Yes, you can go to a free Women's Clinic that provides pap smears and other services free of charge, provided you do not have health insurance. You can try going to the city hospital and asking where the nearest free health or women's clinic is located. If you are a student, colleges and universities offer affordable services regardless of whether or not you have insurance.

It would be helpful if I knew which city you live in...but you could google, "free women's clinic + (city you are in or near)," and you'll get lots of information.

Also, try checking if there is a YMCA around you to call or visit, they'll definitely have information on free health or women's clinics.

Wherever you end up going, make sure you are examined by at least a registered nurse, and see if you can also get a yearly breast exam. Good luck!

Since your hair is naturally wavy and thick, then you could get away with using less styling products.
If you want those bangs (short) or that exact style, then you could go to a hair stylist and have them cut your bangs/layer your hair for you. Otherwise, keep your hair as it is, and try this:

If you have a mouse (especially curling), put some in your hair while it is slightly damp, and make sure it's evenly distributed. After, use a bit of gel- but one that is not too sticky or heavy. You could let it dry on it's own...after doing that, you should have natural waves much like the one in the photo.

You should never have to put up with someone who criticizes you in that way. He tells you that you don't do things the right way- as though there is a "right" way to do anything. You should do what feels right, and if that's not good enough for HIM, then HE is not good enough for YOU.

"He treats me like crap...but I like him SO much." It sounds like you feel dependent on him, otherwise you would not like someone who treats you that way. Maybe you like the idea of having a boyfriend, rather than having HIM as a boyfriend...hope that made sense. So you didn't stroke his arm the way he likes- a mature person would give you hints, rather than tell you outright that it's like you were "scratching a dog." That sounds disrespectful and immature to me.

Listen, I'm not trying to tell you exactly what to do; I'm just here to advise you. This does not sound like a happy and healthy relationship. If you feel like he treats you badly, then make it known, and do not let it continue. If that means moving on and finding someone else (who is mature and respectful enough to treat you well, by the way), then that is probably the best thing for you. Never settle for someone who will not settle for you.

I lived in a dorm my freshman year (five years ago!). There is nothing you can do about hundreds of freshmen and sophmores living in closed quarters. You will like some and dislike others.

Living in a dorm is probably an extension of High School (which is why I moved out the next year); a lot of people are immature, sex-crazed, freedom deprived, etc., etc. All I can tell you is that you are encountering many types of people- some of whom you dislike (like this girl).

You cannot expect to get along with everyone. If there is one girl who annoys you, all you can do is ignore her. It will be hard to avoid her completely since she lives on the same floor as you. Hang out with your own friends, don't make an effort to hang out with her, ignore her (but don't be mean)..whatever you can do to help her get the point. By the way, ask yourself if you dislike her as a person, or just because she sleeps around. Why exactly do you dislike her...

If your roommate also dislikes having her in the room, then you could discuss the matter with her as well. If she (the girl) does something to you (as in really bad, disrespectful, etc) then you can just be upfront with her and tell her exactly how you feel-and that you don't want her hanging around in your room. Simple as that.

But all in all, I guess what I'm meaning to say is don't get too worked up over one person. Have your own fun, hang out with your own friends, etc., and don't let her get to you too much. By focusing on other things, you can have a good semester.

You have already gotten a lot of answers for this...but I would suggest using a deep conditioning treatment (most brands carry them)- garnier, dove, aussie.

One shampoo/condioner I recommend is Nexxus- sleekstress or hydrasilk (something like that); Pretty much anything made by nexxus that is made for dry hair. It is a bit pricey though. Or something else that is wonderful- Neutrogena Triple Moisture deep conditioner.

Your hair can only absorb so much conditioner, so for helping to smooth dry hair and split ends, a good deep conditioner will help (I'd say twice a week or so).

Some brands you might consider: Neutrogena Triple Moisture, Nexxus, Garnier Fructis...

See what works best for you.

I've never been pregnant, but I can tell you that early signs of pregnancy vary by person. What the person below mentioned are some common signs..

