Hello, call me Abby =] I'm eighteen and a senior in high school this year. I've always had great advice, I'm just not so great at following it =P Feel free to ask me anything, I'll do my best to give you an answer.
Gender: Female
Age: 18
Member Since: February 10, 2007
Answers: 962
Last Update: May 3, 2012
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My boyfriend is in the military, and he's coming home for a short leave in a couple of weeks. I was thinking that since his birthday is in a couple of months, and he hasn't been around to celebrate it with his friends since high school, I'd throw him a surprise party.
Here's the catch: I've never planned a party on my own before!
I know I need to get a hold of his friends, which I should be able to do through Facebook, but I've got some other issues. There will be about 20 people at the party.
1) What kind of food should I prepare, and how much? I'd like to go a little bit beyond just pizza. We do have a barbecue (but a small backyard), so that is an option.
2) Alcohol: how much should I plan on purchasing? The guys aren't exactly heavy drinkers, but I'm a one beer kinda girl, so I have no clue.
3) Activities? I don't want to make them play spin-the-bottle or anything lame. We have a few gaming systems and everyone attending is a gamer, so I thought that we could have a multiplayer going on there, but that's only 4 people at a time. I don't want people getting bored.
Any other tips from expert party planners? Thanks! (link)
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I'm going to assume many attending will be guys, and if so you are in luck. Feed them anything and they'll be happy. You could order pizza, wings, hoagies, typical guy foods or just barbecue some burgers and hot dogs if the weather is nice. People go crazy over kebabs on the grill. Presentation is everything, so if you get some nice serving plates any food will look good.
Have you thought about desert? You could surprise him with a cake that has his picture on it.
Hmm well the later the party is the more they will drink. I would guess 3 beers per one guy and 2 for a girl. Do the math. Margaritas or mojitos are fun for outdoor parties.
You could make funny activities that relate to your boyfriend. Gaming systems are fun but they will seperate the party (4 or 5 people playing and the rest standing around). A pinata could be funny if you got one of his favorite characters on it (trust me, once the guests have some alcohol in them it will be the best thing ever)
Twister could be a silly game or you could get some board games (Dirty minds is pretty funny, and Would you rather? is interesting) or print out trivia questions/conversation starters.
You could have a fish bowl or decorated shoe box with paper and pens to let people write birthday messages to him. It's like a modern guest book.
Atmosphere makes a good party, so if yours will run into the night add candles or paper laterns outside to give it a nice vibe. White or cream table cloths go with anything, just keep everything simple and classic. Also, tell people asap! Far enough in advance then they have no excuse not to come.
Emphasize that it is a SURPRISE! People are great at ruining surprises. Make a plan in advance to work out all the kinks.
Good luck and have a great time! He deserves a great party for serving our country. Wish him a happy birthday for me =]
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Ok, I really need help fast, I left my windows down in my 2007 dodge durango, the front two windows wont go up or down, but the back two will, and I left all of the windows down? Any advice---please help the parents will be PISSED.
---hopeless (link)
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Probably too late now, but a tarp is a good idea. If not tape garbage bags to the windows. Cover up the interior with something you don't mind getting wet, like an old sheet.
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Back in May (last month I guess you can say), I applied and had an interview with this job. I really would love working there, but I was not chosen as a candidate for the position, since of course they found better candidates.
Well I just saw they posted an ad on the internet about looking for more employees for the same position and company. I have much interest in working there (since having experience in the field), and I love their work environment.. so is it possible I could contact them again and see if they can give me a second chance?
Thanks for the time into reading this, and your response(s)! (link)
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If the ad is recent, you could give it a try. But they probably rejected you for a reason, whatever the reason is. Companies really have the oppurtunity to pick and choose these days, since many people are out of a job. Don't be offended if you aren't chosen, there is ALWAYS someone a little more qualified for a position. But that isn't the only part. Making a good impression and having a good personality is key.
Modify your resume so they don't feel like their reading the same thing again, because time is money. Let them know you are passionate about working for them.
Good luck,
-Abby
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hey there!
