Tips for a Safe, Healthy Spring Break

Spring Break is a rite of passage for U.S. college students. As millions of young adults head for popular hotspots this month, it’s crucial to remember that the motto "what happens on Spring Break stays on Spring Break" doesn’t always ring true. Risky behavior can lead to serious health issues, such as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or an unintended pregnancy.

"An American Medical Association survey of college students found that 83 percent agree that Spring Break trips involve more or heavier drinking than typical college life(1a)," says Jennifer Wider, M.D., author of The Doctor’s Complete College Girls’ Health Guide: From Sex to Drugs to the Freshman 15. "Almost three-quarters of the surveyed students acknowledged that increased sexual activity takes place on these trips(1b) — 70 percent know friends who were sexually active with more than one partner on Spring Break(1c). STDs and pregnancy are two very real risks of spontaneous sex that have lasting consequences after the trip ends."

Dr. Wider notes that the only sure way to prevent an STD or an unintended pregnancy is to abstain from sex; however, if you do have sex on Spring Break, always use a condom. She also suggests the following tips for a safe and healthy vacation.

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Sexual incompatibility troubles marriages

He’s a 38-year-old executive. She’s a 34-year-old homemaker. He says they never fight, and in many ways they’re compatible — but not when it comes to sex.

“It’s almost like a checklist,” says Jon (who asked that his real name not be used) of their once-a-month lovemaking. The problem, he believes, is a lack of desire.

Sexually unfulfilling marriages aren’t limited to new parents or aging baby boomers with hormone imbalances. They can ensnare even the relatively young and the recently married. When they are unable to blame kids, stress or physical issues, many couples struggle unhappily to identify — and resolve — the problems behind their lackluster sex life.

Couples end up in sexually unfulfilling marriages for a variety of reasons, says Marty Klein, a licensed marriage counselor and certified sex therapist in Palo Alto, California. One reason, he says, is America’s obsession with marriage.

This article goes on to focus on warning signs and to debunk the common belief that sexuality fades over time. Sex is a very real part of a healthy relationship - if your relationship lacks sex, most everything else fades from there.

Why not take time to learn the warning signs and avoid falling into an unfulfilling relationship to begin with?

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5 things you don’t know about genital herpes

1. Common but on the decline: Nationwide, at least 45 million people ages 12 and older have had genital herpes, a sexually transmitted disease caused by the herpes simplex viruses type 1 or type 2. It’s more common in women (about one in four) than men (almost one in eight).

2. Symptoms: Most people who have genital herpes have never had symptoms or don’t recognize them. When a person becomes infected for the first time, symptoms usually appear within two to 10 days. Early signs include a tingling feeling or itching in the genital area, or pain in the buttocks or down the leg. Blisters typically appear on or around the genitals or rectum. You can still infect a partner if sores aren’t visible.

3. New research: Clinical trials are testing drugs aimed at disrupting genes or enzymes that the virus needs to survive. Several vaccines are in various stages of development, as well as gels or creams that a woman could insert into the vagina before sex to prevent infection in herself and her partner.

4. Pregnancy: If a woman has her first episode of genital herpes while she’s pregnant, she can pass the virus to her unborn child and may deliver a premature baby. Half of the babies infected with herpes either die or suffer from damage to their nerves. If a pregnant woman has an outbreak and it is not the first one, her baby’s risk of being infected during delivery is very low.

5. Donating blood: People with herpes can donate blood. According to the American Red Cross, individuals taking antiviral medication (acyclovir, valacyclovir, famciclovir) will need to wait 48 hours after their last dose before donating blood. However, they should not donate blood during a herpes outbreak.

Silly Dating Advice Our Parents Gave Us

God knows I’ve had my share of silly advice from parents, grandparents and random elders.

It may not be “dating” advice per sa, but what about the “Always wear clean underwear in case you’re in an accident?”

My grandma always told me that “one sure way to stay out of trouble with a boy was to wear the worst pair of ripped up underwear you had - that way you’re sure not to wanna get nekkid!”

Com’on, I know you have some stories to share. What’s in your memory?

 

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How to Catch a Cheater

I have to admit, I’m a huge fan of Firefox for so many different reasons. One of the primary reasons is the ability to monitor online activity of those in your household.

If you have kids using the internet or have a spouse or partner you think you might need to check up on, try this…

Make Firefox the default browser. Don’t give them any option on which one to use.

Now click on Tools >> Options >> Security >> Check “Remember Passwords” >> Click the “Show Passwords” button.

There you have it. A complete list of all websites, usernames and passwords.

It sure beats going out and paying an arm and a leg for an investigator or even one of those internet tracking programs.

 

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What do guys think is sexy?

Trying to lay down a pat definition of what is sexy is no easy task, from the perspective of either gender. Interestingly when I checked with some female friends and colleagues on this matter—asking what they found sexy in guys—the response was almost invariably “total self-confidence.”

This is apparently not to be confused with arrogance or egotism, but it surprises me that so many women have the same opinion of what they find sexy.

It also surprised me that it’s so intangible. Men, on the other hand, tend to judge sexiness primarily by more quantifiable criteria. This doesn’t necessarily mean that men are shallow beasts; after all, if you see someone at a party and have to make a quick judgment about them from across the room, it’s easier to think “pretty eyes” than it is to think “remarkably confident.”