If you have any doubts, or think that you might be pregnant, get a pregnancy test. The doctor can take a blood or urine sample that will give you accurate results within two weeks after having sex. Or you could try going to a free clinic (if all this applies to you, of course).

For more info., just google it- there's tons of information out there.

I am not sure what the reason is for this- you would need to speak to a doctor in order to figure out personal factors that may impede wound healing. A blood sample may be taken, and the doctor will be likely to analyze your health history.

I can tell you, however, some common reasons for this. Nutrition can play a role- you might not be getting enough iron or vitamins. Try taking a multivitamin, and talk to your doctor to see if you have low iron levels in your blood. Also, eat well- make sure to get enough nutrients in your diet.

Smoking can also slow down wound healing. If you aren't a smoker, it's likely that your diet is the main culprit.

I suggest you get a check-up at the doctor in order to get a professional diagnosis and advice.

If you bleached your hair on the 29 of December, then I think that you should wait at least a week to re-dye your hair.

However, I would recommend going to a salon to have them fix it, just in case. Let them know what happened, and they can dye your hair according to your preferences. I got pretty bad highlights several years ago (my hair is also dark brown) and I dyed it back myself- it was ok, but I regretted not having it done at the salon. Professional hair stylists know better.

I do recommend having them dye your hair back to its natural color. Overtime, your own hair will grow back. If you still want to keep it blonde, have them dye it for you either way.

The first visit to the gyno can make you nervous, but relax. Try not to think about anything at all- it is more uncomfortable than painful. Let your gyno know that it is your first visit, and they will make sure to be gentle (they always are, actually). I think that most gynos also give you a breast exam during your yearly visit.

Before inserting the speculum (holds vaginal walls open), the gyno will use a lubricant. The exam takes a short time- all they do is swab a long q-tip to collect samples. Once you are at the gyno, try to relax your muscles (they may also remind you to do so), and focus your attention on other things. Oh, and you should not douche or be on your period (of course) because these can interfere with the lab results.

At your age, you should get a pelvic exam every year, whether or not you are sexually active. I think once you hit 30 or so, you can get one every other year. But anyway, I have read that women should first get a pelvic exam by the time they are 21. You are 23, but you should make sure to go get a pap smear every year, and if you are sexually active, also get tested.

Here is a link for more information on the gyno, and pelvic exams/pap smears:

http://womenshealth.about.com/od/gynecologicalhealthissues/a/gyn101.htm

I disagree with the previous columnist. Your vaginal area does tend to have sort of a musty type of odor when you have a yeast infection. It itches a lot- you did not mention that you were itching down there. A yeast infection itches like crazy and burns...the genital area-vulva, labia is red too.
But your symptoms may have nothing to do with a yeast infection. In fact, you might have a bacterial infection that could cause similar symptoms. If you are not itchy down there, you don't have a YI. Only a gyno can diagnose a yeast infection. If you have one, you usually can tell later on if you have another. But again, only a gyno can examine and diagnose whether you have a yeast infection, or if your symptoms are caused by something else.
I would suck it up and talk to your mom about it, it's nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. It's likely that she has also gone through the same thing in the past, and can guide you. Make an appointment to see a gyno ASAP, so that you can cure whatever it is. Since you do not have sex, this has nothing to do with an STI.

Check out this website for info. and links on yeast infections: (remember not to self-diagnose, go see a gyno):

http://www.msu.edu/~eisthen/yeast/

If you do in fact have a yeast infection, your gyno can prescribe a pill called Diflucan..it's just one pill and it stays in your system for a week, clearing up the YI. Also, eat lots of yogurt, or even put yogurt (plain, unsweetened) in the area. There are OTC meds you could get at Target or a drugstore...Monistat, etc., I have only tried Diflucan, however, and it's only prescription.

To avoid yeast infections, make sure you clean the vaginal area well (no soap) with water, or even a feminine wash like Summer's Eve. Always be clean and dry down there. And whenever you go swimming, make sure not to keep your bathing suit on for a long time afterwards. Also, only wear cotton underwear (breathable), and avoid wearing really tight pants. As long as you have good hygiene, the chances of getting a yeast infection are reduced.

