thelaura's advice column

If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal.

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Laura/22/England

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does taking a bunch of advils enhance the effects of alcohol?

Yes. and it's not recommended!

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Since my name is short enough: I'm having trouble coming up with a nickname. Are there any for the name Lisa? & if so, what are they and how would you pronounce them?

The most common for Lisa would obviously be Lease.
Why don't you try being a little different and have a nickname which represents you as a person and reflects your personality. It doesn't have to necessarily be related to your name.

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ive shaved " down there " before and it was fine but then i tried the second time and it hurt and i got bumps

can anyone give me any tips on how to shave it without any bumps coming or any pain without getting a wax?

Just like shaving other parts of the body, apply shaving gel/foam/even conditioner (!) to the area and shave against the hair. (careful not to get any inside, in your case :P) Afterwards, apply something which will soothe the area and calm down any irritations. Go slowly.
You should try other forms of hair removal. Possibly a hair removal cream which is suitable for that area.
Good luck!

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i have freckales and hate them

does anyon know any make up to get rid of them? like cover up ..?

please ill try anything

Unless you purchase some HEAVY concealing make up, like this
http://secure.igia.com/prodetail.cfm?ID=AT7623-R
there isn't really any way to properly eliminate your freckles.
Visit a store and ask an assistant, or go to a dermatologist to see if they have anything else.
Go to different stores and test some cream foundations to see if they have any effect.

To be perfectly honest, I think you're wasting your time. Trying to cover them up is not only time consuming, but very unnecessary.
Hopefully, within time, you will learn to love your freckles.

Laura.x

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im 13 ive never even used a tampon :X and i know people who are having friggen sex at my age ... any tips on how to put in a tampon without it hurting? and when to take it out and stuff

http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/tampon.html

That should answer all your questions.
and don't panic!
Good luck.

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17/female. I forgot to take my birth control pills on Saturday morning at the usual time(about 7.30 weekdays, about 10am weekends). I had to go to work on Saturday so I couldn't take it til I got home which was about 4.30ish.
My question is I am planning to have sex on this Friday - I'm not a virgin, I've had sex with my bf before and I'm definitely sure I want to do it etc. My question is would it be as safe as it normally is when on the pill to have sex? (I know that there is never a 100% chance you won't get pregnant, but I know my chances on the pill are really high.)
If I need a condom as well, is there anywhere I can get for example a single condom - I don't want to buy a box, it would be a waste of money (this is the only opportunity I have to have sex in AGES) and also I can't risk my parents finding it (they think I am on the pill for hormonal reasons.) Or should I ask my bf to bring one, or is that inappropriate?

Yeah, so basically thanks. :) x

"Missing one pill doesn't matter - false!

The contraceptive pill should be taken at the same time each day, but is regarded as "missed" if it is taken more than 12 hours late (three hours late for the mini-pill, although with the mini pill Cerazette you have a 12-hour window). If you are late in taking your contraceptive, take a pill as soon as you can, then another at the usual time, (even if this means taking more than one pill in one day).

If more than one pill is missed, the last missed pill should be taken and the rest of the packet taken at the normal time. However, alternative contraception (such a condoms) should also be used for seven days afterwards, just to be on the safe side.

If you miss a pill and there are less than seven pills left in the pack, the course should be finished as usual and a new packet started immediately afterwards without a break. "

Considering you were only a few hours out, I wouldn't really consider it missed.
I would make your boyfriend wear a condom just incase though. If you go to a clinic in your area, you can get them for free, or if you don't mind spending a little bit of money, you can get condoms in packs of 2 in toilets. Or perhaps ask a friend.
If you can't get hold of any, no, it's not inappropriate for you to ask your boyfriend. Explain your situation to him and he will understand. It's better to be safe than sorry.

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i have been slowly getting sick and as of yesterday i woke up with a bad cold. I really need to be at school tomorow so I need some tips on how to recover quiker. Like what foods are good to eat and stuff. thanks!

** Don't eat fried foods.

** Get plenty of rest.

** Eat soups/yoghurt.

** Eat fruits rich in vitamin C. I suggest drinking glasses of orange juice.

** Have a hot relaxing bath.

** If you have any vapor rub, apply it to your chest.

** If you have Eucalyptus oil, inhale a few times during the day.

They should relieve your symptoms.
Hope you have a speedy recovery.

