about

My name is Laura and I'm 28 years old. I live in Illinois and work as a licensed veterinary technician. I am a runner, bookworm and obviously, an animal lover.


I've been on this site since '05. I take hiatuses, but I'm never gone for good. I enjoy giving advice and I've made such lovely friends on this site that I couldn't imagine giving it up!

chat it up yo.


ps. here's my bestestestest friend.
I love him. You will too :)

advice

I'm a 13 year old girl and I have a secret e-mail address I keep from my parents. I secretly posted an anonymous online ad on a SAFE website and got a reply. The ad was advertising that I would play piano for weddings. The reply (sent to my secret e-mail address since it was linked to the ad) asked me to play for them, and I would really like to. I want to ask my parents for permission but they would ask how I got the reply, etc. and I need to keep the e-mail address secret.

Please help soon- I will need to play this Sunday!

Thanks!

Be honest with your parents. Stop lying to them and let them know what you're doing.


They'll appreciate the honesty, and even though you might get in trouble, telling them straight up is a much better bet than having them find out some other way.


-Laura (17-f)


EDIT: Then what are you asking?

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I'm buying my boyfriend a lot of little things from target for his birthday.What should i include in the gift?

i already bought him some axe and of course condoms ;)
he's turning 17 by the way.

ps. i don't have all that much money, my budget is 100 dollars, and i want to get a lot of little things

Make him a mix CD to go with it all.
A gift card.
Some candy.
A really cute, singing card.
Small sports stuff if he's into that.
Small music stuff if he's more into that.
A new shirt or two.
A book.
Some cool gadget you find in electronics?


-Laura (17-f)

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I was a virgin until March of this year (I'm 17) and my boobs have always been the same size since I was about 15 and then suddenly within the past month and a half they grew almost a cup size, I had noticed it one day and mentioned it to my boyfriend (who also noticed) and he said it was probably from sex? And that sex matures your body..is this true? I didn't gain any weight so it wasn't that.

You're still going through puberty (but you're almost done!). I highly doubt that the fact that you had sex had anything to do with your body changing.


-Laura (17-f)

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im a senior in highschool and this kid and i have been talking for 3 months. Today was our first day of school, and him and i dont really have the same group of friends (which i knew was going to be weird). he was very weird at school, we have no classes together and he only say hi to me like three times and it was like a few minutes conversations, nothing special. then today after school i texted him and its been like three hours and he hasnt responded. should i just be done? what do i do?

I wouldn't freak out yet, since this has only been happening for one day.


Just because he hasn't texted you doesn't mean he doesn't like you. At least he DID say hi to you; that shows that he cares.


I'd give it a few more days. If he stops responding to you, ask him what's up. Maybe he's just busy?


-Laura (17-f)

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My school has school uniforms the bottoms have to be khakis & the shirts are blue, black, or white polos.
I need some advice on what kind of shoes to buy! I don't wear tennis shoes at all I'm more of a flip flop person but I need at least a white and black pair of shoes. To give you a sence of my style, I have a pair of shox and coach shoes and a pair of dunks that I really don't wear. I need someone to give me some idea I can wear with khakis even during winter.
Thanks.

Do they HAVE to be black and white? Or can they be beige or something?


If they can be beige or another color, get Moccasins! I had some last year and wore them all through fall and winter. They were super comfortable and really cute :)
- Get some cute flats. Go to Charlotte Russe and check out their flats. They have black and white shoes for sure, so if you need shows that are strictly black and white, check it out.
- Vans. They're sort of like sneakers, but a lot cuter :) I have a pair of these, too (2 pairs now actually) and love them. I wear them to work, school and out with friends.


I hope this helps!


-Laura (17-f)

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well theres this guy.
3 years older than me probably?

and we talk.
any ideas for conversations?
like massive convos?

Music. Ask his favorite bands, talk about yours, ask what concerts/shows he's been to, talk about the ones you've gone to, etc.


Movies. Find out his favorites, ask him what he's seen recently and if it was good/bad/etc.


His family. Find out about his siblings, what his parents do, etc.


His future plans. If he's 3 years older than you, that makes him 17. Find out what he wants to do after high school, what career he's interested in, and what he wants to do with his life.


Basically, just find similar interests, and take in interest in him. Show him you're interested in what he has to say, but don't only talk about him. Talk about yourself, too.