By the way, yeast infections have nothing at all to do with what you eat.

You really should change your pad even if you are not on your period, as vaginal discharge and even sweat can get trapped in it. For health and sanitary reasons, you should change your pad as necessary, around twice a day until you get your period. Think of it as a pantyliner you use daily to absorb vaginal discharge- of course you should change it. It is unhygienic to keep your pad on for too long, whether or not you are on your period. In either case, your pad is a breeding ground for bacteria. Make sure to keep a couple of pads with you wherever you go so you can change them as needed.

I would recommend getting your bikini area waxed from now on- although it's painful, it is well worth it. I would save shaving for when you really have to.

That said, there is no limit as to how much you can get waxed. You can just do the bikini line, or like the person below said, get a Brazilian. I personally prefer not to- I never have. There is hair down there for a reason, so getting the bikini line waxed, and grooming the rest on your own is perfectly fine. In fact, gynecologists advise against Brazilian waxing, since the hair is there to protect the vagina. I would recommend getting the bikini line waxed and grooming/trimming the rest in whatever way you prefer.

It will hurt a lot to get your bikini line waxed, especially the first time. It's always going to hurt, but once you know what to expect, you can deal. Usually at salons, especially with experienced staff, they'll wax very quickly and efficiently, so it'll be a lot quicker and less painful than if you tried waxing yourself. You can decide how much you want taken off, and let them know your preferences. Also, regardless of where you are getting waxed, make sure they use baby powder, or have some sort of oil to put on afterwards. Good luck!

I am also not an expert on dream interpretation, but dreams that involve death, falling, kidnapping, etc., usually symbolize an insecurity of some sort. You might be worried about something, or are having trust issues with someone, or are scared of something. Try asking yourself what happened the day or night before you had the dream, or if there is something that is really bothering you- Whatever the case may be, when you have an unpleasant dream, such as the one you had, there is usually something that is bothering you, and shows up subconsciously in your dreams. Again, I am not an expert on the matter, but I can tell you that sometimes our dreams symbolize something we feel, or have seen before...good or bad.

You could look online and find job openings at the mall. Certain stores will not hire unless you are 18 or over (Victoria's Secret, for example), but some other places will. I think that major coffee shops like Starbucks, hire people under 18. You could be a cashier or barista (make drinks). You can also look at job openings as a supermarket cashier. Oh, movie theaters also hire under 18.

You can also do under-table work, such as being a babysitter or tutor. Try putting up a flyer at your school, or search Craigslist.org under jobs, to find those types of positions.

Why is it so important that your friends envy you? What do you get from being more popular, fashionable, social, wanted, etc., etc.? You get to be at the top of the ladder, beating out all the poor suckers below you. That's really all it means to be envied. Unfortunately in this society, things like this are not looked down upon.

If you want to look good or be more social for YOURSELF, that's one thing. But to do that in order to get people to notice you, or ENVY you, is not "cool," believe me. You will not get anything from it in the long run.

This might not be what you want to hear. I will not tell you to wear the "coolest" clothing or carry the "coolest" cell phone or act "cool". The idea of being "cool," is not cool. If you really want to be well-regarded, and not just for your looks or possessions, then be yourself. But do not do that even to impress others, or get them to be envious of you. Trying to get noticed or stand above the crowd, is only living for other people.

Like the others have said, it is hard to tell, since we are not there to see what kind of person she is. But continue to keep your guard up, if only because she is popular. I know how the whole "popular crowd" can be, although I was in High School over five years ago. Although I am not implying that she is using you, or embodies the popular stereotype to its fullest, I am trying to point out that you should be careful and just watch out for yourself- just in case she happens to be that way.

One thing that stood out for me in your question, was the fact that you mentioned she was only friends with you before when her friends were mad at her. To me, that is not a good enough reason to start hanging out with someone. She should have wanted to be your friend regardless of the situation. But now that she does want to hang out with you, in spite of being on relatively good terms with her friends, can mean that she liked hanging out with you before, and wants to continue doing so. However, because she was only your friend before when she had no body to be with, is a reason for you to just be cautious and see where things go. Also, you two did not hang out for an entire year- that is a very long time. Now, after a year, she wants to hang out with you. It could mean something, or nothing at all.