I'd really appreciate it if someone helped me out... i am trying to find an answer to my dilemma...
i am very healthy... i haven't gotten sick in 8 years! not a cold... and generally my intuition is pretty good in deciphering my body needs... so i regularly know when i need to do what. if i don't sleep for 3 days or so i can manage if i slept over the weekend. i usually tend to eat the stuff that i crave that i know i need... for instance the other day i was craving apricots and lobster... weird i know! but i checked and both had vitamin A which is good for your eye.. and lately i've been over exhausting them with studying... so you see i usually tend to know what i want.... howeverrrr my problem is my diet... i want to lose about 30lbs since i am 155 and only 5'4.... everytime i go on one no matter how healthy for me i start craving things that are super bad for me (mostly other healthy stuff which aren't in the diet! and sometimes carbs cause i lack the energy :() i start to sleep alot and lose focus instead of weight... my dietitian say that 155 IS MY NORMAL WEIGHT and my body is functioning perfectly fine with it and my immune system is superb! i am depressed and I've been to my family doctor and he says the same thing! what should i do??? i swim daily and i horse ride every other day, so if you want to suggest exercise as a solution then please don't post because after two posts my question won't show on right column of this website....
i am considering surgery, diet pills and vitamin supplements together, and probably just dieting anyway even if it makes me sick... but i'd like to know if there is anything else i am overlooking and haven't considered yet... thanks! (link)
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Diet is more important in losing weight than exercise is.
Cravings are hard to handle, trust me I know. There is no secret to weight loss, its diet and exercise. Pills aren't good for you and won't do the job alone.
Here are some craving beating tips:
-Drink water! Did you know your body mistakes thirst for hunger? If you feel hungry have a glass of water (only thing that wont make you gain weight!) and you'll feel full.
-Wait. I get a craving for something when I'm not hungry sometimes. I feel like I have to have it, but if I wait ten minutes, I realize I don't really want it anymore. You can last ten minutes, and then decide if its worth it.
-Get the junk food out of the house. It's so much more tempting if its in your reach.
-If your feeling hungry, eat almonds. They make you feel full. Foods with fiber and protein really fill you up so you won't want to eat soon after.
Try a daily vitamin instead of a weight loss pill.
As for exercise, it sounds like you get a good amount. Cardio is what makes you burn fat. Keeping your heart rate up. Walking or running or dancing are great ways to do it.
30 pounds sounds like too much weight loss for you. Make short term goals, there easier to follow, and make you feel more sucessful. Go for 5 pounds at first.
And most importantly, don't look at the scale. It isn't that important. We are all built differently. You could be 155 and thin, because you gained that in muscle. Its how you look in the mirror and how you feel about it.
Good luck and just try your best,
-Abby
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Does anyone have verizon internet (1mbps package or 3mbps) i was wondering how the connection is and if its reasonably fast. Is the wireless any good with their modem? (link)
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I'm pretty sure verizon is our internet provider. The troubles with connection are usually the computer, not the provider. My aol signs me off a lot, but that doesn't happen on the other computers in my house. I think they do our cable too, and for a second the cable will go out and the screen will flash black and turn back on. As for speed it's fine, I'm sure mine would be faster if I was up to date with all my anti-virus software and kept my computer cleaner from cookies and spam.
That's just my personal experience.
Whatever you do, don't get comcast! They come out to adjust your connection and the whole street is out for a couple of hours. Personally, I think the smaller the brand the better the quality. Big companies don't have great customer care.
Good luck on choosing a internet provider,
-Abby
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Hey i have this boyfriend that went away from summer vacay, our 3 month is on the 13th and i wanna send him something online that'll make him happy. I've known him for two years so we're really closer then just a 3 month couple. Does anyone have any ideas of what i can? possibly gimmie some links? (link)
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Why not make him a video? You can be really creative with that, and you don't have to be great with editing.
http://www.virtualgifts4u.com/mainlobby.htm
you can send virtual gifts there, but it isn't very personal.
Writing him a poem, or a song, or a list reasons why you care about him or what you love about him would be really sweet.
http://www.onetruemedia.com/otm_site/public_home
that website lets you make really cool photo montages with music and graphics. you can upload your video just about anywhere (youtube, facebook, myspace, or just email him) so it's super easy.
picnik.com lets you edit your photos (free and easy) so you could send him those to frame or put them in your slide show. you can add romantic quotes or funny memories you shared right onto the picture in cool fonts.
