you.

Had you even realized that your obsession with him is because he made a spot in your psyche, when you were at your most vulnerable? You’d just gone through an outrageously traumatic experience and he walks into your life. You were beyond vulnerable and would’ve done anything to forget the pain. You were distraught and he took that away…temporarily. He filled a huge void and made you forget your pain, of course, you’d welcome that. Anyone would. He told you what you needed to hear, well that doesn’t matter. What matters is the fact that, you probably fell head over heels for him because he was such a huge fill in that void.

I can not negate your feelings for him. They are real and any kind of love is real. I’m sure you know, there are different degrees, of love and although he could never replace what you had with your fiance, his kind of love, pulled you through that pain…temporarily. You may, have even have viewed him, as your savior, the saving grace from such pain, pain that was just about unbearable.

What you did, was over look the red flags that kept popping up. You know, the small still voice, inside, kept telling you, something was amiss but you ignored it, didn’t you? Something inside tugged at you. On the other hand, your emotion equated him, with not feeling the pain from the death of your fiance, as well. Somewhere inside, something tugs at your heart strings and says he’s the fix, for what ails you. But again, it is only a temporary fix.

It is within my scope of reasoning to tell you, that I suggest you get counseling. Why? Because I do believe a couple of things have happened; I don’t think you were done grieving from your loss, when you went from the frying pan, into the fire. Now, you crave the passion from that fire, a quick fix, a band-aid. In turn, you’ve been treated coldly and now you even question yourself, what you are, who you are and even if you’re worthy. Many men find me attractive…”
With this statement, I believe you’ve questioned your own self-worth. You’ve been weighing things out, haven’t you? One side of you knows damn well, that you are all that and a box of Godiva chocolate.

The other half feels less than and not very attractive, why else wouldn’t he respond? Why else wouldn’t he not want me?

My own small still voice, my gut instincts, my intuitive side, tells me that nothing good can come from this relationship. Now, if you’re not the type to go and pour your heart out to a therapist or maybe you can’t for insurance reasons, whatever, I suggest you take a long hard look in the mirror. You know damn well, you were hurting so badly, if they’d told you, if you put cat shit on your head, all the pain will go away, you’d have done it. You’d have done just about anything, not to feel that devastating loss. Who could blame you? Least of all, me.

You were so in love, weren’t you? You are the kind of woman that loves with all the passion, the very fiber of your being. It was spontaneous, good, fun, memorable, it was your world. He was your world. Then, it was suddenly , taken from you, turned off, not
by choice, on his end but not on yours. No, your love was still alive and brilliant, vibrant and full to the brim, spilling forth. What to do with all those feelings? Where does the love go?

You need to take all Band-Aids off and feel the loss, grieve and work on rising above it. You can do this. You’ve not allowed yourself to begin the healing process. Yes, he loved you, always will, always and forever. He wants you to be happy. He was not selfish, maybe a bit possessive but he only wanted you to be happy. He would want you to be happy now. He wants you to stop looking for his replacement. You will not find it. But a wonderful and gentle man, will find you.

Begin to make a conscience effort to become busy, something constructive that will keep your attention. Find a hobby, join a group or gym. You could start a blog and I’d be glad to talk you through it. I had to do the same thing and blogging actually got me through it. In addition, it is somewhat of a diary and I can look back and see how I’ve grown, where I need to pay attention, my strong suits, my weakness and so on. I’ve had several blogs, that fit or suit my personality or how I was feeling at the time. Your blog can be whatever you want it to be. It can be a personal journal or entertainment. You can rant and rave, whatever your little heart desires. Then, you begin to visit other people’s blogs and you comment. They will then, reciprocate, usually and comment on yours. The interaction is born. Every single time, you have that lost feeling, get busy and write or interact. Every time you feel that tug at your heart strings and that urge to call, you get busy. Do whatever it takes to flush him out but please don’t jump back into a relationship, you’re not ready.

When you stop looking, he will find you.

I am and will always be here.

Aunt Babz

Pockets

In Business Savvy, Empowerment, Empowerment Practices, Respect Factor on September 18, 2007 at 3:22 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,

Something of a long story, but will try to get to the point as quickly as I can.
Throughout my life I have always attempted to help people. There are several stories I could tell you, but will just go through the most recent situation. The circumstances of each story are different, but the end result is always the same, so this one story should be enough.
About 15 months ago I met a woman and we quickly became friends. We found a common interest that led us to start a business together. My main role has been to provide the money. It has taken everything I had, and everything I could borrow to get us to where we are today, and that is on the brink of much success. Funny thing is (and it’s really not funny at all), she is now telling me I am too stressed and depressed by all this to be involved in the business. I seem to have “serious problems” that I need to get resolved or I will bring the business down. I am currently considered a liability.
Over this time period, we have supported each other personally, usually ending each day with a phone conversation to recap where the business stood, and to offer each other encouragement for the day to day challenges in our personal lives. Currently, she has stopped all contact and communication until I “get help”. We are not lovers. There is something of an age difference, and many things that would create far too many complications. But we have been (or at least it was my impression) very, very close friends. It now looks as though she wants me out of the picture.
This is a recurring theme in my life, so I have to assume it is something I am doing wrong. People allow me into their lives, take the best I have to offer, then start to move away. People seem to need me, but they don’t need all of me.
What am I doing wrong, and how can I avoid this in the future? It all makes me tired and depressed.
Evan

Dear Evan, Well first, you must do your own assessment and inventory. Is there any merit, at all to what she is saying? If there is, then possibly seek help. It won’t hurt and hopefully, your insurance will cover it. If she is being genuine, then she’s pulling the old, “Tough Love,” trick on you. She figures, you’ll take the initiative to get help, if she makes a stand.

If she has ulterior motives, maybe you should call her on it. Call her on the carpet and tell her that you want to get to the bottom of the beef and you want nothing but the truth. In the business world, we don’t play games like that. But in all due reality, you had an off the books friendship and she felt she had the right, to say what she has said. Correct?

If it were me, I would stand my ground. You have a vested interest in this business situation and if she is trying to get you out, tell her now’s her opportunity to say so, be honest and then, you’ll work on the buyout. Quite honestly, I think her approach is a pretty nasty one, especially if she wasn’t being truthful. It is my gut feeling that this may be what’s happening.

You have become prey to a vulture. You showed her your pink under belly, at some point in time and she’s used that info against you. Pretty under handed, if you ask me. Even if it’s not true that she used a weakness of yours against you and she’s being truly concerned for your welfare, she did not handle it well.

I believe the old adage, “Nice guys finish last,” is a half truth. Patsy’s pay and you ain’t no Patsy, now are you? Yes, you’re a nice guy but you need to stand up, take away the personal aspect of your business relationship with this young lady and put your foot down. I have the feeling that she hurt you, with her little revelation?She knows she did and you’ve now played right into her hand. Don’t let her win. Take the sting out of it, put your business hat back on and get back in there.

It is my suggestion, for future reference, that you keep your heart and your business savvy in two different pockets. They must be separated at all times. See, eventually, there’s gonna come a time, when you either fight with a business associate or partner and if they know what they’re doing, they’re gonna go after what hurts the most. She just proved this scenario. I imagine, in the past, you have expressed that you were depressed or whatever and now, she’s manipulated things, using this against you. Gotta give her credit for trying, huh? But we’re onto her and you will not take it, you will not stand for it and you will draw the line, right here and right now. She’s gone over board, in her right as a friend.

Fire off an email, leave her a message, write her a letter or ask for a face to face meeting, no demand a sit down. Get back in there, call her out and tell her you will not stand for this. Hold your chin high, chest out, your feelings; in your left pocket, your business savvy in your right pocket. Just for shitz-n-giggles, for general closure, ask her what her real problem is and tell her you are not her violin, so she needs to save that for someone else. You tell her that you will do everything in your power to accommodate her but if she is not perfectly honest with you, you will then, pull out all the stops. I don’t what kind of contract and so on, you two have but your posturing must show that you have an ace up your sleeve and you’re willing to play it, if she’s not honest with you. You let he know that she crossed the line, when she brought up your mental health status, in a business situation. You let her know that you will not tolerate her berating attitude, which is exactly what it is. Let her know, from that moment on, you are not friends, merely business associates, as she has abused her end of the deal. Look her square in the eye and ask her if she understands what you are saying? You will not be her patsy, prey or even her boy.Put On Aunt Babz’ Signature Cologne, “Confidence”

Before you go into this meeting, you must have some resolution, concerning how you will end this. As I said, I don’t know what your arrangement is, if you have buy out rights, etc. but have some solution. I want you to walk away, with, if nothing else, your dignity in your breast pocket.

You must do this, for your own well being. You must meet her head on, as if this is the test of all tests. She’s one woman. She’s only human and if you ask me, she does not deserve your respect as a worthy adversary. Remember this. You must be the better person in this but that does not mean, allow her to walk all over you. Take control and do not allow her to own this situation.

Let this be a new beginning. Let this be a proving ground that you will always be a good guy but you will not be anybodies Patsy. You will keep your business and personal feelings in separate pockets, at all times. Then, you will see that nice guys do finish, with dignity in their breast pocket.

Planting Recovery Seeds

In 12 Steps, AA/NA, Alcoholism, Planting Recovery Seeds on September 18, 2007 at 12:56 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Hi There
I dont know what to do, ,my husband and i have been married for five years but been together for 10, the last 3 years when he drinks he is nasty to the point that i end up in tears, he doesn’t care ?
He sits on the couch at night while i do everything and says he is tired although i also work full day and have our 4 year old to take care of at night. If he can be away from me fishing he seems happiest. he has basically told friends and family while under the influence ( joking as he says) he would rather be fishing than be at home with us. When he goes fishing he comes home so intoxicated he can hardly stand. If the two of us do happen to go out for a drink he either sits in silence or talks to all his friends as if i am invisible. I dont know whether he wants out or not when i ask he says NO, but tells me if i am not happy to go,he cant force me to stay
Please help me im desperate.
Kind Regards
Gail Muller

Dear Gail,

I really feel for you and I kinda know what you’re going through. He’s probably Dr.Jeckle/Mr.Hyde, huh? Unfortunately, being an alcoholic, as he is, yes, I said,”Alcoholic,” will change a man. I do believe, it’ll take a good man down, as it’s poison seeps, deep inside and changes their outlook, on you, life in general and all unbeknownst to the individual, trapped within. He is poisoned, yet he can’t see it.

Alcoholism is nothing new, it is a disease and there is help out there. The problem is that, you can’t get the help for him. You can want it more than anything in the world but he’s got to want it, for himself.

The first step, is admitting you have a problem. Until a man comes to grips with the fact that his drinking his ruining his life and the lives of all around him, he’ll not change a thing. He must hit his proverbial, “Bottom,” usually before, he’ll decide it’s time to climb out. So, how can we usher that in?

You shouldn’t have to deal with him and his garbage. You shouldn’t end your night in tears but only you can look in the mirror and say, when you’ve had enough. You are delaying the inevitable, every day, you swallow the abuse, look the other way or tolerate half a husband. Nope, you need to get a tad bit resentful at that nasty drink that’s coming between you and the man you once loved unconditionally and without doubt.

The Harsh Reality

I will be a bit bold by saying the following; You need to get pissed enough, fed up enough to leave your husband. You’re playing cards with him right now and he believes he’s got an Ace up his sleeve and he can do, say and behave any damn way he pleases. You need to call his bluff, otherwise, life as you know it, will only get worse. This you can count on.

Now, let me say this first, I am all about working things out in a marriage. I believe in honoring your marriage vows, take them rather seriously and believe you must do all in your power to heal your marriage.

Secondly, you begin to pray for your husband, fervently. You pray that God or your Higher Power, deals with him and you must, “Let go and let God.” It’s not easy saying, “Thy will be done,” but that’s exactly what needs to happen.

Third, he needs to feel the burn of your raw emotion and know just how stinkin’ fed up, you really are. I can just about guarantee, if your husband were sober, he’d be a different man, loving father and husband. Remember, all along, his thinking is poisoned.

I don’t know your situation, financially or otherwise but if I could prescribe an ideal plan for you, I’d tell you to leave your husband, telling him on the way out the door, that when he comes to terms with the effects of drinking and the extent of the damage done, because of it, you will talk to him. Until then, he need not bother you. One of two things will happen, will come about or out of this; You’ll make him think or you’ll break free. I hope it’d be, that he would begin to see the light and will rally.

If there’s no possibility of your leaving, then I suggest you begin to plant seeds. Do your homework, concerning addiction/alcoholism. AA/NA is the absolute best program out there. It’s principles are to live by and when used, implemented and lived, there is a healing. As I said before, all the wishing in the world, on your part, with not get sobriety for your husband.

I think it’s time for the tough love. If nothing else, he needs to realize that you’ve had enough. He needs to realize that you’re calling him on his crap and you’re putting a name on it; Alcoholism

You must begin to arm yourself with information, knowledge concerning the nature of the beast. Yes, it is a disease, for which there is no known cure but there can be a healing, if he understands his addiction. Planting seeds is the beginning. There’s lots of info on the internet and if it’s possible for you to go to meetings designed for family of the alcoholic, I suggest you go. Read this, “Red Flags.” This post has some good advice, as well as the 12 Steps of AA.

You’ve got your hands full and your work ahead of you. This can be done but you’ve got to make up your mind, that you’re gonna stick to your guns. When it comes down to the harsh reality of it all, you’ve got nothing to lose but so much to gain. You have a right to be happy. But you must realize that it won’t go away on it’s own. It looks to me, like you need to make the first move here, dig in and say that you have had enough. You let him know that you don’t like who he’s become and you want your husband back. You must let him know that he has a problem, he must admit to. If he admits to it, seeks help and does what he can to work this, you’ll stand by his side till the bitter end. make sure you mention to him, that he needs to be honest with himself. Right now, he’s living a lie and no it’s not manly to make an ass out of yourself, treat your family like crap and hurt your wife, in the name of, “I work 40 hours a week and I deserve to drink and fish,” so on and so forth. Yea, some men can do this and it doesn’t cause problems. More often than not, alcohol has the ability to kill, break up marriages, ruin friendships and eventually, you lose your dignity, not to mention the respect you’ve lost from family and friends.

Make the decision, to take this disease on. Decide that you deserve to be happy, as well, so do your children. Begin to plant seeds.