Do not trust her completely because the foundation of your friendship seems to be a bit rocky. Ask yourself a few questions: Does she mind if you hang out with her other friends? Do you get the feeling that she is using you for something? Is she kind and respectful enough to you? For now, don't make yourself completely available, you can hang out with her at your own time. See how she acts around you, and if you feel comfortable enough around her. Only then can you really tell whether or not she is using you.

Most restaurants include the cost of the tip (usually around 15%) in the check when there are more than five or so people in the group. This is done to compensate for all the work the waiters have to do in serving so many guests, of course. Since the tip is already included, it isn't necessary or even expected to put extra on the table. The waiters already get their portion of the tips. Like the person below said, you can put a few dollars extra if you want, but really, the waiters already get 15-20% for tip anyway, so it's really not necessary.

Here is a website that has tons of homemade skincare recipes for all skin types and conditions (face & body). It is a wonderful website:

www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com

Here is a link to a page for different facial masks..
http://www.skin-care-recipes-and-remedies.com/organic-facial-mask.html

scroll down to "mean green mask" (avocado, for
hydrating skin), here's a copy/paste of the recipe:
The Mean Green Mask

The skin softening effects of avocado have been known for centuries. This is an easy, inexpensive mask you can make which combines benefits of two of nature's best kept skin secrets. Mash the avocado and honey together immediately before use as this mask does not do well with storage. Apply to a clean face (away from eyes), allowing it to sit for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.

Ingredients:
1 large ripe organic avocado, peeled and sliced1 1/2 tablespoons organic honey

About your undereye circles...I get them too, it is partly hereditary, and partly due to lifestyle. Make sure to have good nutrition, and get enough sleep. Other than that, I think that a good undereye cream can help, or use vitamin E, or even
plain old tea bags (brewed and cooled, of course). In the meantime, try using an undereye concealer. I don't know how effective home remedies are, but here's a good website:

http://hubpages.com/hub/Howtogetridofundereyecirclesnaturally

Either way, depending on your accent and what city you're from. Potato, potaaato; tomato, tomaaato, lol :)

That's funny, way back in High School (freshman year), I also babysat three boys, who were 6, 4, and 2 at the time. It might seem overwhelming to take care of three kids at once, but depending on their age, there are lots of things you could do to keep them busy and/or calm them down. One thing you should definitely do is ask their parents what their normal evening schedule is like (activities, etc.), and what their rules are- you especially need to know the evening rules. When I babysat, the parents told me some rules, like read a story before bedtime (usually around 8), one piece of candy or other snack only, dinner's in the fridge, etc., etc. That made it a lot easier on me and the kids. So you should make sure to ask their parents what the rules and evening activities are.

One thing though, is depending on the age, kids love to play games. If they have toys/games, you could play with them and keep them busy. If any one of them likes to draw, you could bring out paper and crayons or markers...that usually keeps kids busy for a while. If the kids have a favorite movie or cartoon, you could put that one for them.
Keep in mind, though, that the kids will probably want to do different things at different times. So, if one of them is having fun doing something, and another one is bored, you could simply suggest an activity, or ask what he feels like doing.
Also, read them a story before bedtime.

Don't worry, things will be fine. If the kids start acting up and saying things like, "you're not my mom," or are not following the rules, you can always say, "I'm here to take care of you, and I have to follow your parents' rules" or something along those lines. They might be really nice and obedient kids, I don't know...but if they are stubborn (some kids can be at times), make sure to be firm, but nice with them, almost like a teacher. Don't yell at the kids if they start yelling or screaming (and I'm not implying they will, it just happens with some kids), you just have to be firm.

Good luck, and have fun!

I am here to give honest advice, when I feel I have something to contribute. I try to be as empathetic and understanding as I can, as I know that the way something is said is as important as the message itself.

I usually advise on love/relationships, friendship and family issues, nutrition, and health (mental and physical). If I feel I can help out, there's not a whole lot I am unwilling to answer. Ask away!

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