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Hi.im a 14 m and everytime i go to the bathroom (#2) it hurts bad.like for some reason every time i need to go it wont fit out it.i kinda need to push hard and it stretches and it actually bleeds sometimes.I was just wondering how to prevent this and if its normal???
thanks =/

Could be a number of reasons. Main one could be you aren't getting enough fiber in your diet.
If it persists, I'd see a doctor.

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I have an interview today for KFC and im not sure what to wear can someone please help me?

Thank You

You don't have to go over the top.
Basic smart wear is good (skirt or trousers and a shirt)
Make sure your hair's tied up and you aren't wearing much jewelry, as it makes a better impression of you're trying to get a job with food.
Best of luck with it!

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hey!
Just got my ears pierced, I know you're not supposed to take the earings out for like six weeks because they can close up, but I was wondering why you cant even take them out for a few minutes to clean them. Can they close up that fast?

You should only ever take a fresh piercing out if its ABSOLUTELY necessary. For example: If the jewelry is incorrect and causing discomfort and you have checked with your piercer.
You do not need to take out your piercings to clean them. and don't touch them apart from when cleaning, to prevent bacteria from your hands entering the wound.

Edit:
Sorry, I thought it may have made it clear by saying NOT to remove the jewelry! Yes, they close up fast. Everyone is different at the end of the day, but considering you've just got them done, we are talking minutes here, as the wound is still fresh.
Hope that cleared up your question. :)

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umm im 14 years old and i never had my period yet and i have no boobs at all

I'll keep it short and simple.
You are 14 years old. Wait it out.

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All he does is sit around and watch cartoons all day. Why wont he go out and make some money.
I say if he is old enough to carry a shovel he should.
He also sucks in school, I think he ll drop out from kindergarden.

Perhaps you should wait until your son is at a legal age to work :|

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My boy sais its totally normal for a man to want to get fingered. Whats your opinion on that matter?

Some guys like it, considering that is where the prostate is.
It's not abnormal. It just depends what your guy prefers.
and before anyone says it, no, it doesn't mean he's gay...

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I got this relatioship with a boy since last October and we have been going out almost every single day since then. Only one day we did NOT go out last week, and he brought another girl to sleep over. She used to be his ex girlfriend.
He sais that nothing happened but I dont believe him. He admited himself that she slept over.
Can you help me if its the truth, or just half the truth.
Thanks.

NO ONE here can tell you what really went on.
If he's your boyfriend, I reckon you should trust him if he said nothing happened. That is until you find any further evidence.
Look out for any signs. Has he been acting different recently? Keep a close check on him. and I hope everything works out just fine for you.

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Im 5.2 ft nearly 5.3 ft ive just started to take milk and stretch has any1 got any like faster ways to grow im 14 =( PLZ HELP!)

Make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet and get your sleep.
There's no way to make you miraculously grow but they sure can help.
Plus, seeing as you're only 14, you have years left to grow. Don't sweat it!

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Ohkay, So at the beginning of my freshman year, [i'm a sophmore now] i became really close with a boy in my biology class. he was my BEST FRIEND. around march, we started dating, because we were absolutly crazy about eachother. we're still dating now, but..he moved to minnesota. i didn't think doing a long distance realationship would be bad, since we were dating about five months before he left. but i just feel like i'm holding him back, from, dating other people, or meeting other people. hes absolutly sure that he wants to spend the rest of his life with me. but the other night he told me that hes terrified of losing me, that hes afraid someone else will come along and make me feel the same way he does. i know thats not true at all. but should i still be with him? should i wait til we're older and able to be together, not just "dating together" but physically together, with eachother all the time?

i don't know, i've just really been thinking about it lately. hes the most important thing in my life, and don't doubt it when i say i love him. because i do. i thought i loved other guys before, but it was nothing like this is for me. its the best feeling in the world. i just want to know if i'm doing the right thing by staying with him..

Long distance relationships CAN work and it seems like you two are really committed to each other. They can be hard work and put you under a lot of pressure but I think you should trust what he says.
For the time being, enjoy what you have. Sure, it might not be physical but if you love each other, carry it on.
Follow your heart. There's no right or wrong thing anyone here can tell you to be honest. If you feel as strongly as you say you do, don't give him up.