Let him know that you love him enough to say stop. You love him enough to stick by him, if he chooses to get help. Most of all, you love him enough to bring it all to his attention, hope he gets help and begins to heal, instead of just writing him off, as half a man, with an incurable disease.

I pray that your healing begins. Please keep us updated.

Alcoholics Anonymous

12 Steps of AA

1. We admitted we were powerless over alcohol – that our lives had become unmanageable.

2. Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.

3. Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.

4. Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

5. Admitted to God, to ourselves and to another human being the exact nature of our wrongs.

6. Were entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character.

7. Humbly asked Him to remove our shortcomings.

8. Made a list of all persons we had harmed, and became willing to make amends to them all.

9. Made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

10. Continued to take personal inventory and when we were wrong promptly admitted it.

11. Sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God as we understood Him, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry that out.

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these steps, we tried to carry this message to alcoholics and to practice these principles in all our affairs.

Stay True to Yourself

In In Response, Personal Accountability, Personal Responsibility on September 18, 2007 at 12:29 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

This is an additional response to this post.

HI there,
Thank you for your reply. I am not married to the man I am with. We’ve been together for 4 years now. He really loves me alot but I told him over and over that I do not want to be with him, he ignores the fact and keep on making plans and dreams about us. I live with him with my 4 kids. I started my own business a year ago with his help. I gave him the money that he helped me with back tripple the amount. The other day we had an argument and he told me that I put him in financial difficulties. My business is’nt doing that well yet, but when I make money, I put every sent into our home. He told me he wants money in his account too. I told him I dont go to his employer and say that I want money in my account. This business is my job. I started this business as I could not find a job that pays enough to provide for my kids. My ex pays me R500 per child for the last 4 years. My ex borrows money from me all the time, he never has the money to pay me back and therefore I write off the debt every month. I operate my business from home, I do not have the funds to move out yet, but are planning to do so when I am financially stable.
I wrote to my ex numerous occasions and begged him for us to try again. He completely ignores my letters. When I drop the kids off to visit him, he does not even mention my letters. He only contacts me when he needs money or want to see the kids. When I do see him he acts asif he still cares about me. When I need help in difficult situations he is there for me, but emotionally I dont know how he feels, he never wants to talk about things.
Please advice me what to do.
Regards
me

Dear Friend,


Honestly I think that you have done all that you can do with regard to the ex. Seems to me that you have spilled out your soul to both the men involved in your life, and that if you continue down the road that you are on you will truly not be happy.


The way I see this, is that the man you loved wasn’t a provider. You left the security of love for the security of a pay check. Now that in itself will burn a man like nothing else. Leaving a man because he couldn’t provide is hard on the esteem. And he likely doesn’t want anything to do with you, because of the chance of that happening again. A person can only handle so much. So he does what he can, and he is still borrowing money from you, which in itself must be degrading to him. Borrowing money from the woman who left him. I do not see him returning to you.


And then there is the man you are currently with. You are not in love with him because you are in love with your ex. But the truth is, you were the one who left and you have made your bed. So why punish this man with an unloving partner? Seems rather selfish, and you both deserve so much more then that.


I know that you will not take this advice, because it is pretty unsympathetic (and for that I do apologize) but you should get out on your own and start new. Leave these two men to begin their lives with people who accept them wholly. And you should do the same, stay true to yourself, and let this be a hard lesson to learn.

Be Yourself

In Being Yourself, Empowerment, Teen Issues on September 18, 2007 at 11:19 am

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,
I seriously cannot get a boyfriend. My friend Emily gets alllll the guys. But this guy i like Jake likes her too i think. but the only way i can hang out with jake is with emily too. because it would be all akward if it was just me and him. like i look pretty cute for school i think, and i try to IM him but he just doesn’t keep the conversation going. What am i doing wrong? help me!
from,
confused

Dear Confused:


Why would it be awkward to hang out with this Jake guy without Emily? Do you feel like you are not being truthful to Emily and are crossing a line? Does Emily like Jake and you know this? That is my first gut instinct because when a girl likes a guy she does what she can to see if the feeling is mutual. And you will not get a good ‘read’ if you idly let things go by.

If Jake isn’t interested in you, well you will know. And even in this day and age of ‘IM’ing… that is just not personal. And you don’t get the quality of feeling and humanity from it. So you will need to talk to him in person.


One thing that I will say is that you cannot compare yourself to Emily. It is just not fair to your well being. You need to establish that you are of worth, and that you can have people in your life without measuring it to someone else. That is about the best advice I can give you. Be yourself and be of worth to yourself. You sound like a nice girl, and you will get to a place where you are happy with who is in your life. So stop comparing yourself, with your friend. Maybe she isn’t all that happy with the guys she attracts, and it isn’t her fault that they are attracted to her. The worst thing you could do is to be jealous over something so uncontrollable, because you will lose a friend and become bitter. You don’t want that.


Of course it isn’t easy seeing all the guys flock to Emily, and I am in no way saying that you should shrink back like a wall flower. Be yourself, but also have a little bit of adventure. Talk to people a little more, and to their faces instead of in an instant message. Gradually you will see the change it brings, and I am sure you will be happy with the outcome.

Good luck.

Bloom Where You’re Planted

In Cultivate Yourself, Empowerment, Empowerment Practices, Girl To Woman, How To's on September 16, 2007 at 12:03 pm

Thursday, September 6, 2007

Bloom Where You’re Planted.

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,

When I was seventeen my life was perfect. I was doing well in school, I had a great boyfriend who I loved completely, and my two best friends (lets call them R & R) were the best anyone could ask for. I loved everything about my life, I was happy with all aspects of it and was excited about my upcoming college years. When I turned 18, after I had graduated, my parents suddenly hated my boyfriend and forced me to break up with him. It was the single most difficult thing I have ever had to do because I loved him so much. Later they told me that their behavior was caused by difficult times in their own marriage but I can’t say that I have ever fully forgiven them for what they did.

Anyway, about three years after the break up my ex boyfriend and I reconnected, he was living in a different city but we picked up quite literally from where we left off three years prior. I even went to visit him once. Flash forward two years after that both my best friends ( R & R) stopped talking to me for different, and equally trivial reasons. They were my whole world, I spoke and saw them both everyday, I had put them above my own family because they had never let me down like my own family had. Needless to say I was quite depressed for a while, longer then I can believe, years. So about a year ago my ex tells me that he joined the Navy, something which I can’t exactly say I agree with but, who am I to tell him its a dumb move? So he leaves, like everyone.

I am now twenty four and work full time, I take classes at night also. My life seems so meaningless and empty, I have friends, but they are not like the ones I had before. My ex and I are still good friends, but I can’t seem to date anyone else seriously. I don’t want him back, we have both changed as people and I really like the friendship that we both have now. I just long so much to have a perfect life that I once had. When will things get better? Its been seven years and I can still feel the hollow in my heart. I fill my days up with activity after activity so I don’t have time to think, but no matter how busy I make myself it always comes back. I can’t really talk to my ex about it because I don’t think he will understand. What do you think?
Dear Friend,

Happiness is a state of mind, ya know? As we grow older, the one thing we will always see is that change is an absolute certainty. Friends change, lovers come and go and even family can and will change and evolve. Change is absolute. You will never recapture, things as they were. So, what can you do with what’s left?

Going from young girl to woman, is never easy. Going from having certain friends you can count on, to suddenly not having them, well, it can and could bother the best. But the past is just that; The Past. Let it go.

In some ways, I feel like you’re stuck in the past and equate happier times, associate your happiness, with a loss of friends and for the way things were. One thing you will learn is that you can never turn back the hands of time. No, you must learn to move forward. In some ways, I feel you are still in mourning for your, “Youth,” and those happier days. You equate your lost friendships and relationship with your ex boyfriend as the center entity of your happiness. You’ve really got to let that go, understand that things are not the same and never will be. The minute you realize that you might be holding on to old days, the sooner you will begin to heal and find happiness.

Happiness is a state of mind. Remember this.

You have every reason in the world, to feel as you do. But you will remain stuck until you can let go of the past, move forward and make a conscience effort to be happy, right where you are, in your life. I’ve seen people with doing Life, in prison and somehow, they manage to go on and would be perceived as happy. It is all a state of mind. So, what can you do?

Make that effort, to get out, go places and stop feeling lost because it’s not with your old friends or relationships. Once you’ve let go of what you can not change and realize that things never remain the same, you’ll move forward. Friends come and they go, as well, so do lovers. People evolve and you grow apart and this cycle will continue. What I mean is that the friends you make tomorrow, may not be there in even a year. It’s the nature of life, as it is even with relationships. You could be so much in love today but then suddenly, realize that that guy is nothing but a jerk, you have nothing or little in common and you must move on.

Expect change, embrace diversity and keep moving. It’s not easy but you must make an attempt to bloom where you’re planted. Tomorrow, you may be uprooted but having that knowledge and making an attempt at happiness, is all and everything, that life is about.

I think the hardest thing to swallow, is the actuality, that we are, in and of itself; Alone. Only you can make you happy. If you never count on others to bring forth happiness, you can not be disappointed. No, you must be happy within yourself and once you figure this out, you will bloom.

Get up tomorrow, realize it’s a new day, a new you, cultivate yourself and begin to bloom.

Xmichra Said…

I agree with Babs, you have to seize your life for what it can be, not what it was.

Life throws a lot of curve balls at us, and we need to be able to be happy with who we are in order to keep our lives moving. We need to gather our strength and our soul in times like this… and realize that our lives are worth so much to so many… even if it isn’t obvious at the time.

You sound like a bright young woman who has a lot in front of her. Keep going, and keep strong. Your good days are all ahead of you.

How To Deal With The “What If’s”

In Keeping It Real, Personal Relationships, Personal Responsibility, What If's, Young Love on September 16, 2007 at 12:01 pm

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

How To Deal With the “The What If’s”

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
I’ve known this guy for two years. long story short, he’s always been a

sweetheart but i never started to feel for him until that day we kissed. now

I can’t get him out of my mind and that bothers me because I think I wanna

be with him but relationships scare me and Im not the type of girl who wants

to get married because Im afraid of making the same mistakes i made in the

past and plus it seems that every guy cheats now so theres no trust. I like

him alot but he might be one of “them”. I dont want to push him out of my

life but I dont want to get to close either. how do I keep myself from

getting to close to him or any other guy?
Dear Friend,

Hmm. Well, it sounds to me like you are doing just fine not getting close to guys. Just keep on doing what you are doing and you will 100% never be close. But that alas, is what I think you might need to change to be happy.


See, I understand where you are coming from in regards to men. But the thing about living, is that you need to truly live… and by pushing people out you will not gain the full experience this life has to offer. I am dead serious here. I can hear the tone of this letter and I think that you are scared. And probably rightly so. There are a lot of untrustworthy, scummy assholes out there. The trick is to not become prey to them and not to become one of them.


You my dear, are someone who has made a few mistakes and has been burned as well. And with that comes a whole lot of doubt. I know this, because of tried and true experience. It’s hard to tell a woman (or man for that matter) that she will find truth and love and respect from a man when they had been burnt… like having their best friend sleep with their boyfriend of five years. Ya, I know all about the burn, and about the staying far far away from anything that seemed like it was relationship like.

But the reality was, I met a man later who I was great friends with. He was as good as gold, a real sweetheart and we had that fateful first kiss. I was never a girl who wanted to be married, have children, and buy a house. And yet that is all I could think would make my world once I kissed him… a whole life. It was a feeling I had, and thankfully ten years later I still do. It’s been a bumpy ride at times, don’t get me wrong.. but he is not one of “them”, and I get the feeling that maybe this guy you are developing feelings for isn’t either.
Cut the guy a little slack, and let him prove himself before you cut him out. I think you owe yourself the chance to be really happy, and the opportunity to change your mind.

Aunt Babz said…

You can’t live in the “What If’s.” Let the guy know how you feel, from the git go, as to fooling around. You don’t have to tell him, what you might do, but let him know, he needs only to be honest, if he’s not happy, before he does something, he’ll regret. There’s a lot or little implication, huh?

License To Disrespect

In Assertive Practices, Commanding Respect, Disrespectful Behavior, Empowerment, Empowerment Practices, Gaining Respect, Passive-Aggresive, Sister Issues on September 16, 2007 at 11:59 am

Saturday, September 1, 2007

License to Disrespect


This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,

 

My name is Sarah, My sister is a year and a few month older than me. Growing up we have been close and distant due to so many family problems. Either my sister left home, or went to university, and when she returned I was at university etc etc, so we have not spent our entire lives at each others sides. However due to the so many problems it has created a level of trust and a bond between us.

 

My sister is 23 and I am 21. She has serious anger issues and is known for her moody ways, if something doesnt go her way she will wail and scream, but she is fair at heart. She has just got married, and it hurt me to let go of her, thinking that maybe this is the start of another beginning for us.

 

My sister always thinks she knows best, always shouts at me, and the guy she married takes her side and its as if they both gang up on me. When its nothing to do with him. She recently called me a bad sister, saying that i have never been there for her, and the only time she hears from me is when i have problems………………………being so untrue i was so hurt i didnt bother responding.

 

I have given her countless amounts of money, and try my best to be there for her but it seems she is never happy. On her wedding day i tried to help with all the arrangements but when i try and help she has such a specific way of how things are done she doesn’t want my help. So i cant win either way. I was trying to add some accessories to her, and when i couldn’t do it she stormed out in her dress in a tantrum saying can nobody do anything for me!!! its my wedding day!!! i have to do everything myself!!! bearing in mind i am not to sure as to the in’s and out’s of a wedding..this was my first.

 

she can be so loving but at the same time so nasty, i don’t confide in her anymore now as she has blatantly said she doesn’t want to know my problems. its so unfair as when we were younger all i did was listen to her…….i always described it as ‘i would hold her hairspray, mirror and accessories as she would walk around’ if she wasn’t happy with the way she looked……she would be in a mood. everything revolved around her.

 

i love her so so much, i guess just knowing that we are ok makes me feel a peace but she makes me so miserable sometimes, and that i am at fault. she is on her honeymoon now, and has text me no hi or hello just ‘where is my makeup!!!!! i need it!!’ and yet i offered to help pack her things but she blew up and refused…..

 

please please can you help me?????


Dear Sarah,

It sounds to me, like big Sister needs to be spanked. She is behaving like a selfish Princess. Sorry to say, quite often, it is very difficult to make someone of that caliber, see the light. If they were able to look in the mirror and see themselves, as they truly are and as they behave, they’d have already changed that behavior.