No matter what you do, I hope you have a great anniversary.
-Abby
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so i got gel tips about 3 weeks ago for prom, now that graduation is around the corner i want to get them filled and i have a lot of expenses so i'm trying to spend as little as possible. i want to know exactly how much i'll be spending before i go to the salon.
i want to get my nails filled but i don't know the difference between pink and white fillings and pink fillings. please help! (link)
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Gel nails are more expensive then the basic acryllics. I suggest switching if you want to wear fake nails, because the cost can be from 5-20$ more with gel. I can't tell you how much to expect because all salons are different, but around here it's at least 30$ I think.
You would get pink and white fillings if you don't plan on getting polish because its a natural look. It also costs more (40$ for acryllic)
Pink is usually if you plan to get them painted. This is the cheaper option.
I may be biased since I've never had gel, but I think acryllics are stronger. My mom was trying to get a key off my key chain for me a couple days after getting gel nails and her whole nail popped off. That has never happend to me with my nails.
Anyway, if you want the cheapest option for gels, get pink filling and you can get whatever you want painted on the nails.
Congrats on graduation!
Abby
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My bf and i are 15 weve been together for 5 months
and hes really insecure about the size of his penis its about 4.5 inches long when erect is that about average? (link)
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Average is between 4-6. Your only 15 though, I don't think you should be doing activities involving seeing his penis. I sound stingy, but I'm just sixteen and I don't do that stuff because I don't think its neccesary. It adds drama, pressure, insecurities, and trouble to your life when it doesn't have to be that way.
If he's feeling insecure, tell him that:
-Your 15. You don't need to do all of these sexual things right now, you have the rest of your lives to get comfortable with your body.
-He is within the average range, and chances are he'll get bigger as he gets older
-You like how he looks, and thats all that matters
-Your with him because of his personality, not his penis.
Abby
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I am a 20 year old female. me and my husband have been together (consistently)for about 2 years we have been married about 5 months. we have a great marriage we love each other dearly but sex life has not been the greatest. we do some kinky stuff and have tried some toys which works but were looking for something different. does anyone know anything really kinky or sexy or different we can do to spice it up? please help! (link)
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Check out cosmopolitan, online or the magazine. Its practically devoted to sex. Different positions can deffinitely add interest and excitement to your sex life.
I read that building up to it can really make it more satisfying. Tell him everything you want to do together before he leaves for work, and then send him a dirty text while hes away. Try extending foreplay and giving into fantasies; we all have them. Find out what his is (french maid, nurse, teacher, cheerleader?) and surprise him. It's fun to dress up and act the part, and he'll love it. Also, a change of scenery can really make you feel wild. Be risky and do it somewhere you might get caught, or move it from the bedroom. He'll feel like you just cant resist him if you have to stop in the kitchen because you can't even make it to the bed room.
I found a book about kama sutra in my parents room (ew, I know) but it's been used for hundreds of years, so they must have something interesting in there. *shudder*
Anyway, have fun and don't be afraid to shake it up!
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What does bulimia do to your body?
What will it do if I only throw up everyonce in a while? (link)
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Once you start such dangerous habits, you may find it hard to stop. Every ciggarette smoker will tell you, they only wanted to try it once or twice, and then they were hooked.
Bringing that stomach acid into your throat often will damage your esophagus and your stomach. Some people eventually lose their gag reflex, and that could kill you.
Bulimia doesn't make you thin. People who do that binge and then purge, meaning they eat too much and try to throw it up. It is an emotional thing that they soon lose control of. And even after throwing it up, you aren't getting rid of all of the calories you consumed. I was watching Dr. Phil or some talk show and a woman actually lost 20 pounds after recovering from bulimia. It can make you gain weight.
Try some excerise if you want to lose weight, its WAY better for your body then throwing up.
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15/ Female
My metabolism has always been slow ( I would be accually hungry once in about 2 weeks). Now I'm not hungry at all- for a few days now I can't even stand the smell of food! I am over-weight... Really I can't remember a time my metabolism was normal. I just ate anyway even though 99.9998% of the time I wasn't hungry... Is there anything wrong? What should I do to regulating my metabolism?
-Kaori (link)
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Metabolisms are tricky...everyone's goes at a different speed. I would talk to your doctor or a nutritionist for the most accurate health.