Good luck!


-Laura (17-f)

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i eat healthy and exercise regularly but im not entirely happy with my body. it sounds really shallow but occasionally people bring up comments that really hurt me.

my upper body im absolutely fine with but from my bust downwards i really dont like. i have a thin waist but i dont like the fat on my belly and my bums quite big :S my lower leg is quite thin but my thighs are really big. when i look to the side of me in the mirror i hate my body shape.

i dont know what to do to make me have the figure i want because i dont seem need to change anything as i am a healthy person, but im building up moe fat in the places i dont want.

please help.

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=569112


Good luck! :)


-Laura (17-f)

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i used to be a 34B but now all of my bras are too small for me...i like push ups so would i be a 34C? or a 32C? like is the number a smaller c? cause i tried on a 34C and the cup was a little too big, i like my bras tight so i'd want just one step above a 34B...can someone help me out?

Get measured. All bras at different places fit differently and run differently. Wherever you decide to go shopping, get measured. That way, you can be sure on a size. :)


-Laura (17-f)

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My gf n I went out for a year n a half and kissed another girl who she is now good friends with but at the time she lost trust we fought and I didn't understand why then but now I do. She broke up with me over a text and the same night I got with a girl. We didn't talk at all after that and I figured shed never talk to me again so I just got drunk all day and got with a lot more girls. Two months after we broke up I saw her at a party and troed talking to her again. One weekend I heard she was getting with another guy, which she wasn't but I messed up and showered with this other girl twice at this camping concert and we did a bunch of shit . I didn't have my phone near me all that weekend so I never asked her about it or talked to her and once I got home and found out she wasn't getting with the other guy I knew I couldn't tell her what I did I was drunk that whole weekend. She found out a week later. It's been two months since that and idk what to do. I've done everything possible to show her I'm for real this time. Sometimes she seems like she might give it another try but most days she says how much she hated me or mentions other girls. Other days she's happy and wants to hang out. I just dono what I can do for her. Any help would be appreciated

First off, you shouldn't have "gotten" with all those other girls. It's unattractive and really killed your chance with your ex.


That being said, all you can do is give her time. You need to sit down with her and spill your heart out. Seriously, we're suckers for that. Then, give her some time to figure things out. Don't talk to her for a while. Give her time to think and sort stuff out.


Then, let her decide if she wants to be with you or not. Let her make up her own mind, but make sure you let her know how you're feeling, too.


-Laura (17-f)

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HEYYY does anyone know a good product to put in your hair before you straighten it? Doesn't matter the cost, just something that works. Something that's been proven to work by you or someone else would be really great. Thanks guyss :) :)

Garnier Fructis has amazing products. Go to the store and check them out :)


-Laura (17-f)

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I'm a fourteen-year old female I have a girlfriend that I really love but never see. When she talks about sex, she reminds me of my rapist so we haven't had sex yet and I don't think I want to. Every time we talk about getting together she talks about sex, but she writes me poetry and she's really loving. She's suicidal and I feel like protecting her. She hasn't come out to her parents yet and I think she feels safe with me. What should I do? She sort of creeps me out, mostly because she cares about sex so much. I'm a virgin save for my molestation when I was 7 through 8. I don't think she gets that I'm touchy about it, no pun intended (dark humor, sorry). I used to cut myself but I stopped, and she still wants me to. I told her I stopped and she asked me why not. She still does. Her mom's always on heroin and she does pot. I want and don't want to dump her at the same time. Should I break up with her?

To put it plain and simple: yes.


She's a negative influence on you and she's making you really uncomfortable. That's no reason to stay with her. The fact that she's trying to get you to cut again is not only totally disturbing, but dangerous as well.


I think you should break up with her and try and get her some professional help.


-Laura (17-f)

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I'm stuck home this weekend all alone and I'm so bored. My parents went on a business trip and they let me stay home but there's nothing to do! I really don't feel like going out either because I'm on my period and I'm tired a lot. Is there anything fun to do without leaving the house? I thought maybe some sort of neat free internet game or something? I can't think of anything. I don't know...

ideas?

Have a movie marathon!
Clean out your closet.
Bake cookies.
Draw pictures.
Read a book.
Read magazines all day.
Update your iPod.


:)


-Laura (17-f)

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My friends drawer was short 500 dollars at work after getting it count... should she be worried about loosing her job? She just got hired completed her 30 days last week & this is her first mistake..help?