There are a few things, you can do though, if nothing else, to empower yourself. For starters, do not tolerate her speaking down to you. At the start of it, you calmly inform her, that you will not be spoken to, in that manner or fashion. You inform her that you will not be treated any other way, than she’s willing to be treated. Watch the look on her face, once you’ve stated your demand.

I like that you are able to see her good qualities, even in your hurt and anger. This shows me that you are able to put things into perspective, you are able to try to be unbiased and see her good side, as well as the bad. Sounds to me, like you have the ability to be fair and just. Maybe your sis, needs some “Just” tough love.

Write Her A Letter

I would start by writing her a letter, one she’ll receive, upon her return. In that letter, you let her know, you are able to see her good qualities. At the start of the letter, you make sure she knows that you have her best interest, at heart and you are writing this letter, simply because, you want your relationship, to be the best it can be. You tell her that, while you realize that you have family obligation to her, as a sister and you will always love her, right now, she’s left a real bad taste in your mouth. In fact, while you will always love her, at the moment, you don’t like her too much. You then tell her, the reason for this letter, is to change this.

You must make her aware that, first off, when you two do have a heated discussion or argument, her husband has absolutely no business sticking his nose in it. You tell her, you will no longer tolerate him, in family business. Tell her why; he is not able to be unbiased, will always side with her no matter what and between sisters, it’s simply none of his business. He needs to back up and mind his P’s & Q’s.

Secondly, you will never again tolerate her speaking to you, as she has. You give her an ultimatum; Be respectful or keep your mouth shut. She will treat you, like she would treat anyone else, outside the family. She thinks because you are family, that it gives her license to disrespect you. Take that license back and simply put, you will not allow it. If she continues to have these outbursts of immature behavior, when she doesn’t get her way, you will not speak to her, until such time as she sees just how ridiculous, that behavior is. Let her know that she’s done it for the last time. Tell her also that while you realize, she was under duress, she has no business talking to you, as she did, has and you have grown quite weary of her inconsiderate words.

Let her know, in this letter, that you hope and pray, that she will look at all this, look in the mirror and ask herself, if she would allow others to treat her, as she treats you?

I have a little Sister, a Princess too. Every now and again, I have to let her know that I am not going to tolerate any disrespect. She will not take her bad days out on me, she will not disrespect me and if she wants me, to treat her with respect, I will command it, myself.

See, I think your sis, has been allowed to get away with the behavior, for far too long. I dare say, that it is your choice to allow it, huh? This is typical, what they call, “Passive,” and quite often, there are people that do take advantage of passive people. Thus far, in your brief letter, you have proven the premise. But I only know all this because I was and still be, “Passive-Aggressive.” Now, that’s a clinical term but in my world, it means that, I have not been assertive and stated my needs or requirements, in any relationship. In the past, those that might prey upon the passive, had taken advantage of me. Then, all of a sudden, I would burst into flames, go crazy and let them have it. Of course, they thought I was crazy, I may very well be. But if I allowed it and let it go on, of course, they thought it was ok to talk to me any kind of way or to hurt my feelings. They’d have complete disregard, for my pain, in the process and completely disrespect me. I allowed it, all along. Then, once I was fed up and had had enough, I got evil and told them off with a vengeance.

You must learn to be assertive. You must learn, for your own well being, happiness and health, to never tolerate what is not right. Thus far, you’ve stuffed it all and become pissed off and resentful. You harbor animosity and suffer in silence. Are you a martyr? I think not. Note, they can only do this, if you allow it. I had to learn to stop playing the martyr, step up to bat and say, “STOP,” loud and clear.

I’d like you to make a pact with yourself, that from this point on, you will no longer tolerate abuse from your sister or anyone, for that matter. You may have to play hardball with her, for a minute. You may have to actually tell her, just how immature, she’s behaving and that you want nothing more to do with it. Now, if you tell her she’s behaving like a child, she’ll have to look at it. One of two things will happen; She’ll really look at the scenario, as a whole and/or, she’ll get real pissed off. I’m betting on #2 and you can bet your bippy, it may not be pretty. You’ve got to be willing to stand your ground, if you really want things to change.

Take that license to disrespect, away from her. Write the letter today.

Change

In Choices, Coping Skills, Empowerment, Empowerment Practices, Life Changes, Teen Issues, Teen Problems on September 16, 2007 at 11:56 am

Thursday, August 30, 2007

Change

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Hy Aunt B!

I hope you have time to read this!I guess my main issue is that i never get along with others in school and since September is just 2 days away,im already counting the hours to my doom.I really dont wan to go back.There is absolutely nothing that could convince me.Ive already changed school once because of i cant fit in and now im supposed to go to the 9th grade at the second school where my 6,7 and 8 grades werent that much fun!Its mainly my fault i cant get along with others that well.I’m just so shy and Mega shy!I just dont talk that much and when i do i wish i could be somewhere else.The damage it has brought to me is just too much to mend and i just dont know what to do.Believe,it is really hopeless!But there is one thing that i just dont like,sitting at home anymore either!But the main thing stopping me from going outside is that i dont like to hang around,i find it a huge waste of time.I like reading and developing my skills.I actually value education very much but im not willing to “pay the price” anymore for getting one in school!It would be my dream and my ambition to go to a school where i fit in and the teachers are always willing to help me learn more.But my parents arent that wealthy to send to private school or have private teachers.Im tired of being bored and 1 third of summer sitting home and plus,im tired of i cant just have it my way in life.

Thank you for reading this!

Helen.


Dear Helen,

School years are tough when you can’t seem to get a handle on your emotional self, and being shy is even tougher to get out of.

I am a very outspoken person, and have not personally had to deal with being shy… but my husband has. He is really shy, to the point that if I hadn’t asked him out way back when, well I bet the rest of our life wouldn’t have happened.

But when I was nervous to go into my ninth grade, that I can relate too. I was going to a whole new school surrounded by people I had no idea about and teachers and a school system that was VERY different from what I knew. I’m not going to lie, I was freaked out.. and that really affected my first semester to the point that I was failing school because I just didn’t feel that I fit in there.

For me, I had to really wrap my brain around three things :purpose, function and personality.

Purpose – School was and still is an important part of a persons life, and unless you are home schooled.. well most places here it is called truancy if you do not attend and your parents can be charged. Also, without a good high school grade you are looking at no college opportunities, and that can limit your future. The purpose of the schooling is to prepare you for life, and there is plenty of life past grade nine I promise.

Function – this was to daily function for me. How was I going to be able to function in school while feeling dysfunctional? I had to make myself participate is a few things (if you are shy you could sign up for the school paper, photography for the year book, or even a book club) and willingly smile at people and try my best to be friendly with people. Which was hard since I was a tough cookie.

Personality – finally, I stopped trying to ‘fit in’. I just stopped. I was me, and I liked me. It was others I had a problem with for the most part. So I would go my merry way into the classrooms and soon I had people talking to me that were really great people. When you stick to who you are and don’t pretend to be something else, you gain some very valuable friends that have very similar interests or persona’s.

Hanging around out in the malls and what not IS a big waste of time. And some really enjoy doing that for down time. If you prefer to draw or write or read, take those tools with you. I never go anywhere without a book, a piece of paper and a pen to this very day… I just can’t be bothered with being bored.

If you have a problem talking with peers, I urge you to talk with the student councilor who might have some very sound tips for you to employ. Also, if you have a hard time talking in front of people… and this will be hard, but join a group like toastmasters where they actually coach people on how to talk intelligently and with purpose in front of others.

But ultimately this change has to come from you. You sound so desolate and set in the fact that things don’t change.. but they do all the time. And it is most often the changes that we make that make us happy. Don’t lose hope, and be the change that you want to see.

 

Aunt Babz said…

 

Read all the posts labeled with “Empowerment,”it just might help.

Modifying Mom

In Behavioral Modification, Inappropriate Behavior, Mom's Behavior, Respect on September 15, 2007 at 3:53 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Dear Aunt Babz,

I’ve never written to you before but I’m in need of some quick advice…..

My ex and I are planning a vacation for our son next month. All 3 of us are going to Disney World. Even though my ex and I aren’t together anymore we are trying to get along for our child’s sake. We split up when our son was an infant. It’s been a very tough 3 years but we’re trying to get along for his sake. For his birthday my ex and I wanted to take him to WDW. We are going for a week. And we were so excited about going. My ex paid for the trip which was very sweet of him.

After I made the reservations my mother asked me if she could go. I was shocked. Mostly because she doesn’t like my ex at all. I can’t understand why she would want to spend a week with him?! She wont even stay in the same room with him now and to be with us for a week??? My ex and I just don’t get it. My ex said to tell her that she is more than welcome. I on the other hand know it’s not going to work but what else can I do. I can’t tell her no. Then I would hurt her feelings. She talks about my ex like a dog. Now she wants to go on a 7 day trip with him????

See the problem is that my mother is VERY hard to get along with. She’s very moody and basically hates men. One day she’ll be as happy as can be and the next day she wont answer the phone because she doesn’t want to talk to anyone or doesn’t (her family) to come over. She loves her grandchildren but NEVER wants to spend time with them. She buy them things, have us over for a few hours but that is it. Never babysits. Never takes them anywhere with just her. So the reason why she is going to Disney World can’t be that she wants to spend time with her grandson. What do I do???? She already booked the trip. I’m not looking forward to this at all. I’m afraid that she’s going to start an argument with my ex or have a bad attitude the entire time we are there. I love her to pieces. Don’t get me wrong. No one gets it. Not my aunt, not my sister. No one.

If I knew that she would behave her self and not say rude things to my ex (or to me even) I would be happy about her going. But I know her and it’s hard for me or my sister to be around her because of her moodiness. What do I do????? She just invited herself. And there is nothing I can do. Or is there???

Thanks for listening….

Dear Friend,

Sounds a bit Bi-Polar, huh? But it takes one to know one and I just might be the same way. I can be moody but not too much. However, I do have the problem with becoming almost anti-social or rather, it’s gotta be on my terms. Now, I’m not around my Grandkids because I live about 9 hours away from them but I’d probably be the same way. I might babysit, when “I” felt like it but it’s not a given. Some women feel they did their time, the Warden let them out of the Child Caring Prison and they’ll never go back. Some women just evolve where they feel they don’t still have the coping skills to take care of Grandkids. Your Mom may be one of them.

Mom may very well be set in her ways. However, it does not give her license to be a cranky old lady or to make life miserable for all those around her. Even if a vacation was not on the agenda, as it is, I think sitting Mom down and letting her know that while you respect her and love her even more, her unpleasantness is no longer welcome.

We tend to enable, typically grouchy people, not even realizing that we’re doing it. We get so used to tippy toeing around them, it becomes habit, a way of life. In all truthfulness, we’re doing them, as well as ourselves, a great disservice.

Old habits die hard but an old dog can learn new tricks. remember this. You, as well as your family, have allowed this to go on, so long, it has become a way of life, a given. Nip it in the bud! Behavior Modification can happen at any age. I think it’s time. Read this, “How Will I Be Remembered.” No, it’s not the same scenario but you can take some good thoughts, good advice and apply it.

Quite often, the only emotion some of us allow ourselves, is anger and animosity. Quite often, we tend to allow a person, in our family, to continue on this path, which is actually self-destructive. Your Mom may not even realize that she is thought of as an unpleasant and hard to get along with person. I do believe you’d be doing her a favor by bringing it all to her attention. Now, how do you do that?

I am a big proponent of writing ones feelings down, in the form of a letter. You must be careful how you word things, be respectful and make sure that you start the letter, on the premise, that you want her to be happy, live a long time, you love her and respect her. Happy people live longer, besides the fact that you want to enjoy her company. You know you can love someone unconditionally but not like them, or their behavior. It’d be real nice, if you all could learn to like each other and enjoy the years, Mom has left. You let her in on that little secret.

I think it’s all a matter of approach. In your mind, you have to know that her behavior is unacceptable. For you to worry that she will act out and behave inappropriately, on your vacation, is a clear indication, that things are not as they should be. As an adult, you must look at it, from the perspective, that you will not tolerate or put up with her moodiness, any longer. If you were her employer, she’d have to behave or be fired. If you were her best friend, she’d not keep a friend, very long, if she mistreated them.

We all have the ability to control our emotions, for the most part. When we don’t control them, it’s usually in a setting where we feel it’s safe to act out or to show our rotten side. You guys, unknowingly, have given her this safe spot and you’ve just chalked it up to, “Well, that’s just Mom being Mom.” But it’s wrong, it’s inappropriate or you’d welcome her and her company on your trip. You just need to make a conscience effort or observance of when or why she’s behaving as she does. You’ve got to get to a point where you say, “OUCH.”

PS, Maybe write a Contract of Fun. If you write out a contract and everyone signs it, stating that all involved will behave like an adult, be respectful and mindful of others, she may not think it’s directed at her but all involved. Close the contract with, “If you have nothing nice to say, say nothing.”

What’s Good For The Goose Is Good For The Gander

In Guy Behavior, Men and Porn, Pregnancy, Women's Issues on September 15, 2007 at 12:23 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,
I have been married for 14 yrs. I have a daughter that is 2 1/2 yrs old and I am 8 months pregnant. I caught my husband on the internet looking at porn sites and it totally devastated me. I dont understand what you can get out of looking at pictures. This made me feel real insecure, I feel like is that what he wants because I sure dont look like those girls on the site. And if that is what he wanted why did he marry me? I asked him why and he just says he doesnt know why he did it. He says he’ll never do it again, But it isnt the first time this has happened and I dont know how to deal with it, It has really put me in a depression. Everytime I see I pretty girl I hate her, I feel like she is ruining my marriage even though I know she isnt and I hate feeling this way. Please Help me….
Confused

Dear Confused,

You’re not alone, when it comes to your man looking at porn, just to let you know. A lot of men/husbands look and watch. I was and felt the same way. As well, I do believe there’s a larger group of us, who just don’t care for our men looking/ogling at porn.

Recently, I had a friend who’s husband went to a Strip Club with all his buddies. She was 8 months pregnant and I’m sure you can relate to all that she told me, as to how she felt. I spoke with her at length, to get to the bottom of it all.