To speed up your metabolism, always eat breakfast. It can be a small meal, but breakfast does what the word says, breaks the fast. This will jump start your metabolism each morning.
Eat only when you are hungry. I don't mean starving yourself for two weeks until you feel a pang of hunger, but I rarely feel hungry either I just eat. Wait til you feel hungry, trust me, it will happen. Eating when your friends or family are when your full will make you gain weight.
Eat foods heavy in fiber. Fiber cleans your system out (you can't digest it so it pushes out all the other food you have eaten) and it keeps you full. You can eat less of that and feel full. When you need to snack, grab something like a handful of almonds. Giving your mouth something to chew on can help the cravings. I also read that eating ice gives your metabolism a boost.
Exercise will increase your metabolism, so just try to add some in.
If you don't see a difference, I deffinitely suggest consulting a doctor.
Good luck and work hard, you will see a difference!
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ok my cousin is getting married July 4th and i'm a bridesmaid who's gonna be wearing a shortish summertime kinda dress. so naturally i wanna look GOOD and i'd like to lose around 10 pounds for this to happen. i don't have gym access and i live in georgia so it's BLAZING HOT to run outside but i have a treadmill and a couple of 8 pound weights at home. i know i can do it if i really stick to it but the problem is i lose motivation sooo easily. i'll do really good and work out hard for a week or two but then i just lose interest and quit and i'll be super mad at myself. how can i stay motivated for just over a month?? [and also because it's almost summer time too!] i can't work out with a friend, so all i have is me and my house. i already listen to upbeat music when i work out. but how can i really stick to it for once!? (link)
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The person below me is not exactly correct; I've been going to the gym for 2-3 weeks now every few days and I haven't changed my diet at all and I've lost 3 pounds. That was basically no effort on the diet part. So you CAN look good for this wedding. You have plenty of time. If your young your metabolism will be up so it will deffinitely be easier for you.
If you can get to a gym, I reccomend it extremely. I've always had a treadmill, but it's hard to stay on it if its in your house and there are other things you could be doing. But if not, what you really need to do is run your butt off. Cardio burns fat. Each time I go to the gym I run between 3-5 miles. Sounds impossible, right? I used to be the biggest couch potatoe and running exhausted me. I would rather die then go and run. But if you build up little by little and don't try to go for that 5 mile run the first day, you'll get in shape and it wont kill you to do it.
So try to go for a mile the first day. Or you can do it by time, I used to aim to do 15 minutes, then 30 minutes, and then I went for mileage. Listening to music is what gets me through it. I close my eyes and get in the zone.
Losing motivation is a big problem for me too. You can't bore yourself. Your body gets used to one routine and so does your mind. Change it up as much as possible. Do outside runs, change the incline and speed on your treadmill, and try some different activites. Swimming is great, and if you hang out with friends how about a game of tennis or basketball? The internet is a great resource. Look up workout videos. Try new things like yoga.
Weights are great for you to have. Google exercises you can do with them. You can do things like lunges, squats, crunches, calf raises, push-ups all without weights.
Put a picture of a dress you would love to wear up so its a constant reminder. Make goals and put them on a poster board.
And eat healthy. Thats 60 percent of the results. Drink a TON of water, replace some food with fruits and veggies, and go for low fat options. You can do it!
nivea lets you join a month workout program on their website that has meal plans and excerise plans, and its just a fun site. try it out!
Good luck!
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I love my boyfriend but I don't know how to say "I love you" to him. We have been dating for a month now and I think he feels the same way about me but he has never said "I love you". He calls me "my love" and stuff like that and I say that too, but thats different. How do I approach this conversation and say "I love you"? (link)
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Girls mature faster then guys, thats a fact. Girls are more emotional and in tune with their feelings usually. You might know how you feel and want to express it, but he is more likely to be unsure and not want to express his feelings. Guys think being emotional is a sign of vulnerability for one, and the second they feel like the relationship is going to fast, they might just get scared and leave. I do not recommend saying I love you after only month. Most likely he'll be afraid of the commitment and it could make things weird for you.
Let him say it when he's ready.