She probably won't lose her job. I've been short on my register at work, and I still have my job *knocks on wood*.


However, like Christina said below, she'll probably get in trouble. The boss will probably talk to her about it and advise her to make sure it never happens again.


But like I said, I doubt she'll lose her job. Especially if it's her first mistake.


-Laura (17-f)

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My friend recently got a boyfriend and I helped hook them up. I am really happy for them but ever since they've started going out I've been having this weird feeling like I'm jealous. But, I don't even like him like that he's just my friend. What does this mean?

P.S. I like somebody else and I already told him.

You're probably jealous that she and the boy she likes are together, and you and your guy aren't. But it's totally normal to feel jealous. Don't worry about it :)


-Laura (17-f)

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The one person I have ever loved, who I lost my virginity to (huge mistake), bared my soul to, shared my future goals and dreams with, and who I planned my entire future with, doesn't want me anymore. He broke up with me today after 3 years of dating. I really thought we were going to get married and have a good future life together. This completely came out of the blue. Just yesterday we went out on a little dinner date and he bought me flowers. Today he told me that he's thought about things and just doesn't want me any more. I didn't see this coming. How can I cope? I feel like my entire world has been destroyed.

How can I get through this pain? He told me he doesn't need time to think about it or anything. He is very certain that this is the best decision. I can't stop thinking of what we had together and what we have gone through. I keep thinking about how STUPID I was for losing my virginity to him and trusting him with every ounce of myself. I am so lost. Please help me figure this all out!

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=564711


From there:


I have found, firsthand, that the best way to get over a guy is to do the following:


Step 1: Have a really good cry.
- When my boyfriend and I broke up, I was super upset (like words cannot describe how bad I felt). But I told myself that I wasn't going to let it flip my entire world upside down. So I let myself have one really good cry, and then I told myself I'm going to start moving on. Which brings me to...


Step 2: Friends = lifesavers.
- Go to the mall and buy yourself something nice (don't over spend, though. Just something small, but nice. Like a new outfit or purse!) Or go see a movie, or out to dinner or something! Don't mope around your house all day doing nothing.


Step 3: Talk about it.
- It feels SO good to let it all out. Sit down with somebody you trust (for me, it was my mom) and just spill your heart out. Again, don't let it ruin your life or impact you too much.


Step 4: Move ON!
- Stop talking to him for a while (you need to give yourself time to get OVER him). Don't stalk his Facebook, spend time with other people, and don't even waste time TALKING about him.


Here are some more tips:
[Link](Mouse over link to see full location)


Honestly, it's going to take time, and it's going to be hard, but once you get over him you will feel SO much better. I promise you that this guy is NOT worth wasting all of your time on, and that there are plenty of other fish in the sea. Go out and find a new guy that treats you right and is WORTH your time. Forget about this guy ASAP. You're young and have plenty of time for guys. And, as one of my favorite books puts it: The first boy is always the hardest.


Best of luck! :)


-Laura (17-f)

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I'm trying to drink more water and I heard that some brands of water are much better than others. I know water is REALLY important to my body and I do want to take care of myself so I don't end up with nasty skin when I'm older. I know there is Dasani and Aquafina at WalMart. There was even something called a SmartWater that came in a really long bottle. The Fiji water (in a rectangular bottle) looks expensive but if it's the best then let me know and I will try it. That's really about all the brands I know about and I haven't really drank any of them either. What is the best tasting water available?

Dasani is my favorite. It's the best by far.


-Laura (17-f)

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so ive been with my bf for a while n we havent said i love you yet i know he does love me cuz he shows it.. but i want to say it to him well actually i want him to say it first but its taking forever... weve taken eveerything really slow but i just wanna jump the gun this time please help dont worry i know we love each other and im defintely mature to take the step of saying it

If you love him, tell him. It's really that easy.


-Laura (17-f)

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I deal with the stress of my parents telling me I'm not good enough and the they dont love me and that they hate every choice I make. and with me dealing with that I take that all out on my best friend and he has done nothing wrong like honestly I think that like if I wasn't around a lot of people would be happy. I just don't know what to do anymore. Can some one Help

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=549129


From there:


Dealing with stress is never easy, but I'll try to help you, even if only in the least.