For starters, when we are pregnant, we don’t often feel that glow, people say we have. You get to a point, where you feel more like a beached whale, than a woman having a baby. You’re already feeling vulnerable, concerning your own appearance. You get to a point where you no longer feel sexy, much less desirable. So, how can you compete with those young girls with their perky breasts and high -n- tight tiny hiney? You begin to view those girls that dress rather teasingly as your own demise, a threat, those little sluts, huh? Well, again, you are not alone.

Even those of us, who aren’t pregnant, feel the sting of the scantily clad. Those girls are not representative of what’s real, you know the ones in the magazines and porns. The girls in the porno mags are airbrushed, as well, in the movies, they can digitally make them next to perfect. No one can compete with that. No one.

It’s a double edged sword, this so called equality, we have as women. We fought for all the wrong things, we really did and in this sexual revolution, ushered in, in the 70’s, we’ve gone from bad to worse. Why do I say this?

In an age where women are getting all this plastic surgery, it puts undue pressure on those of us, that are, “a la natural.” Once again, we can’t compete with that which is fake.Unfortunately, this mind set and behavior will continue, until we, as women change it. I don’t see it happening, anytime soon. But what can you do about you?

I think hubby needs a little dose of perspective. He needs to understand how it feels, to be in your shoes. I assume you two, planned this child together? It takes two to Tango, does it not? He must pull his weight, in every way possible. But in order for you to get this from him, you must take away any resentment.

I’ve always said, “Men are just boys in big clothing.” Now, I am not a feminist and it’s never been, “I am woman, hear me roar,” either. But men and women are different and quite often, it comes down to making your man understand, just what’s what. I won’t call it training but coaxing. Your hubby needs to be coaxed to do right by you.

They sell porn, it’s on the Internet, it’s just about everywhere you turn. There is a demand for it, or they’d gone out of business, a long time ago, right? So hubby sees that all the other guys are looking, why can’t he? I’ll bet he’s thinking this, right now. He needs perspective, coaxing so he can let go of that resentment. Yes, it’s there, guaranteed.

What’s Good For The Goose Is Good For The Gander

He must try to understand, how you feel right now. I’m quite sure, he tells you he loves you, every day, huh? But there is a difference between love and desire. He would probably tell you that he desires you too, right? But you don’t feel very desirable right now and he could tell you, till he’s blue in the face and it wouldn’t change a thing. Now, this is not his fault, that you don’t feel desirable, now is it? But it’s a fact of life, a rite of passage, for a mother. Things change, the variables change, your body changes. It’s highly doubtful that you’ll ever be or feel the same. You must adapt but that does not mean you must bow down to what you dislike or find offensive.

A Dose of Perspective

You must put all this, in terms your man will understand. You must help him to feel what you are feeling. Try to explain to him, calmly, what it is like, when you feel like a baby making machine, then a Mom and not the young and desirable woman, he once lusted for. Don’t lecture him. No, we must make him understand but put the resentment aside. You will both become resentful, if you can’t calmly allow him to feel what you are feeling. You must make him understand how it would feel if he caught you looking at porn.

How would he feel, if he purposely had to gain weight? Would the girls look at him? What if he shaved his head? I mean some guys can sport that look, while others look absurd. But I say this for a reason; how would he feel about himself, if through no fault of his own, he was suddenly fat and bald? I mean like, he wakes up one morn and then, he looks in the mirror and he sees himself and thinks, “Eeeeeew!” He then walks in, feeling less than and you are watching some built guy, bulging with muscles with a big, you know what (bigger than his) and it’s very apparent that you are purposely looking at it. It wasn’t an accident, you went to that site, for a reason. How would he feel? No you didn’t fool around but it feels like you might as well have cause he feels betrayed. He feels like he doesn’t trip your trigger anymore cause if he did, why in hell would you feel the need to look at that? So, now he’s standing there feeling like you must not love him anymore and at the very least, he’s not desirable? You must make him understand.

Flip The Coin

The other half of our realization here, is that if we don’t want our man to shop at another store, we must know the nature of the beast and embrace the facts. Men are hardwired differently than women. They think about sex more, this is a statistical fact, I’m sure you could bear witness? What the hell are you saying, Babz?

I’m telling you to always be aware of the fact that, your man is an animal and you must feed the animal. You may have to work at it. You may have to give a little more of yourself. Don’t just get pissed off at him, look at his nature and try to understand it. Yes, he’s a Lion, capable of being savage. It was a savage act, for him to look at the porn but just like a lion eats raw red meat, raw feelings are there and you must understand this. You must know how to master the Beast.

You will not be pregnant forever. These feelings of inadequacy will subside and you will begin to feel like your old self. Right now, I’m sure you’re Hyper-Sensitive to the subject and the impact of it all cuts a bit deeper. I have the feeling that you don’t care for him, looking at porn in the first place but right now, is sure as hell, not a choice time for him to make that mistake. Put the shoe, on the other foot for him and make him see.

At the same time, you guys have been married 14 years. I imagine that you had some magic/chemistry there. Ask yourself, if you quit working at the marriage? Did you take things for granted? I mean he needs to ask himself the same question. I am not pointing the finger at either of you. I am simply saying that, although you can love each other, is the lust and desire gone? He’ll deny it, ya know. But there are things, you can do, to keep him coming back for more.

As I said before, you’re almost done with the pregnancy thing. This sensitivity may subside a bit but, I feel you must come to grips with who you are and where you want to be. No, you’ll never be the young woman you once were. You could make yourself sick, just thinking about it. I went through this myself and I know how you feel. It’s enough to piss off a preacher, when you see some young girl, walking around with the top of her thong, clearly showing, purposely sticking out of her pants or sweats or whatever. Yea, your husband is going to look and yea, he might even think it’s sexy. Facts of Life.

You can’t change how he thinks, even if he looks. You can control, if he acts upon things. Put it into perspective, as to how it feels, for you, especially right now. But do your part to keep him thinking about you. Do your part to blow his mind and trip his trigger. Yes, men have fantasies but if what you’re doing is real, he’ll think about that first. Go that extra distance to be a dirty girl, in bed. Take control and pretend you’re at the rodeo. Ride ‘em Cowgirl!

Truth/Trust

In Being Truthful, Infidelity, Relationships on September 14, 2007 at 9:21 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,
Hi, my name is Ashley. I’m in a bit of a pickle. see I have been with this guy for almost 3 years ( on and off) and while we were on an “off” stage I cheated on him with one of his friends, not a close one, but still it was one of his friends. We swore never to tell, but in the town we live in everyone knows everything, so we just denied it. I feel terrible about what i have done, but i dont want to tell my boyfriend because im afraid of losing him. the other guy and i havent talked since the whole thing happened, he played me, and i knew he was going to but i let the temptations get the best of me. im not sure if i should tell him and take the chance of losing my boyfriend/best friend. or if i should just keep denying it?
thanks for your help.

Dear Friend,

You are in quite the pickle. The thing that you did wrong here wasn’t in having sex with another person (you guys were broken up, so don’t call that cheating). It was that once all the cards were thrown on the table, you denied it.

So really there is the pickle. To confess or not to confess. Well. This is not going to be easy.


The thing of this situation is, your boyfriend is going to find out. How do I know that? Well he already ‘knows’ to some degree and when that is hanging over your head people can tell. He will likely not stop wondering and asking until he is satisfied with the truth. If you have been played by the other guy.. well he just might tell his friend one night while drinking, having coffee, or just for spite. Men are strange that way, wanting to tell each other of their conquests (I am laughing at this statement because it is more an elaboration then the truth.. but some guys just like to brag.) . But regardless, the thought it in your boyfriends head and that is damaging.

So you can continue to lie, and see if you can prolong the agony. But I think in your case I would just tell him. Why? Because if you love him and you want him to trust you again you are going to have to come clean. I am fairly certain that he will not trust you ever again if you don’t tell him… because in the back of his head you not only slept with his friend, but you lied about it. Makes no matter if that is the truth, it is to him. But if you admit to what you have done there might be hope. Another thing to keep in mind is that your relationship will suffer if you have this enormous guilt in you and you keep lying. Those sorts of things always come out, and never in a good way. Your conscious will get the better of you. There is still the chance that he might break things off, but if you are truthful at least you have a shot.

Nixing The Negativity

In Uncategorized on September 13, 2007 at 9:59 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,

I’m sorry to bother you yet again. i have issues. :( and im only 18 man thaz

crazy but anywayz, im so negative its become a problem. i dont believe in
relationships or marriage and i doubt everything but my intelligence and
ability to be successful careerwise. i just want to be happy whether im
single or not. i want to count on me and god for happiness. i know i’ll have
problems and rainy days but i can deal with them. i just want to be content
with everything in my life and everyone in my life too. help.

Dear Negatively Drawn,

When you are eighteen and trying to pave your way in the world, the feelings that you are having are very normal. It is difficult to ‘get it together’ when you don’t know what your real drive, your purpose is. And it is even more difficult to make your way when you have notions of what you do and don’t believe in right off the get go. Let me explain.

See, I have said this before, but I was just like you in this regard. I had thought marriage was an archaic and unnecessary burden, which was passed down through centuries of tradition. It wasn’t until I was older, and ready to commit myself to another person did my mind ever waver on this subject.

One of the words that I hear often (and from myself as well) is “Belief”. You don’t believe in relationships, however relationships are prevalent. Examples are those of friends, parents, siblings.. they don’t just stay together out of sheer luck. Multiple families have torn apart because of the unwillingness, or inability to communicate and share common goals. Likewise, partnerships also dissolve because of all sorts of reasons. But it is still a relationship that is broken. So when you say you don’t believe in relationships.. I am going to assume that you don’t think having one right now is in your best interest.. or just interesting to you period.

Going with that thought, I would like to give you a piece of advice that will be a jagged little pill to swallow. Don’t be so ready to make your mind up on what you believe and do not believe in at this point. You have so much time to figure out what is right for you, and if you release that mind set I can guarantee that you will be more alleviated. It is the ability of the human mind to make choices which makes life so enjoyable, and when you take the choice away.. you are left with conviction and judgment. Not to say that having those traits are undesirable, in fact it is often what builds our character and makes us part of this society on earth. But predetermining your whole life with a statement is not in itself very reflective or effective to living. We have the opportunity of our entire life span to change our minds, grow as people, and do what is good for each other and ourselves. That is the magic of life, I kid you not.

Being content with your life is only in the power of you. What are you doing to make yourself content? Hanging around with people you do not feel comfortable with will not do it. Staying in a dead end job that you hate will not do it. Staying in a relationship with a person who doesn’t get you will not do it. So what to do then? Change. It is one of the simplest words, and I think the hardest to embrace. Changing yourself into a better you is something that multiple ads for weight loss, depression medications, and stylists have cashed in on for decades. But the actual phrase shouldn’t be washed away with the product. The choice to change things up is ours, and we should always remember that choice is what we have to make our lives better and to get to that place where we are content.

Another piece of advice I would give, is (and seriously bear with me on this one) think happy thoughts. Sounds like Peter Pan is about to erupt out of this page, pixie dust in tow. But seriously, if you are always doubting the motives of others and doubting the credibility of things, you will make yourself miserable. Don’t get me wrong, be smart and don’t be taken for a ride when you know better. But if a guy at work suddenly asks you for coffee, don’t just immediately think he is just after your body/money/what have you. At least give him the chance to prove he is not a dumb ass. I assure you, there are some out there that aren’t.

And if you are wanting for more happiness within yourself, then I strongly suggest not being negative towards yourself. All of us have this self sabotage button that we just love to press. And it is really a shame, because if you could see yourself through another’s eyes I think that you would be pleasantly surprised at the outcome. We are not worthless, we are not idiots, we are not wasting our time… as long as you are committed to living. Not just wandering through life without feeling. LIVING. You don’t need any other purpose then that. And it is the most fun and rewarding thing to do, to live and enjoy your life. And more often then not, those who embrace that method have what others covet for themselves. Not material possessions, anyone can get those with hard work. But the happiness that you exude due to truly being happy and satisfied that this life that you are living is one with your 100% dedication. If you can make it happen, it will. Trust me.

This Is…Your Life

In Uncategorized on September 13, 2007 at 12:17 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

I live in an emotionally abuse family home. My parents fight all the time. My mom threatens to put my in juvenile if i dont do stuff for her. For instance. Clean my room. Clean the bathroom. Im not lazy. I do do the stuff. but while im doing it she starts to throw her two cents in and just tries to imtimidate me. Like: use this cleaner-do it right- or your not going to work until its clean (i love my job and she always tries to threaten to take that away when its my only way to get away from all the stuff that i put up with at home) or anything that she can do to get to my head. I want to leave and live my friends instead. She says that if i leave she will call the cops and they will track me down and take me to juvenile. im starting to think juvenile wont be so bad. What is juvenile like? Can she just send me to juvenile because she wants to? What should i do? Plus i still have school and stuff to worry about. Im almost able to leave legally at 17 but ill be 16 for another year, then i can leave. im starting to think about suicide for some reason. What should i do? please keep this between us and dont post it on your site.
-Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

Parents and law is exactly it.

Are you sure that you know the state laws of parental obligation? You might be able to remove yourself from your home even if you are under age.. especially given the circumstances. If you were to seek help from a social worker they are bound to confidentiality within the law (which is to say that if there is no fear of physical abuse or anything that would break the law) and can give you the rules flat out on what it is you can and cannot do.

Of course, you may not be comfortable with this, and I understand. My first time seeing a social worker was when I was six years old and I didn’t have that fun a time of it. But if you remain level headed when talking, and ask specific questions like “what is the law regarding parental custody.” “what age do you have to be to legally move out on your own” “what are the circumstances that my parents could send me to juvenile detention?”. These are great questions to ask and will help you make up your mind.

One thing that I would like to add is that unless you have done something illegal or physically abusive, your parents can’t just send you to juvenile detention. It’s not there to have teens just be dropped into. It is there as a correctional facility, to help young adults not become criminals. So keep that in the back of your head, and don’t blow up at her. You have not indicated in your letter any reason for her to send you, and she would be laughed at if she had nothing to prove you were violent or on drugs. Another thing to keep in mind, is that if you were to leave, the police would return you to her custody, not juvenile detention. She clearly has no idea what she is talking about and is hoping that you do not either. This is why talking to a social worker would help so much in your case, you need to be educated to relieve the fear factor.