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I'm 33. My gf is 28. My girlfriend and I have been talking about marriage, and invitations to the wedding came up. She wants to invite a couple she had a three-way with. It was a one time thing, they are friends today, and she works with wife of this couple. Here's the kicker. She is the godmother to their child, and they are still good friends and have a "family" like relationship because of the said godchild. I have put my foot down and have said no to having them at the wedding. I just can't imagine having an ex-lover at the wedding, even though they just did it once. I really just couldn't stand having the guy there, saying something like, "ha, I tapped that." I know, it sounds stupid, but its the truth. Am I being unreasonable or is my objection understandable? (link)
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It's deffinitely understandable, as its your wedding day and you don't want to look around the room and have an unwanted guest. But if she is the godmother and works with the wife, it could become quite sticky if you don't invite the couple. Talk to your girlfriend about how the thought of seeing him there would bother you all night, and try not to argue about it. Let her know how uncomfortable you would feel.
If you could some how comprimise, consider inviting them only to one part of the wedding, such as the reception. Or put them in seats in the waaay back. It's important that both of you are happy on this important day. If you have to face him, just think, maybe he was with your wife once, but now your the only one who can have her for the rest of her life.
Good luck and I wish you the best!
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I'm getting married in October, if all goes well. I've been looking for wedding dresses online, because none of the shops near me have anything close to what I'm looking for. So far I've found one dress I like, that's actually pretty cheap. I'd like to find some more, though, so I can keep my options open, because I really don't want to settle on one without looking at some other ones. I'd hate to regret my choice.
So, I was wondering if anyone knows any websites I can go to. I don't want anything really pricey. I want something that's not your traditional white dress. I love colorful dresses. So far our wedding theme is going to be Autumn, so preferably something in that color scheme. I love the idea of kind of gothic looking dresses, but nothing like the medieval dresses. Any suggestions? (link)
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Theknot.com is a really great website, they have galleries of dresses from all different designers, plus tons of other fun wedding stuff.
And this site has dresses for very cheap, so its worth checking out.
http://www.shopofbrides.com/
As for gothic themed, when Shana Moakler got married, she had a black ribbon around her waist and a black hair accesory that looked classic without being too gothic. I think she carried a bouquet of black roses as well, which looked surprisingly beautiful.
http://img380.imageshack.us/img380/1280/shanna182hs9.jpg
Putting a ribbon acccent on your dress is a great way to tie into the color scheme, so if your doing an autumn theme you could wear a brown or orange ribbon or flower in your hair. I've seen brides who wear an updo and tuck a leaf into their hair. Be creative and have a great time!
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I have very damaged hair. On the sides it is only one fourth of an inch long. I am goin to relax it soon and I want to know how to protect it when getting it. I was thinking about cutting all of the damage off but i do not know if i should. My hair is really dry (and ends) and breaks when i comb, wash, and even run a hand through it. When i see other relaxed hair, it is moisterized and mine is not.
- Also can anyone recommend products that would help (no greasy or heavy thing that will break my hair more). I haven't had long hair for six years and i really do want it again. (link)
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Sometimes un-doing damage is impossible, but you can always try to improve your hair's condition. Before going out and buying products, try some treatments with things you already have.
Get your conditioner, wet your hair, and apply a lot of it. Let it sit for a good amount of time, maybe 20 minutes or so. You could wrap saran wrap around it if you wanted.
Try an at home hot oil treatment. You could go buy a kit, or just use olive oil. Heat it up (not too hot!) and have someone pour it over your hair and let it sit for a while.
There are moisturing shampoos and conditioners (i love herbal essences hello hydration) and some even promise to 'repair' split ends (i think tresemme or loreal have those products) but i'm pretty sure thats impossible but it doesn't hurt to try. The stuff they use at the hair salon always seems better then store bought products, dont they? Call your hair dresser and see what he/she uses on you.
Try your best and don't be dissapointed if you don't see results. It grows back, thats the great part! If you start growing your hair out, get a very small trim every 2 months or so. I know it seems like your just making it shorter, but trust me, when it gets to the length you want it will be in better shape then if you didn't cut off dead ends every once in a while.
Good luck!