Whenever I'm feeling stressed, like when I'm working on really tough homework or feel like I have too much going on with my friends, boys, my family, etc, I have a few ways of trying to calm myself down.


Here are a few tips that help me:

1. Listening to music.
- Now, I'm not talking heavy metal, screaming until your throat bleeds music. I mean, calm, mellow music. As far as what's on my "stressed" playlist, it includes, The Rocket Summer, Maroon 5, Daphne Loves Derby, Coldplay, and Jason Mraz to name a few. But, obviously, everyone's taste in music varies and you may hate those artists, or maybe not. Either way, I suggest finding some calm, slow songs that makes you happy listening to them, putting them into one playlist/cd and listening to it whenever you're feeling stressed or like there's just too much going on in your life.


2. Laying down.
- I literally lay down in the middle of my room, and watch my ceiling fan. I know this might sound weird or stupid or whatever, but it really helps. Just laying there watching, thinking, and breathing is really soothing in times of stress. Plus, it gives you time away from everything, in a sense, and time to just sort out all of your thoughts. You don't have to lay down in the middle of your bedroom floor, just laying down [alone] in your bed or someplace you think is comfortable should do the trick.


3. Writing.
- This usually helps me when I'm stressed or upset by my friends, a boy, or some sort of social aspect, ya know? Even if you're not good at writing, it's a good therapy or stress reliever. Poems, songs, stories, whatever you're into. It doesn't matter if it isn't "good", all that matters is that you're letting your feelings out and saying what you need to say. You could even just keep a journal, and just write down what's bothering you, why, and how you're feeling. And the best part, you can write whatever you want and you NEVER have to show ANYBODY! ;]


4. Some form of exercise or physical activity.
- For me, sometimes it's running. It helps me forget about whatever's going on, and the stressful things in my life. It also makes me feel productive, which is one of my favorite feelings. But it can be anything for you: walking, swimming, biking, heck, even playing Nintendo Wii is fine if it helps you calm down. PLUS, it's proven that exercise makes you feel better than you did before AND that people who exercise are proven to be happier and healthier than those who don't. Talk about an added bonus =]



Now that I've given you some tips to minimize the stress something else that can really help make it go away, is organization. Keep yourself on a schedule, and push yourself to get your schoolwork done or to get to work on time. Don't slack off or procrastinate, it really only adds to the stress and makes you feel worse =/


After all your hard work, reward yourself. So, say you ace a really hard final that you were totally unsure about, go buy yourself something you really want! You deserve it =]


I hope this helps!


-Laura (17-f)

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so i'm new at this school and i want people to like me. how can i make this happen? today was my first day and people where nice to me etc but i still have noone to hang out with and i was alone in the breaks. what can i do to have a 'good vibe' ??

http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=548311


From there:


First of all, if you THINK you're going to be alone and have a pessimistic view on your potential for making friends, you will be alone.


That being said, making friends really isn't all that hard. Just talk to people! Here are a few ways you can start a conversation:

1. Compliment them.
- If they're wearing a nice pair of shoes, or some cute jeans, tell them. Let them know you like their shoes, and then ask where they got them. After that, ask if they're comfortable or something. Don't be annoying about it, but take interest in the person you're talking to, and hopefully, chances are they'll show interest back.


2. Find something you have in common.
- If they're wearing a band shirt, and it's a band you like, tell them! For example, say they are wearing a Rocket Summer shirt, say to them, "I see you have on a Rocket Summer shirt, do you like his music?" Then, after they answer, tell them your opinion on the band/artist.


3. Talk about your surroundings/where you are.
- Say it's after class and the person next to you is getting up to leave. Walk out next to him/her and comment on the class. Say something like, "That was kind of an interesting lesson." or "Was it just me, or was that lecture kind of boring?" or, if you're sitting outside on a bench, and somebody is sitting next to you, make a comment about the weather or where you are.


4. Make a joke!
- There's no better way to make friends with somebody than to make them smile/laugh. BUT don't make a joke about another person, it will make you look bad AND potentially hurt another person's feelings.


-Laura (17-f)

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Where can I get one of those long cardigans that tie in the front . They go to like mid thigh, and when you tie it it goes just below your stomach.

Forever 21 has them for sure and so do American Eagle and Hollister.


I saw them at all 3 of those places when I was shopping last week.


-Laura (17-f)

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