And that is the main thing I am getting here. The fear of things your parents (or maybe just your mom) are saying might actually be true. You need to be educated in this matter and know your rights. I strongly suggest that you seek help in this area, as I am not qualified to give legal advice.. and I do not know the legalities of things for where you are.

If you can manage to leave that environment, please do everything that you can to continue your schooling and make your education the most important thing in your life. I can tell you from experience, I moved out when I was 16. I was being thrown around by my step-dad and decided that I would do much better on my own. And I have to say, it was the hardest thing I have ever done. I worked three jobs and went to school so that I could live and have a future. And had I went a different way, and sought out help from the community programs like social services, I could have had some of that stress eliminated. In my final high school year I was admitted to the hospital with severe dehydration and had collapsed at my work site. I was on IV for a week and in what they call a ‘lapse coma’ which means I was out cold from exhaustion. I would not recommend this road for anyone, as it is hard and tiring and lonely. You don’t get to have much of a life when you are working to survive, and when you are so young. So please, I urge you to seek support so that maybe you can stay in a subsidized house, a shared house, or even a foster home while you attend school. And you will need your schooling, so don’t let that go on the back burner. You want to be able to look at your mother in ten years and say to her “despite your efforts, I have become a responsible and productive member of society.” You really will enjoy it, I assure you.

And while I am on the topic of seeking out help.. I need to also stress the last sentence of your letter and how impacting that is. Suicide is a HUGE word, and is not the best solution is your situation. It is rarely the best solution in any situation. When we get down and feel like someone/something is crushing our very will to be alive… those thoughts can slip in. And that is normal, 100%. But you need to have the strength and the courage to know this for what it is… and that is the human flaw. All people have this little button that once activated sort of reacts like an eject button. Things get rough in life, sometimes far too rough that any one person should endure. And we decide that it would just be better to get the hell out of here, and let the people who hurt us cry over a grave that they couldn’t prevent. But I am telling you, strait up, that it is the wrong road to go down. Do not make this mistake. You are young and you do have ample opportunity to change your life, and to change the future. You cannot do that from a coffin. I am asking Babz to put a few links in here for suicide prevention, and I would love it if you could subside your thoughts and just call or click on them and just hear what they have to say. You did a brave thing already by contacting us. Now do yourself that same favor and live… live for the life that you will have. You will be okay, you will get through this. You just need a little help, and that’s totally acceptable.

So, talk to a social worker. Don’t let your mom freak you out about Juvenile detention (and no, it isn’t that bad). Talk to someone about the thoughts you have been having. And always, always remember that we are here for you to help out in any way that we can. If you need a little more research done for the area you live in for people to talk to, let us know and we can try and find what we can. Stay strong, and remember that this is YOUR life, live it well.

Aunt Babz Said…


Fooling Around Faux Paus

In Empowerment, Faux Paus, Infidelity, Trust Issues on September 11, 2007 at 12:49 pm


This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,

I have been married for 4 years. All these years we have had financial problems but somehow our love (thought it was) and understanding kept us together. We shared many things, we had same interests, we loved same things. We were almost perfect couple. We were also trying to have a baby. He had kids from previous marriage but we wanted ours. We had everything but in difficult financial situation. Our dreams and hope were our drive. I suffered a lot. Before I married him I used to live in another country, had successful career, secure life. I gave up of all of it for the sake of our love. I moved into his country and started a new life. I was supporting him in all his ventures but somehow we didn’t have much success. He had to travel a lot, I had to stay at home alone. I cried many times but I was hoping it needs a little bit of sacrifice to have better future. I am not one of those jealous women checking on their husbands all the time. I was very flexible with my husband. I thought checking won’t help it, if he wants to do something he’ll do it. But I was so sure he would never cheat on me, exactly for the reason that we have been through that hardship sticking together, and that it even made our relationship stronger. It seemed we didn’t have secrets. A year ago, he had to leave the country for some business. I joined him a month later and stayed there for another month. Things with business did not go well. I had to leave and go to my parents for a while. I came to my parents for a couple of weeks but stayed a year. That business was sensitive and he was hoping he’ll make it. We put everything in stake for that. The time passed, I wanted to come and visit him at least but he was telling me just to wait for a bit longer as we were completely broke. I made a mistake. I suffered a lot and kept waiting. He was always busy but we were in touch all the time. He was telling me that he adores me and miss me like crazy and just to wait for this to finish. A year after I got a letter of his girlfriend telling me that they have been living together all this time. She sent me some of his letters to her telling her that he fell in love with her. My whole world went down. She said that she accidentally found out that he was married. I felt so betrayed, used…..taken advantage of. He tried to call me but I didn’t want to talk to him. His family is devastated, everybody is and they try to reconcile us even though they condemn what he did. They want us to sit and talk. Anyway we will meet soon eventually and I feel…..very difficult to explain. He believes there is chance for us but I am not sure I can forgive. I try to understand why this happened and why to me, trying to analyze things but I guess I am not so good at that. I have only my pain at this moment. To leave or not, is it worth trying? Would I be able to trust him again?

My Dear Friend,

I really feel bad, that you have to endure this betrayal. I do believe I would feel the same way, you are currently feeling. On one hand, you want to forgive him, on the other, you could just spit in the wind and walk away, spit nails and never blink. Such mixed emotions.

Yes, it is the ultimate betrayal, to be told you are loved, only to be found that, that love has been split between yourself and another woman. My instincts tell me that your husband does love you. They further tell me, that he may not realize just how devastating this has been. You tend to hide it well, when I know it stands to kill you, if you can not work through it. You must work through this. Regardless of the outcome, you must seek healing.

Your healing, must come from within. Stop looking for rhyme or reason or indicators as to why, how or when. You will never find an explanation for your husbands poor choices. They were exactly that and somehow, you must rise above it and do whatever it takes, to not take it personally. I know that’s a tall order but this is what’s on your plate, so you must grasp the truth but put that truth in perspective, one which you may live with. What are you talking about Babz?

If it were me, the first thing, that would run through my head would be, why me and what did I do wrong? Did I not love him enough? Not enough sexual interaction? Am I not pretty enough? Is she a better woman than me? I could go on and on but I think you get the idea? You’ve been questioning just what or where you went wrong, huh?

Just in example, I’m sure you’ve seen the most beautiful celebrities in the world, break up, have affairs and they have been betrayed by their spouse or partner. Statistics show (Read Here)that men are more likely to fool around than women(more Statistics Here) but it’s a fact of life, that we are not very good at following our marriage vows. Sadly enough, people are hurt by an infidel partner, every day of the week. This does not, by any means, excuse the behavior.

If there’s one thing I loathe, more than anything else, I’d say it is a person who fools around. I have no respect for that individual, I feel it is the ultimate betrayal. They are the worst of the worst, bottom feeders and there’s no excuse for it. I truly feel, if you are that unhappy, where you’ll place yourself in harms way or even for those that say, “Well, it just happened,” you need to assess your values and beliefs. Primarily, if we all were to live with the attitude, that we’ll only do to others, what we’d allow done to ourselves, well, life would certainly be different.

Having said, all that, I want to point out that it is not your fault, not at all. You must embrace this fact, ok? You must realize that it is the fault of the individual who cheated and it is a clear indication, that person has problems. They may very well be or seem like an egomaniac but it is really a matter of low self-esteem, in most cases. They might need their ego fluffed or their manhood massaged, figuratively and literally. Eeeeeeeeew!

In some situations, they tell themselves that they meant no harm, things just happened and couldn’t be helped. Bullshit! A strong man, honors his vows, his promises, his word. It is only a weak man, a liar, who does not say, when he is not happy. Maybe, he wasn’t happy sexually? Still not your fault, especially if he didn’t tell you that he was unhappy enough to think about getting out of the situation. A good man, could stand in a room full of nude woman and not make a move. His heart, his words and promises belong to someone else and he honors this, to and till death. So, what is my point, in all this?

You’ve got to look yourself, square in the eye and be honest. You’ve got to assess what relationship, if any, you have left. I do believe in forgiveness and I sure do believe in the sanctity of marriage. But I do feel like you’ve got to lay it on the line; Get to the bottom, as to why and don’t settle for any crap answer. Did he do it, because he became bored? Did he allow it to happen because he wasn’t happy? Did he not realize how it would hurt? Does he understand that it is a low blow and he is lower than low, for his behavior? Does he or could he ever imagine what it would feel like, if you did this to him?

You must let him know, that if it is to ever work, he must understand that he will have to earn your trust and respect all over. He must be made aware that it is his fault, if he did not tell you that he was not happy. He needs to understand that he needs to look in the mirror and see himself and what he did, as it truly is;
Low Down -n- Dirty.

Although I would imagine, that you’ve been extremely hurt by all this, you have to make a pact with yourself that it is not your aim, to make him pay for his indiscretion. that is humbling, at best. At the very least, to forgive him will be difficult and it may be even harder to trust his emotions. But in order to do this, in order for him to truly be sorry, really remorseful, you’ll have to project the image of what his actions have done. He’s got to put on your shoes and imagine, just how devastated he’d be, if the exact thing happened to him. So, I feel, as uncomfortable as it might be, you need to paint a picture, one he can clearly see, of you, in the arms of another man, for months…all behind his back. He must understand his transgressions of infidelity and see that and be told that he has behaved like a liar and if nothing else, like a man that should not be respected. Yes, there was a time, when a man was as good as his word and marriage vows were seriously set in concrete. Maybe, he didn’t realize all this?

If you do decide to talk to him, I would convey all this and you let him know that if he ever does it again, from that day forward, you will pray that justice is served upon him. You will pray fervently, that no good will come his way and he will learn the err of his ways. You won’t have to lift a finger.

I guess this is a sore subject for me. But I do think that some men are under the impression or have been taught, somewhere along the line, that to fool around, is a faux paus but acceptable. If I had my way, they’d feel the burn for it. They’d realize just how hurtful it is. They’d learn that it is wormy, not manly.Real men are sure of themselves and do not need to have affairs.

If I were you, I’d make him read this. Tell him, if he wants to talk, he needs to read something. Print this out and hand it to him.

Test The Waters

In Peer Pressure, Teen Issues, Teen Problems on September 10, 2007 at 9:53 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,

Hi. My name is Spencer and I’m fourteen years old. I have a bit of a problem. You see, I have a group of three friends (We’ll call them Abby, Ally and Alex). Abby and Alex just started going out. Recently, Abby has been pressuring me to go out with Ally. I don’t know if she’s just saying that because she’s going out with Alex or if her interest in genuine. I admit, I have always been somewhat attracted to Ally, but I’m not sure what I should do. Thanks for your help.

Dear Spencer,

I have two pieces to this advice. So it would depend entirely on which road you are on.

1- you have an attraction to a friend, but just want to be friends. In this case, I would suggest telling Abby that you don’t want to mess things up by getting more involved, and that you like the time the four of you spend together. Who knows, maybe this is just Abby pressuring you and not what Ally wants at all… in which case, I would just go straight to Ally.

2- You are genuinely interested in dating Ally, but you are afraid that since Abby was asking and not Ally that there is a chance at rejection. In this case, I would suggest testing the waters. It’s never easy to get into dating… but you can test to see if Ally’s like of you is genuine. Try saying something jokingly (but not over the wall joking) “you know, Abby and Alex are dating we should give it a go too huh?” or when the four of you are hanging out something like “well since Alex has his partner you can be my partner for the night”. Something that will let you know if she is at all interested before you flat out ask her. And if she responds well to that, I would ask her out.

Just be sure that you like this girl and she likes you. The worst thing in the world is to be pressured into doing something that you are not comfortable with.. and usually the results end up messy and mean.

Good luck Spencer!

Seize the Day

In Older Woman/Younger Man on September 7, 2007 at 3:45 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz
I was wondering about your views on the Law of Attraction and here is why…
2 years ago i dated a younger man who, to this day i still adore.Our relationship took place in Germany and we broke it off because he could not get over the age gap difference and he got a job offer in London.
BUT, the idea of going back to London absolutely thrilled me (i studied here at a very famous college 6 years ago) and i wanted to give it a go.i did not want to be left behind in a city (münich) where i did not have enough work and had hit a cul-de-sac!So here i am, in London again!
I must add that i was honest enough with myself to know that if i never see this boy again, at least i have got my spark and drive back.I am back in my ‘territory.’I have more job opportunities than i could wish for and i am back with my creative friends which does something very good to my soul!I am that confident,vibrant person i know myself to be.My life has taken a 180 degree change.
SO…Here it is…the Law of Attraction introduced me to this gorgeous boy ,who got me questioning where i am going with my life which in turn got me back to London where i am so determined to give it my best.
But..I got hold of him on my 40th birthday
In my mind, and in the time we had not seen each other (3 months), i thought he was having a very glamorous life here in London,(he works in the financial area) but he was not,he wanted to go back to Germany because he felt nothing was working for him here.
Before leaving he stayed with me for a couple of days.While he was staying with me he saw another side of London which he really likes (alternative,creative area) and managed to get a job interview which seems very promising.Now, he is talking about finding a flat around my area if he gets that job.
My question is…all these things seem like miracles to me..proof of the Law of Attraction(because i so desire,love and want him).BUT…last night it dawned on me that it would be convenient for him to live near me (there is still so much attraction between us) and we are still freinds and he gets to meet my freinds, but he no doubt still cannot get over the age difference!
I am terrified of falling back into my old insecurities if he moves back to London.He has left his luggage with me while he is back in Germany for another job interview and i am begining to feel like i am being way too nice again.This is not what i wanted to be… i wanted to be strong enough to resist him and let him go.I want to be that tough ,smart woman and let him come and find me.It’s my fault! i initiated the contact! I believed the Law of Attraction was making him come back to me but actually he is just sweet lovely guy who does not want to feel so alone in London. This is ,however no guarantee that he wants to be with me!
What do you feel Aunt Babs?
J

Dear J,

There are no guarantees in life, huh? Darn shame cause it makes it so hard to go out on a limb, let your hair down, reveal yourself and hope for the best. That does sum it up though, doesn’t it?

I know that feeling, of dating a younger man. It put spring in my step, maybe even a little more swing in my porch. I too wondered and worried but he only validated my every wrong sensation or feeling. Meaning, I would say something about our age difference and he would tell me, to forget about it, the heart is what speaks not the number.