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I'm turning 14 really soon, and I want to have the perfect co-ed party. But I can't think of anything that would be fun for both girls and guys. Any ideas ???

Thanks all are appreciated.

http://www.teenpartyideas.com/
Check out the categories on the left hand side. Tonnes to choose from!
Hope you have a wicked time, whatever you decide to do!

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I just got a job working in an office and I'm basically a telemarketer for my college. My supervisor told me to wear business casual. Now, I know that I need to wear dress pants and semi-nice shoes, but what about shirts? I went shopping for shirts for work yesterday, but my friend and I disagreed on what would be appropriate for business casual.

Suggestions?

"Specifics for women's business casual
Don't confuse club attire with business attire. If you would wear it to a club, you probably shouldn't wear it in a business environment. Also, most attire worn on televison is not appropriate for business environments. Don't be deluded.
Pants / skirts:
Women can wear casual pants or skirts. Neither should be tight. Fabrics should be crisp; colors should generally be solid; navy, black, gray, brown and khaki are always safe bets. For the most business-like appearance, pants should be creased and tailored; neither extreme of tight or flowing. If you are pursuing a conservative industry and are in doubt, observe well-dressed women in your industry on the job, at career fairs, at information sessions, etc.
Skirt length and slits:
Your skirt should come at least to your knees while you are standing. While you are seated, your thighs should be covered. If your skirt comes to just below the knee, a slit to just above the knee might be acceptable. A very long skirt should not be slit to above the knee. Generally slits in the center back of a skirt — to facilitate walking a stair climbing — are acceptable. Slits to facilitate a view of your legs are not appropriate for business purposes. Slips should not be visible.
Shirt / sweaters:
In addition to tailored shirts or blouses, tailored knit sweaters and sweater sets are appropriate business casual choices for women. Cotton, silk, and blends are appropriate. Velvets and shimmery fabrics suitable for parties are not appropriate. Fit should not be tight. Cleavage is not appropriate to business and job search occasions.
Jewelry / accessories:
Wear a conservative watch. Jewelry and scarf styles come and go. Keep your choices simple and leaning toward conservative. Avoid extremes of style and color. If your industry is creative, you may have more flexibility than someone pursuing a conservative industry.
Cosmetics:
Keep makeup conservative and natural looking. A little is usually better than none for a polished look. Nails should be clean and well groomed. Avoid extremes of nail length and polish color, especially in conservative industries.
Shoes:
Should be leather or fabric / microfiber. Appropriate colors are black, navy and brown (to coordinate with your other attire and accessories); white and pastels are not appropriate. For the most conservative look, toes should be covered. Sandals which are neither extremely dressy or extremely casual might be appropriate. Thin straps and high heels are not appropriate. Chunky heels and platforms are not apropriate. Make certain you can walk comfortably in your shoes; hobbling around a job fair in shoes that are pinching your feet does not convey a professional image.
Hose:
Not essential for business casual, but are recommended if your skirt is knee length (rather than calf length) and in more formal environments such as hotels.
Purse / bag:
If you carry a purse, keep it small and simple, or carry a small briefcase or business-like tote bag in place of a purse. A structured bag tends to look more professional that something soft or floppy. Purse/bag color should coordinate with your shoes. A briefcase is certainly not necessary for most business casual events. Leather, microfiber and fine wovens are appropriate. Canvas and straw are not appropriate."

More at

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i like this guy
and i havent ruined it with him yet.
hes in one of my classes but i see him alot
i guess ive known him longer then i remember
because he remembered me
but what can i do to get his attention
letting him know that im available
nothing too big to show him that im in love with him
witch is frankly not true
just little things here and there
thanks so much

Talking to him more would certainly help! ;)
Ask him to hang out one day.
Sometimes, being subtle doesn't always work. Be flirty and try to get into his personal space - what I mean by this is to "accidently" brush past him, or at a given opportunity, touch his arm or hand when talking to him. Smile and keep eye contact.

Good luck girl

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I recently dyed my hair. However, I used temporary dye and it only lasted for about two weeks.

Are there any ways of making temporary dye last longer? I heard that there are some shampoos that don't wash the color away, but I don't know if this is true or not.

Help, anyone?

That is true, although it's more for permanent dyes.
Look for shampoos for coloured hair and give them a try. There's alot out there - I use Loreal.
Perhaps you should look into colouring your hair permanently if you want it to last longer.

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