It could just be a matter of efficiency. I certainly don’t think many men find a lack of self-confidence or brains very sexy; it’s just not their chief measurement. It may not be the first thing they look at simply because it’s easier to see those subjectively sexy physical attributes.

Subjectivity is the key
For every pig out there who would shout “nice rack,” you probably can find ten more guys who would say, “nice blonde girl” instead. Men simply tend to judge potential partners based on appearance at first, but that’s not necessarily how they are throughout the entirety of a relationship. Once a guy gets to know someone he finds sexy at the outset, it’s her inner qualities that will make her even sexier. And you have to agree it’s more efficient, even if it is somewhat dismissive.

The reason that there is no specific definition of sexy, down to colors and measurements in the millimeters, is that the world is full of people, and a lot of them would be out of luck if they didn’t match the standard. Fortunately what sexy is can’t be quantified from person to person. Oh, there are some that almost all of us agree on. Get together with your friends and make Top Five lists. If none of you can agree on anything, at least you can be sure that you’ll never fight over women.

More relationship Type News at: Eye of the beholder: What do guys think is sexy?

 

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Make it clear that you’re available

Act I, Scene I: The house party
The party appears to be a success. Dozens of trendy-looking men women in provocative attire are chatting and flirting; a few are gyrating self-consciously in the corner. Everyone seems to be having a good time… except for you.

You’re starting to feel like the ugly duckling. You came here hoping to find a beautiful swan, but you haven’t even managed to get within squawking distance. The problem lies in deciding how to strike up a conversation. How do you begin without sounding cheesy or friendless? Though you’re sure people would like you if they just gave you a chance, how do you signal that you are available?

Continue Reading… Make it clear that you’re available

 

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Answering Emails

Complete and Total Honesty is always the best Policy!

Be polite and answer with a yes or no. Any answer is better than nothing even if you are saying “Not Interested.” If you are interested, then pretend as if they are right across from you. Ask and answer away!

Be honest on all levels. They will eventually know if your picture is 10 years old, if you are really married, or are a brunette instead of blonde, etc. Be honest since you do expect that of others. Honesty is always the best policy. And Honesty does not mean what you hope to be after 3 months of dieting or when you get enough money to have that plastic surgery.

Be timely. Respond to letters of interest within 3-5 days. If you are swamped with responses then freeze your account until you are caught up answering those who have already written to you. Answer them all since they spent their valuable time to say “Hello” and deserve the same respect back.

Check your spelling, grammar, and punctuation by composing the ad in your word processing program first. Then just cut and paste it to the text box. Don’t use all CAPITALS, since this is considered SHOUTING and also very hard on the eyes. Use upper and lower cases.

Talk to them and let them know who you are now. Let go of your past since it has already happened. Why bring the past into your future?

Put your best foot forward. This is you’re interviewing for happiness and romance. Treat it as you would if you were applying for that career you always wanted!

Be Real and Relax. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Think of each email as an opportunity for a new friend or more!

Do’s and Don’ts of Personal Ad’s

Do:
Speak to the visitors of your ad instead of just listing your information.

Invite them to participate in your ad. Interactive ads are more appealing to the reader. If they find themselves saying “yes” to your ad, then they will more than likely say “yes” to you.

Always check your spelling and grammar. Use your word program to compose your ad. Then just cut and paste it to your text box. You only get one chance at a first impression.
Paint them a visual with words … what you do for a living, schooling, children, pets, what would romance with you be like and your physical attributes. Be completely honest. No one likes surprises in any of these areas!

First paragraph should be creative and is where you catch their attention. Once you get their attention they will keep reading on.

Recreate your ad completely, if you are not getting the responses you want. - Try a different approach. Try posting different pictures. Note: Posting a photo that is not true to form is the same as lying! By using deception with a photo is the same as setting yourself up for disappointment.

Keep the ad positive, creative and fun. Put your best foot forward!
Don’t:
Don’t copy someone else’s ad. If you like someone else’s ad, use it as a guideline to create your own in a more creative way.

Refrain from adding specifics of the ideal mate you want, such as: slim, tall, blue eyes, etc. Hint: Ever know any woman who believed they were really slim???

Leave out the negatives. Anything negative is all they remember. Or worse you will attract what you say you don’t want since most skim ads. Also this ad is for what you wish to create now, not your past mistakes so leave them off your future.

Do not write about past relationships and hurts. The past already happened and you will never get beyond it if you are still living it. Open yourself to new relationships and new experiences.

Photo Tips for Personal Ads

Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder.
Posting a photo will attract more people to your ad! Ads with pictures are the first to be browsed.

  1. Don’t wear sunglasses or costumes. It gives the illusion that you are hiding something!
  2. Don’t post pictures with nudity. This will likely attract trouble.
  3. Show your face and body, or use a collage of different pictures.
  4. Dress to attract the opposite sex.
  5. Take an entire roll of film with you wearing different clothes and doing different things.
  6. Take photos both inside and outside.
  7. Be yourself, not some glamour shot. Glamour shots receive the largest numbers of complaints by men browsing personal ads.
  8. Let a person from the opposite sex choose your best photo. Make sure it’s someone you trust to tell you the absolute truth!

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