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My favourite quote is 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you'.

Life really is a roller-coaster with it's ups and downs and varying speeds. Yet no matter how hard you try to stay on an even keel, something always comes along to kick you in the teeth and remind you just how fragile life is. We are all trying to live the best we know how and to get along together. So take time to appreciate those around you and tell them how much you love them occasionally. A smile and a kind word speaks volumes.



Gender: Female
Location: Dorset
Occupation: Housewife/Mother/Counsellor/Volunteer
Member Since: April 20, 2006
Answers: 798
Last Update: February 17, 2009
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My iron has black stuff on the bottom and it keeps rubbing off on white clothes but it won't be wiped off. Any tips for getting it off and any idea why it's there in the first place?! (link)
It's possible that when you ironed a dark material on too high a setting, it could stick to the bottom of the iron. The best way I have found to clean the iron is to wait until it is cooling down after use and wiping over very carefully with some wire wool. Don't press too hard, just enough to clean off the dirt. Hope that helps.


i get frequent headaches. im 13 and its really really hard for mme to swallow a pill. my mom usually buys advil, the liquid that you drink and the liquid gells (advil pill). i can swallow small pills of other brands, but they're usually not as effective. my weight is starting to get over the limit for childrens advil liquid but i want to keep taking it. is there another good pain reliever out there that is drinkable? and can relieve pain for people over 100-115 lbs? (link)
Have you seen a doctor or had your eyes tested recently? Someone your age should not be experiencing frequent headaches unless they need glasses, because straining to read or look at the blackboard can cause headaches. It may be worth looking at alternatives to painkillers also because frequent use of those can cause headaches in themselves. If you have a medical condition like migraines then a doctor needs to be monitoring your use of painkillers too. Have a word with your Mum and see about getting professional advice about this. Good luck.


ok so abot 4 weeks ago i cracked my collar bone. And it dosn't really hurt anymore but there is this huge bump. It's not supposed to be healed for about another week and a half but i'm worried is this gunna go away?

thanks (link)
Sorry to say that this lump will be with you forever. My husband broke his collar bone playing rugby 25 years ago and it is still there. As with the previous answer it is where the bones have healed together and formed a lump around the break. It's nothing to worry about.


Hi! i am from India. my baby is 2 yrs old and since me and my husband are both working i have arranged for a babysitter for her for 8-9 hours. my question is : how does baby sitting help her and how does it harm her? i am very confused and require advice on babysitting and what should i look in a good babysitter? (link)
Please, please make sure you have checked very carefully into the background and suitability of your chosen babysitter. Your daughter is the most precious thing in your lives and to trust her with someone else needs a lot of careful thought. You need to know that the person looking after your daughter is trustworthy, proficient and capable of looking after her. They must know what to do in an emergency and how to soothe her if she is ill. You must also ensure that your home is safe if they are caring for her at home, or if she is at someone elses home then check it out to make sure it is within legal guidelines. Should you be lucky enough to have a place for her at a nursery, check into their safety records and ask other mothers how they feel about it. On the plus side, she will have one to one care at home, or if she is at a nursery she will have company of her own age. You must trust your instincts as her mother to know what is best for her and you. If you have any niggling doubts then try someone else or another nursery. I wish you all the best.


my boyfriend asked me if i wanted sex i said 13 was way to young to have sex and i wasn't ready! he said that that was ok and he could wait! but my friend said when she got drunk at a party the had sex! shes's apoliged and i've forgiven her! but i asked max ( my boyfriend) if he had cheated on me and he said NO WHO WOULD GIVE U THAT IDEA!! i'm really heard and wanna explain i no and dump him but i want to to it in a way which will heard him like he heard me! i no thats sounds meen but my best mate! how could he!! what should i do? be crule? our just leave? (link)
This is an awful thing for you and I know how much you want to hurt your "boyfriend". The best way of dealing with this is with dignity. Tell him you no longer consider he is worthy of your affection and trust. Tell him he is dumped and walk away with your head held high. He doesn't deserve you and you were absolutely right to say that 13 is way too young for sex. Not only is it illegal but you could end up seriously damaging your health and your chances of a family in the future due to disease. Having sex so young when your body isn't ready for it can hurt you both physically and emotionally and there is a good chance you would seriously regret it when you are older. As for your best friend, if she really did go with your boyfriend is she really a best friend at all? True friends would never do that to you. Even though she has apologised are you sure that she wouldn't do it again in the future? Boys can be incredibly cruel and this won't be the first time you get your heart broken. Learn from this and always trust your instincts, they will never let you down. Wait until you are of a suitable age and with someone you can totally trust before you develop a deeper relationship. I wish you all the very best in the future and make sure you look after yourself.