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i recently had ACL reconstruction but the doctors that operated on me made a BIG mistake and now they have to reconstruct my knee muscles, my patella, and some bones.
im really scared for this surgery
any suggestions on how to calm down? (link)
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I haven't had any major health problems thankfully, but I do have bad anxiety. It's hard to calm down, but here are some tips that help me:
-Yoga. Turn off the lights, put on soothing music and just practice the breathing or some poses you can do while sitting down and off your leg.
-Do some research online. Knowing what will be going on can relieve some of your worries. Look up some rehab exercises too so you'll be prepared for after. Don't go looking up any horror stories, that will just scare you! But knowing some good questions to ask your doctor and being informed can deffinitely make you feel in control and prepared.
-Talk about it. Letting out some steam to your friends and having a support system really helps.
-Pray. I don't know how religious you are, but praying is the only thing that really helps me. I have never been let down by God.
-Think of how fortunate you are, how your situation could be worse, and be thankful. What doesn't kill you makes you stronger; think about how to push through this hard time and how much better you will be after the surgery.
I wish you the best of luck, I know you'll do just fine. Your in my prayers.
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so prom is in like 5 days and i have a big problem..not only that i cant find a dress..but that i have
3 boys asking me to prom
and i need your advice on who i should take..
first guy who asked me was this boy named been im a 10th grader and he is a freshman well he asked me one day in class he said "hey can i take you to prom" and i said yeah
but i dought that it is still going to happen because we havent talked about it and i think he asked another girl by now
2nd guy he is a senior..and he didnt really aske me but his name is robby..and well my friends told him to take me and he was like okay i'll ask her and my friends told me and i got excited cause i kinda like him..well i do like him and i really dont want him to go to prom date less
the third guys name is brian we been friends since 8th grade and he has always kinda been in love with me..but i really dont like him like that..well anyways he was suppose to go with this other girl who is his now ex but they go in a fight and she said she didnt want to..well now he asked me and i said well idk but today...(today i heard robby was going to ask me too)
I wanna go with robby..but i want brian to go to..i dont wanna hurt anybody...and i really want to go alone but if robby asks me i know im going to say no and i really dont want brian to fell i lied to him..WHO SHOULD I CHOOSE..i dont want to depend on robby asking me but if i say yes to brian (who is calling me..bugging me to give him an answer)..and then robby asks me..Oh GOSH PLEASE HELP (link)
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I had problems like that picking a formal date. Ultimately, who will you have the most fun with? I went with a guy I barely knew and it was awkward and I just wished I didn't have a date. Sometimes its better to go with a good friend then a guy you might like, because it will be less awkward or dramatic.
I know you don't want to hurt anyone, but you have to let them down some how, so just explain the situation and be nice about it. These guys are probably worried about it too, so try to let them know as soon as possible!
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I'm turning 18 in like 3 weeks.
still debating on whether or not i should even have a party. but if i did, any ideas?
it would be on a budget, and no house parties. lol
probably something small, like 10 people? or just like 3-4 people. but no in between, you know?
kay thanks in advance. ill rate :] (link)
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well i'm only turning sixteen but i'm not into the big party idea either. i'm thinking about getting a limo and taking some friends out to a trendy resturant in the city since we live in the suburbs. you could do that and go clubbing after or something. or you could do a girls day out and get manicures/pedicures/facials etc and have an old fashioned slumber party.
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I have a dress and it is mainly red and a bit of black, (http://www.simplydresses.com/body_types/detail.cfm?key=283826&v=PD&cat=slender) - the white bit is actually bright bold red. and i just want some makeup to work with it, i just don't know what! any ideas will really help.. i have looked through some sites and they don't really help me, thanks! (link)
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I think a bold cat eye (with black liquid eye liner) would look really good and goes well with the retro-modern style of your dress. It's hard to match make up with that because not many people can pull off red eye shadow and white is kind of blah.
Use a shimmery shade close to your skin tone for the eye lid, and you can shade in the contours with a darker color like a brown if you want. Put a tiny bit of white on the inner corner of your eye, it will make it appear wider. Then do a black cat eye.
http://www.ehow.com/how_2036763_perfect-cateye-liner.html
If your comfortable with it, you can try fake eye lashes (you can get them at walgreens for 2-8 dollars)
It's dramatic and simple and i think it will look great on you =] Maybe if your bold enough you can do a red lip?
Good luck,
-Abby
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