At the same time, I can certainly understand your trepidation and caution. It may be a good thing to keep your guard up. Law of Attraction or not, he may have told himself, that it is wrong and has done what he could to walk away. You don’t want to leave yourself, wide open, for any hurt. So, I would do just that; Be cautious.

If it’s to be, it’s to be. You must also be painfully aware that you do not misconstrue a friendship. Going into any form of friendship or relationship, I think you know, you might get burned.

I imagine, you don’t have much choice, in the matter. You will have to allow it to evolve, if it is to become fruitful. I can also imagine, you’ll have to ask yourself, if per say, he makes it very evident, that he only wants your friendship, can you walk away, without feeling burned?

You didn’t say, that anything went on, past a friendly visit, when he came for the couple days? But I would look at that time, those moments very carefully. If he did not hint or make a move but only took in the friendship, then that may be, all it is, right? Of course, my curiosity is peeked, right now, wondering?

I am 48 and of course, my life and my situation is different. But I can sure understand and remember all those feelings. One side of you, knows you are getting older but the mind says you’re 30. The other asks, are you still desirable? It’s actually hard to come to grips with this older woman thing. I don’t care for it one damn bit because I still think like a vibrant and sexy, sultry and provocative female. But my body does betray me. Things are not where they where assigned and so on. I’ve had to come to grips with the fact that when I walk past a construction site, I don’t get all the cat calling I loathed, so many years ago. I actually missed it, now how messed up is that? It’s hell to get old. But it is all a state of mind.

Carpe Diem

You only get one go around, Girlfriend…make the best of it. Live on the edge but you must be brutally honest with yourself. I dare say, he’s not the only one, that seeks the embrace of an older woman. Make them aware and they will come. Be that woman, with the spring in her step and that air of maturity. Empowerment is also a state of mind. If you feel desirable, you will be. Be cautious, if you are worried you’ll get hurt but I say…Seize the Day!

There’s No Future in Dropping Out

In Dropping Out, Empowerment, School, Teen Issues, Teen Problems on September 6, 2007 at 1:32 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Aunt Babz,

heya my names carl im 15 =]

ive been getting really stressed lately because of the following matters:

school

school is really stressing me out lately i find hard to do the work and keep up with the coursework this is very stressing because i don’t understand it ive also been put in a lot of classes where i don’t fit in because its full of popular people and they all ignore me and stuff. also i get bullyed a bit of school because my hair style and the music i like and im not enjoying it. i just want to leave and get a job and earn money to go live near my girlfriend when im 18-19 its a long distance thing so we hardly see each other so i want to move near her and be with her and school is in my way of this.

help?

thanks ?

Dear Carl,


Sometimes when young love is involved, things get in the way of decision. I know that you care for your girlfriend, but making a decision based on her geography now will be something that you may later regret. So instead of focusing on her location at the moment, lets work out your schooling issues.

It is the beginning of the school year, and I remember how I felt that first few weeks with new classes and people around me. It’s nerve racking and I can assure you that it gets better as the year progresses. You are fifteen now, so I am assuming that you have either entered grade nine or ten (depends on the person really). Both of these grades are much more difficult then the years previous for the simple reason that the teachers are trying to guide you towards a college learning habit. That is to say, more studying more pop quizzes and higher expectations with your oral and written communication. So there is a fair bit to get used too… it’s not like jr. high or elementary, and you are not alone in feeling overwhelmed.


But I can tell you right now that if you decided to leave school and find employment while you still have the ability both mentally and financially, you will be setting up your future for some real hard disappointments. The number one of those is the likelihood of not gaining meaningful employment later in your life. Sure making a few hundred dollars now seems like a lot of money, but in five years that is not going to be sustainable to your life and living your life.


The other people in your class should not sway you to leave or stay in school, even though I do understand how that can feel and that feeling is very strong. You can’t let the reactions of others depict what you want to do, and will do in your life. It is a tough lesson to learn, and often not an easy one… but imagine if you let others bring you down all the time? In high school, college, work, everywhere there are people that will not be the same as you. And there will be plenty of assholes out there, there is no shortage believe me. But like I have said before, the trick is to not be prey to one, or to become one. And I have this feeling that if you were to cut your schooling that you will later be resentful in life, and you will be hardened by that. So please do yourself a favor and fight back now, and stay in school.


If you need extra help, go to your teachers. If they themselves cannot help one on one, they can usually find a tutor or a study group to join. Also, let your parents know of the frustration that you are feeling regarding school and maybe they can find a way to help you as well.


It all comes down to your life and how bright you want your future to be. If you want to limit your possibilities then dropping out of school and trying to make your way in the world of jobs is definitely going to hinder you. But if you want to be able to rise above this, and be in a good position for when you are nineteen and living on your own… then please, stay in school and do what you can. Then, if it was really meant to be, you and your girlfriend can start a good life together with hope and education behind you.

Good luck Carl.

Aunt Babz Said,

Carl, I agree with Xmichra on this. In this day and age, it’s so difficult to get a good job without a high school diploma. It’s even harder for those that don’t have college. Those with some college are filling the ranks of workforce, now, of those that don’t have a diploma. The pecking order is getting more difficult. Unless you have some technical schooling, you’re going to be in trouble.

I have labels on my sidebar, concerning Empowerment. Do your homework and read as many as possible. You’ve got to get to a point where you don’t give a flying sausage what anyone else thinks of you. Once you are secure in yourself, always being honest with you, you have nothing to fear but fear itself.

Bloom Where You’re Planted.

In Cultivate Yourself, Empowerment, Empowerment Practices, Girl To Woman, How To's on September 6, 2007 at 12:44 pm

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt Babz,

When I was seventeen my life was perfect. I was doing well in school, I had a great boyfriend who I loved completely, and my two best friends (lets call them R & R) were the best anyone could ask for. I loved everything about my life, I was happy with all aspects of it and was excited about my upcoming college years. When I turned 18, after I had graduated, my parents suddenly hated my boyfriend and forced me to break up with him. It was the single most difficult thing I have ever had to do because I loved him so much. Later they told me that their behavior was caused by difficult times in their own marriage but I can’t say that I have ever fully forgiven them for what they did.

Anyway, about three years after the break up my ex boyfriend and I reconnected, he was living in a different city but we picked up quite literally from where we left off three years prior. I even went to visit him once. Flash forward two years after that both my best friends ( R & R) stopped talking to me for different, and equally trivial reasons. They were my whole world, I spoke and saw them both everyday, I had put them above my own family because they had never let me down like my own family had. Needless to say I was quite depressed for a while, longer then I can believe, years. So about a year ago my ex tells me that he joined the Navy, something which I can’t exactly say I agree with but, who am I to tell him its a dumb move? So he leaves, like everyone.

I am now twenty four and work full time, I take classes at night also. My life seems so meaningless and empty, I have friends, but they are not like the ones I had before. My ex and I are still good friends, but I can’t seem to date anyone else seriously. I don’t want him back, we have both changed as people and I really like the friendship that we both have now. I just long so much to have a perfect life that I once had. When will things get better? Its been seven years and I can still feel the hollow in my heart. I fill my days up with activity after activity so I don’t have time to think, but no matter how busy I make myself it always comes back. I can’t really talk to my ex about it because I don’t think he will understand. What do you think?
Dear Friend,

Happiness is a state of mind, ya know? As we grow older, the one thing we will always see is that change is an absolute certainty. Friends change, lovers come and go and even family can and will change and evolve. Change is absolute. You will never recapture, things as they were. So, what can you do with what’s left?

Going from young girl to woman, is never easy. Going from having certain friends you can count on, to suddenly not having them, well, it can and could bother the best. But the past is just that; The Past. Let it go.

In some ways, I feel like you’re stuck in the past and equate happier times, associate your happiness, with a loss of friends and for the way things were. One thing you will learn is that you can never turn back the hands of time. No, you must learn to move forward. In some ways, I feel you are still in mourning for your, “Youth,” and those happier days. You equate your lost friendships and relationship with your ex boyfriend as the center entity of your happiness. You’ve really got to let that go, understand that things are not the same and never will be. The minute you realize that you might be holding on to old days, the sooner you will begin to heal and find happiness.

Happiness is a state of mind. Remember this.

You have every reason in the world, to feel as you do. But you will remain stuck until you can let go of the past, move forward and make a conscience effort to be happy, right where you are, in your life. I’ve seen people with doing Life, in prison and somehow, they manage to go on and would be perceived as happy. It is all a state of mind. So, what can you do?

Make that effort, to get out, go places and stop feeling lost because it’s not with your old friends or relationships. Once you’ve let go of what you can not change and realize that things never remain the same, you’ll move forward. Friends come and they go, as well, so do lovers. People evolve and you grow apart and this cycle will continue. What I mean is that the friends you make tomorrow, may not be there in even a year. It’s the nature of life, as it is even with relationships. You could be so much in love today but then suddenly, realize that that guy is nothing but a jerk, you have nothing or little in common and you must move on.

Expect change, embrace diversity and keep moving. It’s not easy but you must make an attempt to bloom where you’re planted. Tomorrow, you may be uprooted but having that knowledge and making an attempt at happiness, is all and everything, that life is about.

I think the hardest thing to swallow, is the actuality, that we are, in and of itself; Alone. Only you can make you happy. If you never count on others to bring forth happiness, you can not be disappointed. No, you must be happy within yourself and once you figure this out, you will bloom.

Get up tomorrow, realize it’s a new day, a new you, cultivate yourself and begin to bloom.

Xmichra Said…

I agree with Babs, you have to seize your life for what it can be, not what it was.

Life throws a lot of curve balls at us, and we need to be able to be happy with who we are in order to keep our lives moving. We need to gather our strength and our soul in times like this… and realize that our lives are worth so much to so many… even if it isn’t obvious at the time.

You sound like a bright young woman who has a lot in front of her. Keep going, and keep strong. Your good days are all ahead of you.

How To Deal With the "The What If’s"

In Keeping It Real, Personal Relationships, The What If's, Young Love on September 5, 2007 at 10:30 pm

Xmichra Answers

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

I’ve known this guy for two years. long story short, he’s always been a
sweetheart but i never started to feel for him until that day we kissed. now
I can’t get him out of my mind and that bothers me because I think I wanna
be with him but relationships scare me and Im not the type of girl who wants
to get married because Im afraid of making the same mistakes i made in the
past and plus it seems that every guy cheats now so theres no trust. I like
him alot but he might be one of “them”. I dont want to push him out of my
life but I dont want to get to close either. how do I keep myself from
getting to close to him or any other guy?

Dear Friend,

Hmm. Well, it sounds to me like you are doing just fine not getting close to guys. Just keep on doing what you are doing and you will 100% never be close. But that alas, is what I think you might need to change to be happy.


See, I understand where you are coming from in regards to men. But the thing about living, is that you need to truly live… and by pushing people out you will not gain the full experience this life has to offer. I am dead serious here. I can hear the tone of this letter and I think that you are scared. And probably rightly so. There are a lot of untrustworthy, scummy assholes out there. The trick is to not become prey to them and not to become one of them.


You my dear, are someone who has made a few mistakes and has been burned as well. And with that comes a whole lot of doubt. I know this, because of tried and true experience. It’s hard to tell a woman (or man for that matter) that she will find truth and love and respect from a man when they had been burnt… like having their best friend sleep with their boyfriend of five years. Ya, I know all about the burn, and about the staying far far away from anything that seemed like it was relationship like.

But the reality was, I met a man later who I was great friends with. He was as good as gold, a real sweetheart and we had that fateful first kiss. I was never a girl who wanted to be married, have children, and buy a house. And yet that is all I could think would make my world once I kissed him… a whole life. It was a feeling I had, and thankfully ten years later I still do. It’s been a bumpy ride at times, don’t get me wrong.. but he is not one of “them”, and I get the feeling that maybe this guy you are developing feelings for isn’t either.
Cut the guy a little slack, and let him prove himself before you cut him out. I think you owe yourself the chance to be really happy, and the opportunity to change your mind.

Aunt Babz said…

You can’t live in the “What If’s.” Let the guy know how you feel, from the git go, as to fooling around. You don’t have to tell him, what you might do, but let him know, he needs only to be honest, if he’s not happy, before he does something, he’ll regret. There’s a lot or little implication, huh?

License to Disrespect

In Assertive Practices, Commanding Respect, Disrespectful Behavior, Empowerment Practices, Gaining Respect, Passive-Aggressive, Sister Issues on September 1, 2007 at 8:59 pm


This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,
My name is Sarah, My sister is a year and a few month older than me. Growing up we have been close and distant due to so many family problems. Either my sister left home, or went to university, and when she returned I was at university etc etc, so we have not spent our entire lives at each others sides. However due to the so many problems it has created a level of trust and a bond between us.
My sister is 23 and I am 21. She has serious anger issues and is known for her moody ways, if something doesnt go her way she will wail and scream, but she is fair at heart. She has just got married, and it hurt me to let go of her, thinking that maybe this is the start of another beginning for us.
My sister always thinks she knows best, always shouts at me, and the guy she married takes her side and its as if they both gang up on me. When its nothing to do with him. She recently called me a bad sister, saying that i have never been there for her, and the only time she hears from me is when i have problems………………………being so untrue i was so hurt i didnt bother responding.
I have given her countless amounts of money, and try my best to be there for her but it seems she is never happy. On her wedding day i tried to help with all the arrangements but when i try and help she has such a specific way of how things are done she doesn’t want my help. So i cant win either way. I was trying to add some accessories to her, and when i couldn’t do it she stormed out in her dress in a tantrum saying can nobody do anything for me!!! its my wedding day!!! i have to do everything myself!!! bearing in mind i am not to sure as to the in’s and out’s of a wedding..this was my first.
she can be so loving but at the same time so nasty, i don’t confide in her anymore now as she has blatantly said she doesn’t want to know my problems. its so unfair as when we were younger all i did was listen to her…….i always described it as ‘i would hold her hairspray, mirror and accessories as she would walk around’ if she wasn’t happy with the way she looked……she would be in a mood. everything revolved around her.
i love her so so much, i guess just knowing that we are ok makes me feel a peace but she makes me so miserable sometimes, and that i am at fault. she is on her honeymoon now, and has text me no hi or hello just ‘where is my makeup!!!!! i need it!!’ and yet i offered to help pack her things but she blew up and refused…..
please please can you help me?????