look my sister emailed my guyfriend and said i hated him but thought he was hot! and said it was from me!!!!!!! even though thats not the way i fell!he always ignores me and won't talk to me even though i've explained a 17870 times that it was form my sis!!!! were going on hoil together and worried it's going to be weird! what can i do so thinks are back to normal!!!!

(link)
I suggest that you write to your guyfriend explaining what happened. If he won't accept that then there is not a lot you can do about it. You could also try and get your sister to explain that it was she who sent the email to the guyfriend and not you. If this is not resolved then tell him he would be ruining a good holiday and also your friendship if he doesn't believe you. I wish you all the best.



does having sex (protected) cause your period to be late? and if so, by about how long? (link)

Ideally no, having protected sex should not cause your period to be late. However, if the condom broke during sex then you could fall pregnant and this would cause your period not to happen. I suggest that you look out for other signs of pregnancy like sore breasts and nausea and if they occur I suggest you take a pregnancy test. I really hope that your late period is just a blip and they return to normal. Stress and worry can cause a period to be delayed as well.


Hey everyone, I have kind of an opinion question. I was thinking about taking my boyfriend out on a picnic this weekend. Only thing is I don't know what kind of food to make or bring.
I don't wanna do like, the classic sandwiches and stuff like that. I wanna actually cook something for us, but what can I make? How can I keep food hot?
I have access to a lot of stuff, and I can buy anything I need.
So basically, I want dinner suggestions (we're both kinda health freaks)
and
How do I keep food hot?
Thanks! Good spelling and grammar is appreciated. (link)
A picnic sounds a very romantic thing to do. I think that finger foods would be best - cook some chicken breast and take it in a thermos flask. Hot cheese straws (pastry with cheese in it) that melt in the mouth would be nice. Or try going for some hot chicken tacos or baguettes. All the food can be kept hot in wide mouthed thermos flasks. However, do be cautious with the chicken and make sure that it is freshly cooked and to be eaten within a short time. How about a homemade soup that can be eaten with bread, again kept hot in a thermos. Follow the main course with strawberries and cream washed down with a little wine if you are old enough. If you are underage then a non-alcoholic drink like schloer would be nice. Have a look round the deli section of a supermarket - you can pick up lots of little finger foods that can be either hot or cold. Enjoy your picnic. All the best.


im moving in less than a month. theres this guy that likes me and might make a move on me at a party tomorrow, but i know hes a whore and i told myself i could never like him--hes the hottest guy i know and i have never felt any emotions for him at all. on the other hand, this other guyfriend of mine i think likes me because his friend asked me if i did, and i said i didnt want to get "emotionally attached" to anyone now, since im leaving, so it wont work out. i dont have feelings for this kid in that way either, but im not physically attracted to him in the least. so my question is, if i were to hook up with the first boy alex, only for that night and not go out, would that be just plain mean if nick sees/ finds out about it? will he think i told him "bullshit" about emotional attachment because i dont like him? am i being too shallow? i dont want a boyfriend now, i just want fun, but not too much..what should i do? (link)
As long as you are honest from the very start that you do not want a relationship because you are leaving soon, then I don't see that there will be a problem. Don't let yourself get too involved with this guy (as in going to bed with him) because that will just cause too many problems. Let them both know where they stand with you from the outset and don't try to play them off against each other. It is okay to have fun as long as it doesn't hurt any of you. All the best for your move.


Alright, so, my sister and I have a great relationship with our mother. We talk to her about everything and anything and we love being around each other. Well, most of the time that is. Yeah, we have arguments and sometimes we don't get along just like other mothers and daughters. But, within hours, sometimes even minutes, we make up. That is, unless her sisters are around, then she turns into a bitch.


When they're around my mom nitpicks at everything we do and lectures, yells at us about it. It's insane because she's NEVER like this when they're not around. When they're not here, she only gets us in trouble when she feels she needs to but when they're around, it's for EVERYTHING it seems.


My sister and I argue about clothes all the time, we're sisters, we do that and usually, if she was wearing one of my shirts that I wanted to wear that day my mom would take the shirt and tell both of us to find something else to wear. Well, around my aunts, she tells us to go to our room and doesn't let us go out that day.


And today, my sister got these new Coach shoes that I've wanted as a birthday gift and never got. They're the white, turquoise, and pink wedges with the bow around the toes if anyone knows what I'm talking about. So anyway, I went to my mom and asked her was up because I was the one that wanted and asked for them. I made the mistake of asking in front of one of her sisters and she rolled her eyes at me. Then, my mom started bitching at me so I asked her what her problem was and she said "I'm so sick of my two irresponsible, disrespectful, ungrateful daughters!" After that I just went up stairs.


When we talk to our dad about it, he says he'll talk to her but of course he never does. And he doesn't notice because he's always at his office. What do we do? If it helps any, I'm 17 and my sister is 16.
(link)
My gut feeling is that your Mum has a problem with her sisters and not with you. She obviously feels that she has to discipline you "properly" so that she looks in charge to them. I suggest that you do not engage in conversation with your Mum about anything important whilst they are around. Accept that she is like she is around them and work out a strategy with your sister so that you can cope during those times. Don't take it too much to heart. It will all pass sooner than you think. Time doesn't stand still for anyone. I wish you and your sister all the very best.


Yeah, my granmother just died, we're having a funeral for her on saturday, and I don't want to be there. My dad says "Its not your decision to make" does anyone have some persuasion techniques? Or have you ever heard of a way to convince someone to do something your way?
I don't want to go. What' sthe best way to say it so I get to stay?? (link)
You may regret not going when you are older. It is out of respect for the dead and also for the living to attend and say goodbye. Your father may need your support and having you there may mean a great deal to him. It is not nice having to go to funerals but it is a part of life. You have told him that you do not wish to attend and I assume you are too young to go against his wishes. It may upset him a great deal not to have your support. Be brave, take a deep breath and hold your head up. Yes it is upsetting and most of us never want to go anyway but we do. Best of luck.


How do you decide whether its love or lust?
Or seven years over 7 months?
I'm caught between a long standing relationship and a hot crush?
What should i do ?
How can I decide?

(link)
Nobody can decide for you who you should stay with. If you are having feelings for someone else whilst in a long term relationship, are you getting fed up with that person? If the seven year relationship was really the one then you would have no feelings whatsoever for anyone else. You may be suffering from the "seven year itch" and realising that there may be someone else out there that is more suitable for you. Give yourself some time to reflect on what both people do for you before you make a decision. Ask yourself how you would feel if your present partner was no longer in your life. Don't two time them because that would be totally unfair. Take this slowly and weigh up all the pros and cons of the situation. I wish you good luck.


It's kinda annoying about my younger sister.(We have an age gap of seven years) Back when I was her age, our family didnt have that much money. And I only attented a decent school that's close to our rented house.When I was in nursery and kindergarten,I had to use a trycicle to get to school. When my sister was born, we moved to a new house--that we owned. And we earned a lot more money too.This year,my sister started kindergarten. And she's enrolled to a big private chinese school.(we're part chinese)And her classes start in the afternoon!When I was in kindergarten.I had to wake up earlier before the sun does!And now that we can afford a car,my family can just take her and pick her up from school. I just thought about it now. I just wanna stop feeling sorry for myself.I don't think I'm envious cause I'm not the jealous type.I just thought that maybe she has a better childhood than I did. I don't wanna think that way, but how do i stop? please help...









(link)
I can only guess your age at being early teens. Life at that age can seem really unfair when others have what we wanted. You do sound a little envious to me and that is quite a natural feeling as long as it doesn't take over every other emotion. Be pleased for your parents in that they have improved their lifestyle and can now afford better things for their children. You will also benefit from this improvement. I assume that you love your little sister so why not be happy that she is getting a better start. You have not had a horrendous start in life but at the moment it must seem worse than it is. By accepting the differences you can move forward in life. Yes you will get jealous over different things - we all do - but it is how you handle it that will make life easier. I wish you and your family a very happy and settled future.


I'm a 15 year old male, and am looking for some interesting, male friendly books to read. I prefer sports novels, but have pretty much exhausted that area of my library. I'd prefer males as the main characters, only because I can relate easier and better.