Dear Sarah,

It sounds to me, like big Sister needs to be spanked. She is behaving like a selfish Princess. Sorry to say, quite often, it is very difficult to make someone of that caliber, see the light. If they were able to look in the mirror and see themselves, as they truly are and as they behave, they’d have already changed that behavior.

There are a few things, you can do though, if nothing else, to empower yourself. For starters, do not tolerate her speaking down to you. At the start of it, you calmly inform her, that you will not be spoken to, in that manner or fashion. You inform her that you will not be treated any other way, than she’s willing to be treated. Watch the look on her face, once you’ve stated your demand.

I like that you are able to see her good qualities, even in your hurt and anger. This shows me that you are able to put things into perspective, you are able to try to be unbiased and see her good side, as well as the bad. Sounds to me, like you have the ability to be fair and just. Maybe your sis, needs some “Just” tough love.

Write Her A Letter

I would start by writing her a letter, one she’ll receive, upon her return. In that letter, you let her know, you are able to see her good qualities. At the start of the letter, you make sure she knows that you have her best interest, at heart and you are writing this letter, simply because, you want your relationship, to be the best it can be. You tell her that, while you realize that you have family obligation to her, as a sister and you will always love her, right now, she’s left a real bad taste in your mouth. In fact, while you will always love her, at the moment, you don’t like her too much. You then tell her, the reason for this letter, is to change this.

You must make her aware that, first off, when you two do have a heated discussion or argument, her husband has absolutely no business sticking his nose in it. You tell her, you will no longer tolerate him, in family business. Tell her why; he is not able to be unbiased, will always side with her no matter what and between sisters, it’s simply none of his business. He needs to back up and mind his P’s & Q’s.

Secondly, you will never again tolerate her speaking to you, as she has. You give her an ultimatum; Be respectful or keep your mouth shut. She will treat you, like she would treat anyone else, outside the family. She thinks because you are family, that it gives her license to disrespect you. Take that license back and simply put, you will not allow it. If she continues to have these outbursts of immature behavior, when she doesn’t get her way, you will not speak to her, until such time as she sees just how ridiculous, that behavior is. Let her know that she’s done it for the last time. Tell her also that while you realize, she was under duress, she has no business talking to you, as she did, has and you have grown quite weary of her inconsiderate words.

Let her know, in this letter, that you hope and pray, that she will look at all this, look in the mirror and ask herself, if she would allow others to treat her, as she treats you?

I have a little Sister, a Princess too. Every now and again, I have to let her know that I am not going to tolerate any disrespect. She will not take her bad days out on me, she will not disrespect me and if she wants me, to treat her with respect, I will command it, myself.

See, I think your sis, has been allowed to get away with the behavior, for far too long. I dare say, that it is your choice to allow it, huh? This is typical, what they call, “Passive,” and quite often, there are people that do take advantage of passive people. Thus far, in your brief letter, you have proven the premise. But I only know all this because I was and still be, “Passive-Aggressive.” Now, that’s a clinical term but in my world, it means that, I have not been assertive and stated my needs or requirements, in any relationship. In the past, those that might prey upon the passive, had taken advantage of me. Then, all of a sudden, I would burst into flames, go crazy and let them have it. Of course, they thought I was crazy, I may very well be. But if I allowed it and let it go on, of course, they thought it was ok to talk to me any kind of way or to hurt my feelings. They’d have complete disregard, for my pain, in the process and completely disrespect me. I allowed it, all along. Then, once I was fed up and had had enough, I got evil and told them off with a vengeance.

You must learn to be assertive. You must learn, for your own well being, happiness and health, to never tolerate what is not right. Thus far, you’ve stuffed it all and become pissed off and resentful. You harbor animosity and suffer in silence. Are you a martyr? I think not. Note, they can only do this, if you allow it. I had to learn to stop playing the martyr, step up to bat and say, “STOP,” loud and clear.

I’d like you to make a pact with yourself, that from this point on, you will no longer tolerate abuse from your sister or anyone, for that matter. You may have to play hardball with her, for a minute. You may have to actually tell her, just how immature, she’s behaving and that you want nothing more to do with it. Now, if you tell her she’s behaving like a child, she’ll have to look at it. One of two things will happen; She’ll really look at the scenario, as a whole and/or, she’ll get real pissed off. I’m betting on #2 and you can bet your bippy, it may not be pretty. You’ve got to be willing to stand your ground, if you really want things to change.

Take that license to disrespect, away from her. Write the letter today.

Find Happiness

In Choices, Controlling, Guilt Free, Jealousy, Look for Happiness, Right to be Happy on September 1, 2007 at 6:09 pm

Friday, August 10, 2007

Find Happiness

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Babs,

this is my first time using this but I need help.. you see my ex boyfriend I love him and all but I’m not in love with him any more I’m 19 years old and he’s 21 his father died when he was 10 years old.. so really he has just his mom, but I’ve had problems with her we just don’t get along.. and all he does is do nothing but have everything given to him by his mother.. so I’m the one that bust my butt working a real job.. I went out with him for about 2 ½ years and I came to a conclusion that this isn’t the life and future I want.. I tell him that I love him and care for him but I don’t lead him on b/cuz I don’t want to hurt him.. but when we do see each meaning if he knows I’m somewhere he’ll be there in 10 mins without me even knowing that I know he knows where I am.. and he always makes me have a guilt trip.. no I didn’t cheat. I was there. He says I act different when I’m with my friends . he constantly calls my friends.. he goes by my house like stalker type but not abusive.. leaves notes , he goes to my house to see if my car is there. I just don’t know what to do anymore please help me..

Dear Friend,

We all have the right to be happy. If you are honest, which you must be, you will have guilt free, happiness.

I already have the sneaking suspicion, that this guy is so controlling. Love is one thing but to feel you’re in a constant state of distrust because of his jealousies, is not healthy. If he’s like this now, I just can’t imagine him, in a few years or if you were to give in and get married or something.

My suggestion is for you to begin to move away from the sticky situation, you’re in, right now. I think that may start with, honesty. You may have to sit him down and tell him, exactly how you feel. Do it in a public place, if possible. What I mean by that, is I just have this feeling, that he’s not going to take it well. If you are in a quiet restaurant and you are exact, about your feelings, he’s less likely to go off.

I’m afraid that, you may have to cut off all ties, to this fellow, once you’ve made up your mind to do it. I don’t think there’s a good chance of friendship, in the wake of your telling him, exactly how it is.

I do think you owe it to yourself, to find happiness. You also owe it to him, to be honest and then move on, as painlessly as possible.

Good Taste

In Empowerment, Empowerment Practices, Friends First, Living on the Edge on September 1, 2007 at 6:06 pm

Friday, August 10, 2007

Good Taste

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Dear Aunt B,

I’ve always been like one of the guys and I just got to know one of them this year and I think he’s great. When I say ‘I’m so fat’ he says, ‘no you’re not’. He likes to sit with me in our classes and at lunch he lets me sit at his table or if it’s crowded we sit alone at my old abandoned table. I think I like him but I’m not sure if he likes me back. I was talking to his sister and I asked how he was doing because I haven’t talked to him for 2 months. She said good, he misses you. And then she said not like that like friends. And I said tell him I miss him too. But I think I missed hanging out with him and being around him. I’m not sure If I like him as just a friend, and I’m not sure if he likes me more than a friend. HELP!

~LoveStruck?

Dear ~LoveStruck?,

I imagine, if you like him, that much, why keep it all bottled inside? Devise a plan, to speak with him and maybe go out. Really, what do you have to lose?


You have to live on the edge sometimes, now don’t you? Putting things into perspective; What would happen, if you speak with him and ask him out?

  1. He tells you, he only likes you as a friend
  2. He begins to see you differently, on your date
  3. He tells you, to go scratch

If #1 were to happen, you already knew this, right? No harm, no foul. You go on about your way and hope for the best. You knew this, from the start, so you’ve not set yourself up for a fall.

If #2 were to happen, which is a good possibility, if you play your cards right, you might win. Body language speaks and if you go out, having a persona of a sexy young woman, desirable with dignity, a noteworthy and attractive possibility, he will see you, as you really are. He apparently likes you and your company. By the way, the best couples, the ones with longevity, were best friends first.

Well, #3, we won’t even entertain, ok?

Obviously, you must have a bit of a self-esteem issue, right? You’ve looked for validation, from someone else. This is normal. Do you feel fat? be honest with yourself, improve what you can, on every level and accept who you are. Once you’ve done this, things and how people perceive you, will change. I suggest, reading any post, labeled “Empowerment,” or Empowerment Practices,” as a good start. You are not the first, to feel this way and you won’t be the last. You can certainly win though and I’m betting on you. Do your homework, on assertive women and any posts like it, on this site alone. You will win, just about anything, if you can become assertive and honest with yourself.

Why is self-honesty important? When we can look in the mirror, assess ourselves, improve on the improvable and become comfortable in our own skin, how can anybody, really hurt us? I mean, if you’ve been brutally honest with yourself, done what you could, to be a good person and they still don’t accept you, like you or want to have a relationship with you, it’s not on you, it’s on them.

We all have different tastes, in the opposite sex and so on but if you are the true woman, I know you can be and they don’t have interest in you, do not take it personally. You just are not their flavor. But Mr. Right will come along and he’ll like what he sees. He’ll have good taste, I guarantee it!

L.I.R.R.; Woman on the Tracks

In Grateful, Looking for Miracles, What Are You Grateful For? on September 1, 2007 at 6:05 pm

Friday, August 10, 2007

L.I.R.R.-Woman On the Tracks


Dear Readers,

This is not my usual posting but suffice it to say, we must all look for miracles, huh? So much could have gone wrong. It didn’t and more often than not, we should see everyday miracles for exactly what they are. If you look for good, you will find it. If you look for fault, you find it, as well. If we spend more time, looking at things, less as luck and more as divine intervention, well, it can renew the spirit…

Long Island, N.Y.-

A woman, drove through the barrier fence, onto the Long Island Railroad tracks this morning. As I walked out of the Pharmacy, adjacent to the Kings Park Station, I caught, a vision, the fence going down, as she had just driven through.


How she managed to get through there, so easily, is quite beyond me. A simple chain link fence with a type of plastic threaded through, the car fit right on through, jumping the curb,in the parking lot of the plaza, going under the fence. She became stuck, nose first, on the tracks. Another woman and I came running,frantically. I held the fence as she climbed through. I had 15 minutes, until my Nephew was to get off the bus at my home, thus, I didn’t crawl through but got the reports and assessment, on the other side. I could see the woman, an older lady but not much older than myself, walking up the tracks. I began to yell, for her to get off the tracks. She wasn’t listening to me at first and the other woman and I both yelled, forcefully, “Get the hell off the tracks, NOW!”

We called the Police and had them call MTA, to get someone down there, pronto, before this womans car was annihilated and someone was hurt. The vehicle, a late model, maroon car, was on the tracks enough, if the train were to come, it would have hit it and God only knows what else.

I checked on the woman and she claimed to be fine, however, I do think she was in shock. My assessment would be that she had no physical injuries. She was shaking but actually seemed calm, under the circumstance.
I went back to my employers and had them call the Police, as well, just to make sure, they knew the urgency and that this was for real.

This is surely, something to be grateful for. No one was hurt, no one was killed. I do imagine there were, as always, a few people, rather perturbed, by having to wait on their train. Oh well, huh?

Stick to Your Guns

In Choices, Common Law, Infidelity, Love & Relationships, Unhealthy Relationships, Xmichra Writes on September 1, 2007 at 6:03 pm

Thursday, August 9, 2007

STICK TO YOUR GUNS!!


Xmichra answers…

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…
Dear Aunt B,

I don’t normally write for advice but I think I could sure use another person’ opinion right now. I have been in a 13 year relationship with a woman though we were apart for one of those years. When we first met she led me to believe that she was an accountant when she wasn’t, she said she had been in the military when she hadn’t been, from the time that we started the relationship she has always had financial problems and over the years has borrowed a lot of money from me. In the beginning I was very much in love with her and I felt she made me happy, but looking back I can see that her financial problems and moodiness took a toll on the relationship right from the start. Later when I asked her why she lied about these things she said that she thought that I would not have gotten involved with her if I knew the truth of who she was. I felt she was the most attractive partner that I had ever had when we first got together, and wondered why she would want to be with me. Now I can see that I had issues about my lovability which has been a difficulty of mine for most of my life. I have worked through a lot of these issues but I still struggle with codependency in spite of working hard not to interact & react in ways that don’t work for me. In the beginning, when my mother was still alive, she would interfere with the relationship and did not like my partner. She used to say that she was cold and that I deserved better. I would tell my mother that it was my choice to make whether I wanted to be in a relationship with her and that if it was a mistake, it was my mistake to make. There was always tension between my partner and my mother, but then my brother had the same problems with my mother with regards to his own relationship. I think that she just couldn’t let go of us and that no partner, unless it was a man in my case, would be “good enough” for either of us. My lover did do several things that destroyed my trust in her in the first year we were together. I went away on vacation and she watched my home, when I came back I discovered that she had responded to several credit card offers that arrived in my mailbox and hyphenated my name with hers and opened a card. She then proceeded to charge things to the card for my house while I was away. When I came back from vacation there was a new down comforter, etc. etc. and the house looked absolutely beautiful. I was so amazed that she had done so much to make it nice for my return. Still while I was gone she had move my furniture around and had gone through my personal effects (photos) while I was gone which I did not like. It wasn’t until a week later when one of the credit card companies called me at work about charges on “my” new card that I discovered that several credit cards had been opened without my consent. When I confronted her, she lied and said she didn’t do it, but it was indisputable that she had done it and eventually she came clean and apologized and said that she was sorry and would never do this again. We broke up over this event and about 4 months later got back together again, but this time I did not tell anyone we were seeing each other because I wanted to know how the relationship would work without anyone meddling in it. We saw each other for a year with some problems but nothing too serious, before I came clean with my friends and family and took a stand with them. We were together for another 4 years and when we had problems she would always say that it was because my mother meddled and because I was weak and wouldn’t stand up to my mom and didn’t back up my partner. The truth is that it was hard to back her up because she was rude to my mom and because she was always financially irresponsible, was moody and seemed to create conflict in the relationship. She has always been very, very moody and I can’t tell from one day to the next, and sometimes from one hour to the next if she is going to be nasty or nice. We used to have a good sex life but that has died away several years ago. We steadily had less and less sex and now I can say that we have only had sex once in the past 2 years. I found that I wasn’t wanting it with her anymore because the little loving touches, thoughtfulness, etc. weren’t forthcoming and I just didn’t feel connected or trusting of her with my feelings. We broke up again in 2002 for a year because she went out with me one night and got really mean (someone told her I was having an affair & I wasn’t) and when we got home she got verbally abusive and then in the heat of the argument physically attacked me. She choked me so hard that she left marks on my neck and afterwards she wouldn’t let me leave the house. It was only when she passed out on the bed later that night that I was able to get away from my house (she was living with me then). I went to my mother’s house because I didn’t feel safe at home and called the police the next day to help me go back to my house safely. They arrested her for physical abuse (I didn’t ask to press charges it was the law that if abuse is suspected that the person is arrested) and I ended my relationship with her. I was very hurt, angry, and thought I was really done with the relationship, I even had a legal restraining order in place to keep her away from me. A month after we broke up my mother was diagnosed with terminal Pancreatic Cancer and she was dead within a month. I was devastated and went into a depression, it felt like my whole life had fallen apart. I ended up becoming involved with a woman that had been an ex of mine and I thought that she really loved me during the time after my mother’s death. I was very in love with her and I thought that she loved me too. Then suddenly after seeing me daily for almost 5 months she told me she didn’t want to be in a relationship with anybody. I hurt very badly when the relationship ended but I respected her wishes and did not try to pursue the relationship further. With everything that had happened in the previous 8 months I was on auto pilot just trying to get through each day. My enthusiasm for life, work, basically everything was gone and for the first time in my life I drank so much I thought my liver would give out. I made it to work and home every day, but that period was one of the darkest of my life. Thankfully, that phase passed and eventually I stabilized somewhat but I was still lonely and very sad. During this time my ex heard that my mother had died and came back in my life. She said that she had changed, that she had a good job, that she had learned how much she loved me and begged me to give her another chance. I think that I was lonely and in spite of my misgivings I agreed to give it another try. Not too long after that she persisted in wanting to move in with me saying that we could be together and that it would save us both on the rent and bills. I agreed and she moved back in to my Condo. We have now been together for 5 year since that time and I can’t say that it was a good choice for me. She had two long bouts of unemployment where I had to cover all the bills, where she wrote me checks for rent that bounced, where she spent days watching TV instead of looking for a job, etc. Finally, it got so bad that I told her she had to move and that I was done being responsible for everything. It was enough to jolt her into action and she finally found a job this past March. Now she is paying me back the money for her rent and her old bills but it will take a couple of years for her to do that if she were to stick to doing it. She still has bill collectors calling on my phone and says it is because she is paying me first before them because that is the most important thing to her to do. She says she is grateful that I stuck by her and helped her when the times were rough for her. But at the same time she is moody, unaffectionate. She says she loves me and wants the relationship with me to last and says that she is working on herself and it will take her time to get things to a place where things are good between us again. She says she will work on her moods and yelling when she is angry, but it only takes a day or so before she and I have some sort of argument. When she is mad she yells, I have asked her for years not to do this and now I remove myself from the room when she does this. Afterwards we end up passing by each other in the house for days without more than minimal verbal contact. I have tried to get through to her that I won’t, can’t live like this and that I will leave her if things don’t change. I told her that her moodiness, secretiveness, financial problems and physical coldness are not something that I want or need in a relationship and that I feel the relationship is dying. She says it is because we are not having sex, but when I have made myself open to us getting physically closer nothing happens she would rather sleep or watch TV She works nights and I work days and our schedules only overlap for two nights when we could sleep together. On those nights she will watch TV and then when she falls asleep she turns away from me and we don’t cuddle unless I initiate it. I have asked her many, many times to turn towards me when we sleep so that we can be close but it still doesn’t happen. She blames me for our lack of sexual and physical intimacy, she says that I cut her off when I am angry. I suppose she is right, because when she yells at me and insults me I don’t feel like getting physically close to her. I miss having loving touch and a consistently loving partner. In all the years that I have been with her I never cheated, I always told her that long before something like that could happen she would know because I would tell her that the relationship was in danger so that we could fix problems before they got out of hand. I had been telling her this for a while now, at least the past 8 months without much change in our relationship. She would say she wanted to work on things but I just couldn’t see any consistent change. I have steadily grown more distant from her to the point that I stay at work late, make plans to do things alone, and really am happiest when she is at work and I have the house to myself. I went on vacation to Mexico last month and while there I met a man that I found very attractive (I haven’t been with a man in over 18 yrs) and ended up having an affair with him while I was away. The sex was incredible and he was very attentive and loving. We have been corresponding by email daily and I can’t wait to go back to see him again He is a very solid person and is able to express his feelings and love easily, unlike my partner. I am more aware than ever of how starved for love my relationship with my lover of 13 yrs has been, and have come to believe that I am not in love with her anymore. I love her as a person but I am not in love with her anymore. I think that I am still working on the relationship because we have been together so long and I am hesitant to act rashly and just throw everything away without seriously considering taking such an action. I know that feelings can change and that long term relationships only come about by sticking in there when the going gets tough. But the going has been tough for me for a long time now and I am worn out with working on things between us. Since we have spent so many years together our lives are very entangled…she lives in my home, we had plans to go on vacation to Hawaii together (I have since cancelled the trip), etc. I think it may be very difficult for me to get her out of my home since she wants to continue our relationship and “work” on it, but as I say the effort never lasts more than a couple of days before she is moody again and we are at opposite sides of the house. I broke up with her two weeks ago after she was so incredibly rude to me again that I just felt that it was the last straw and I thought that I had gathered enough will power to stick to ending things. A day later she asked me to give us another chance but I told her that I didn’t think that I was in love with her anymore and that I just didn’t want to live with her moodiness and anger anymore. She asked me to give it two more months and to really work at the relationship with her, after she persisted I finally agreed to try to do this. I once again reiterated that I needed loving greetings when I came home, cuddling, physical and emotional affection, and that I needed for her moods and finances to be more stable in order to even begin to get the feelings back. It has been two weeks and we are once again at opposite ends of the house and I just don’t even care anymore. Meanwhile I am emailing my man in Mexico and looking forward daily to the time (2 mo. from now) when I can go back to see him again. I feel bad that I have had an affair but when I look at everything as it is I don’t regret having reached out to him since he is a wonderful and loving person, and if we had not reached out to each other when we did we might have missed each other. It is not that often that you find someone that you have that special feeling with and for, I know what we share is special and I am not willing to give him up. I am struggling to work through how I want to handle my life now and thought I would email you for any insight you might be able to give me as to where to go from here….

Dear Friend,

Now, before I get to answer the real bottom line question, I would like to remind you that you are human and totally capable of making errors when it comes to love and life. So really, don’t take this as a “you are stupid” thing because you are not. You are human. I have a few things to say that might just shock the hell out of several people, so bare with me.

First, I think you already know what you want to do, which is to have your present partner leave and to continue your life. Not even going into the rest of the details here, I am saying this to you – you owe her to be strait up on your intent. Her life, no matter how messed up it is, is still hers. And without you releasing your self from that equation she will never move on, and you are holding her back as much as she is you.

You don’t, however need to get into the thick of things with her. Now this is where the opinions get fired… but in my honest opinion, I wouldn’t tell her about Mr.Mexico. There are three really good reasons:

- depending on the state you live, she could be deemed as your common law spouse and you will lose your shirt for an affair.

- Not that is was outright said, but I gather you are of a same sex relationship. If that is what I am reading, and you have found love in an opposite sex… you are going to scar her for life. AND, once again if you are common law status you will be screwed for malice.

- No matter what the circumstance was leading to the affair, the bottom line is that you don’t want to live like this, and YOU NEED TO STICK TO YOUR GUNS!!

The point here is that there is obviously a disconnection from you and this girl, to the point that it is ruining both of your lives. That my friend is what is called an “unhealthy relationship”. And you are doing her absolutely no favors by ‘sticking it out’. In fact.. you are being an ass. Don’t take that too personally now, just think about it in the reverse for a minute and you will see that the exact feelings that you were wishing from her all these years is what you are denying her to have now with a partner that is 100% dedicated to the relationship. Because that is obviously not you anymore. You are done, and I assure you… reading what I read, you are done. You do not love her, and you need to let her find her love as much as you need to carry on with your life. So when you get into that argument of staying together or breaking up, make the same statement in your head over and over YOU ARE DONE. Period.

If she causes that much of a problem, and you fear that you may be in some sort of harm.. then I suggest you find some manor of reinforcements. I get the feeling that the girls problem is simply not having anything to go to. More specifically, a place to stay and mooch. I’m not saying that you have to do this part now… but I would maybe look around and find her a place to stay. I would get another person to go with you to your house, and tell her that this is it. You are done, and she has to leave. Tell her that you have a place in line if she wants to take it, but the choice infallibly has to result in her leaving. You cannot live like this, you will not live like this, and she desirves to live better as well. Creating a hell hole is easy to do when two people are not into each other. And being scared is no reason to justify staying (this I say to you as well).

But like I said, you don’t have to do that… but it might make things easier to (and excuse this expression) be rid of her, if her main hang up is your financial support.

Now, I am adding this part in for concern, but what do you know about Mr.Mexico?? I am telling you now, that the break up between you and your current partner should not be in whole due to this man. You should still break up, that is obvious. But this man… take your time okay? After you mother passing, the ex breakup, and then this.. well it’s going to be like an extended grieving period. You haven’t been able to fully enjoy being alive, being happy. And even though this man may extend to you the very fiber of bliss… just take it easy. I’m not saying that he isn’t “for real”… but it has been in my experience that sometimes you are in just such a low place, that you do not see the flaws when this brilliant light of happiness comes along.

Let us know how things go, and write back if you need any support. Good luck.

 

 

Words of Encouragement

In How To's, Motivation, Words of Encouragement, Words to Live By on September 1, 2007 at 6:00 pm

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Words of Encouragement

Most people in the world are day people: they get their best work done in the late morning hours. But some people work best late at night, like Anton Rubinstein. Mornings were like poison to this famous Russian pianist: he found it very difficult even to get up early. But sometimes he had to get up early to meet the schedule of a concert tour, and it was Mrs. Rubinstein’s task to help him do this. In the early years of their relationship, she had tried alarm clocks of all kinds, and she had tried pushing him out of bed, but nothing worked. He would either fall back to sleep, or be so sluggish that he’d miss his appointment anyway.

Finally, though, after years of experimenting, she managed to find a way to wake him up in the morning. He had spent his life refining his sensitivity to music, to the point that he could hear the smallest flaw in a piece. Mrs. Rubinstein found that the easiest way to get her husband up was to go to the piano and begin playing scales-but only seven of the eight notes. After she had played the faulty scale a few times, Anton would be out of bed and at the piano, wide awake, and itching to finish the scale properly.

We all have problems with motivation from time to time. The trick is to find a system that will get us moving again. Your system may be tied in with your personality, hobbies, or life goals. But try to find that thing which will re-motivate you, and keep it near at hand.

Mixed Signals???

In Uncategorized on September 1, 2007 at 5:58 pm

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Mixed Signals???

New Staff Advisor, Xmichra, answers the question…

This was sent to Aunt Babz via email…

Hi !

I play soccer, and I’m in big trouble with one of the girls. It started about 6 months ago. She helped me out during practice, told me to “go ahead and play, and not just walk”. I was walking because I was feeling really bad. I had lost a good friend of mine. I was waiting for December break to quit the team. Well, unfortunately this girl messed up my plans by telling me to “go ahead and play, and not just walk”. Then she helped me by telling me who to pass the ball to, where to run and so on…That really hit me as I had really not expected her to say that. She’s one of the most popular girl in the team and by far the best player of the premiere team. I’m not as popular, and used to be a substitute in the other team (the second one). Let alone that I was feeling desperate, and obviously not expecting anything good to happen in my life.

Then, weird stuff started happening. It seemed as if we copy each other on the field when we play against each other, like we have the same reactions at the same time. Sometimes, my leg would do something without my brain telling me to do so. On the same team, we would just understand each other. This usually doesn’t happen with people who don’t know each other. This scared me a lot as I had no clue to what is going on. I think it scared her too.

So from then on, we started looking at each other. She says I look at her. On my side, I accuse her. Stupid baby game that we are both unable to stop other than by just avoiding each other, which obviously hasn’t solved anything yet. What’s more is that I do have reasons to suspect things too because she is homosexual. And lucky me, her girlfriend is in the team. A couple times, it seems as she has been hitting on me. For instance, during a party, I had put my drink on the table. She came nearby to serve herself, and placed her body right in front of my drink. The only way I would be able to pick it up would have been by putting my hand right by her sex. Or else, she stays in front of the doorway when she knows I need to go through. Then she says, “Go ahead, you’re right, why don’t you bump into me while you’re at it?”. She also fowls me and then say she’s pleased of so doing. Lately, she’s been coming right by me to say that it doesn’t smell good, and laughs with her friends. This confuses me a lot, and hurts me because at the time she had started off by being nice to me. I had really appreciated her help. I am still very thankful.

Could you help me figure out why this girl is acting this way and what to do about it?

Thank you

Natalie 22yrs old
Dear Friend,

There are a few triggers for me here. And maybe it is from translation, but this does sound like a girl who wanted to help out a person who was feeling low. And then likely what happened was that you two were too much in sync.. and the girlfriend got jealous. And what do jealous people demand?? reasons not to be jealous.. which is why this girl likely gave the could shoulder afterward and was mean.

Basically, I would cut the friendship or what ever that was short. Obviously this girl has more drama in her life then you can contend with. BUT, if you were looking at her in that way… that loving way. Then maybe you need to do a little soul searching too. Maybe you were sending mixed signals… and maybe she got caught off guard. There really isn’t anything to her being homosexual. Just because someone is gay doesn’t mean they want to have sex with you. But flirting happens naturally, and if she was flirting (which I actually think that she was) and had thought originally that it was just for her and she thought that you were strait.. well if you started returning those looks, that could catch a girl off guard.

What to do now with the soccer?? Just keep playing and keep the valuable information and skill that this girl gave you. Eventually it will all wind down.. if you want it too. If you continue to try and make a relationship with this girl (either sexual or friendship) be prepared for a bumpy ride. Sounds like she has a lot of pressure having a girlfriend, being popular, and a good athlete. So you might end up totally brushed off. So just be prepared, and don’t let it break you.