If anyone has any ideas, don't hesitate. (link)
Usually anything written by Dan Brown is good reading. Digital Fortress/The Da Vinci Code/Angels and Demons. John Grisham is a good author - The Chamber/The Firm/The Rainmaker etc.
Wilbur Smith also writes very good books - The Dark of the Sun/The Sunbird/Shout at the Devil.
For sports novels try Dick Francis. Hope this gives you a good start. All the best. Also Patrick O'Brian The Master and Commander series is very good.


my friend is mad at me because of a misunderstanding. i have tried everything, but no matter what i do she refuses to be my friend. I have told her i was sorry more times than i can count. i was literally in tears before because her friendship means a lot to me. i even told her this. she has blocked me on aim and wont answer her phone because my name shows on the caller id... and she wont talk to me at school. there is no way i can get through to her that it was a misunderstanding. i feel awful and i don't know what to do....please help. (link)
I suggest that you write her a letter explaining the situation and pop it through her door. If she does not respond to that either it would be better if you let go. There is no point in kicking yourself if you have tried every angle to apologise to her. Once you have gotten everything off your chest you may start to feel better. Good luck.


OK, what does it mean when a grown man has naked barbie dolls in his apt. with their hands & feet tied & tape over their mouths? (link)
It means that you should not get involved with this man and to steer clear of him in the future. This is not normal behaviour and would view him with suspicion. On the other hand, he could just be demonstrating his hatred for this particular toy. In which case, I would still stay away from him. Don't get into a relationship with this man, you don't know where it will end. God forbid that anything should happen to you. Take care.


For the past 2 years ive been afrade of being locked in small areas for a long amount of time

when i go into elivators my heart beats extremly fast and i get realy worried that im going to get stuck

my parents always say "its just your mind messing with you" but its really annoying and my friends think im weird
Ahhhhh! (link)
There is nothing weird about hating small spaces. My daughter used to freak out going into an elevator because it was so small. It is more a fear over the loss of control you have with the environment you are in. Ask yourself what the worst possible thing about going into a lift would be. Usually people consider being stuck in there for hours is bad, or not having enough air, or my own personal one is needing the toilet and not being able to go. Once you recognise the worst thing you can think of, work out what you would do to make yourself feel safe. Once you have taken control of the situation your fears should start to go away. I wish you luck.


Sometimes when im alone in my room i will talk to myself..like its hard to explain but i talk to myself out loud..except i answer myself too..its like i work myself thru my problems by talking to myself..does anyone else do this? or is there something wrong with me? i feel stupid for doing it and if anyone were to ever hear me i would die but is it okay to do this? (link)
Absolutely normal and it is something we all do at times. Often its the only way to get a decent answer! It can help to clarify problems and deal with issues without involving any one else. However, when in company try not to talk to yourself brcause some people may find it a bit strange. All the best.


ok, im going to be straight forward with this...

i have an unusually large penis, 10 inches, and my girlfriend is afraid to have sex with me because of it. She has no issues with any other kind of sexual activities, but she does NOT want that thing in her. what do i do? (link)
Take things slowly and gently to start with. The vagina can expand quite a bit so the size of the penis shouldn't be too much of a problem. Your girlfriend is probably scared that it will hurt her and that is quite natural. Make sure that she is completely lubricated to ease the way and very turned on. Listen to what she is saying and if she says stop then do so. You can then try again later. Trial and effort is really all I can suggest so good luck. (PS lucky lady).


Please help me!
Ive been friends with this girl for about 2 years now and all she does is copy me! Im gettin so annoyed because everytime she copies something i do i always have to change just incase people will think im copying her or that we are trying to be twins or something! I really hate her now shes doin my head in, i want to smack her. I know you will probably say 'you should feel flattered' but i DONT! She takes everything away from me!!!
Ive told her i dont like it when she copies me but she still carrys on. PLEASE HELP ME!!!! thanx by the way im 13 and im female (link)
She obviously admires your style so instead of getting mad at her why not suggest you both come up with a suitable style for her. Tell her that you like being you and would rather she was different so that you could compliment each other. It sounds as though she lacks the confidence to make her own choices so helping her would be a good start. Get some fashion magazines and cut out things that you reckon would suit her. She could then begin to see alternatives for herself. I hope this had helped you some. Good luck.




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