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Q: This guy likes me and keeps talking to me and I want to make sure I'm not accidently flirting with him. Can you tell what not to do? Thanks
As a guy who has felt led on before, let me tell you one simple thing. A lot of us guys see things in a different way than girls and as such a lot of us have a hard time reading signals you may or may not be giving.

It is not uncommon for a guy to think a girl is into him when she really is just being nice or enjoying his company as a friend.

This being the case, in my opinion, the best policy is to be direct.

Let me be clear. That doesn't mean you have to be mean about it. Just let him down gently.

And if you are worried about hurting his feelings, trust me, we'd rather be told early on than find out later, that's always harder for everyone.

Q: M 16
Hey,
I practice my innstruments for about 4 hrs. a day. My guitar for an hour, my bass for 2 and my key boards for an hr. Playing music is what I love to do more than anything, but I've noticed in the past month after I practice my wrist really hurt. I get like this peorcing pain in and my arms grow numb and weaker than normal. My freinds say I may need to cut back on my playing time alot. And mabey take a break. I really don't want to I love playing music more than anything in the world. Dose some one know any way to releive these symptoms. My wrists are still hurting and the last time I played was more than 3 hrs. ago.
I'm not a doctor by any means but am personally very familiar with something known as RSI. That stands for repetitive stress injuries. One such example is carpal tunnel syndrome. These are common in people who use the same parts of their bodies on a highly repetitive basis.

Some people who get them a lot are athletes (tennis elbow), people who work on computers a lot and things like that. It only stands to reason that this could be part of the problem.

First off, I would certainly not advise you to quit your music. But at the same time, when it gets really bad it might be a good idea to take a few days off. Think of it this way, during that down time, you might be able to come up with creative new songs to play. That would still keep your focus on music.

There are some things you can do, when it not really bad, to help make you feel better. You can ice the wrist a bit. Make sure you put something between your bare skin and the ice pack. You might want to get a wrist brace as well and you can even where it when you sleep. Another thing is to do exercises for repetitive stress. Just do a Google search and you'll find a ton. Massage and chiropractic are also a good idea is you can find a provider and afford it. If not, you may be able to pick up a TENS therapy machine for cheap. Vitamin B-6 was recommend to me by a doctor for issues I have with my wrist. Last but not least, some rubs like Triflora (do not use this one if you have a sensitivity to poison ivy), Arnica, or Somba are very good.

Hope this info helps.


Q: What is the meaning of subject of special study or research work
Without seeing the exact application it is a little hard to tell for sure. However, based on the language used and a typical line of questioning on job applications, I think it's really pretty simple.

The employer is most likely looking for a very generic or general answer about the subject matter or your studies in either high school or college or both.

If it's in regard to high school, the typical answer you will probably want to use is something like "general studies" or "general education." This is because high school is meant to cover a number of areas rather than one specific focus.

If the form is referring to college, that changes things a bit. You should list your college major and any minors you are perusing if that applies. For example, based on my educational background, I would have written "Journalism and Mass Communications with a minor in English".

Good luck on the job search.

Q: Everyday when I take the bus home from school for the past 2 days I've seen some weird kid just walk around a park I pass on the way home that is near my stop and he walks then turns his head then walks to the sidewalk and starts staring at me and no one else seems to notice him he did the same thing Thursday and Friday and I'm afraid that when I have to tale the late bus Tuesday because of a club and the closest stop near my house will be that house and I will have to confront him should I beat him up? He looks 16 though so should I punch him and run away?
No need to resort to violence. And no, I would not advise confronting him.

I understand that the situation may make you feel a little uncomfortable but involving yourself any more that you have to, which is really none at all, will probably only make that worse.

And besides giving off something of a creepy vibe, what harm is he really causing you? The answer is none.

Now, if he where to come up to you and confront you in a harassing way, Then that's a different story. That's the only reason I would do anything at all. Perhaps your best bet there is to carry a legal container of pepper spay or something just in case.

But the bottom line is, if her's just staring and not actually doing anything, just let it be.


Q: The passing of three relatives in the pass couple of years has made me wonder what happens when you die. I used to deal with depression and I did not want to live but now that I am happy I don't want to die.I am a young adult and would love to believe I will live to grow old. But,I am afraid to go to sleep because I might die in my sleep. I do believe in God and I pray but it still bothers me that I will die one day. I understand everyone will die but once you realize it will happen to you it is hard not to have anxiety about it because its permanent. It weird to grasp that I might not exist. It seems like No one really "knows" everyone just "believe" something will happen. Should I change my perspective?
I don't know any facts or figures on this but I would venture to guess that this is a major fear for a lot of people. It probably becomes more so when you love loved ones in your life. But, let's just stop and think about it for a minute.

First off, what does fear resolve? The answer - nothing. For example, if you are afraid of the dark, what benefit do you get from that fear of something that is inevitable? The answer is none. So if it's going to be dark regardless of whether you fear the dark or not, then there's really no point in fearing it. The same applies to a fear of anything from spiders to heights to even death.

Now you say that you believe in God. Well, based on that belief, death is not permanent. It's more of just another step in the process of your life.

Even if you take religion and faith out of the equation, you can look at it from a scientific perspective. A character named Happy in the new hit television show "Scorpion" said in one episode that she didn't believe in death. The scientific reason for her statement was that we are made of matter and matter never really goes away but simply changes form.

Ultimately, I encourage you to remember two wise statements, one the words of a legendary president, the other the text of the "Serenity Prayer."

"The only thing we have to fear is fear itself" - Franklin D. Roosevelt

"God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference."
- Serenity Prayer

Q: I'm a 14 year old female with depression and anxiety. I'm a freshman in high school, but I'm homeschooled due to the mental illnesses. Well, I have NO friends. The only interaction I really have is with my family. I probably only go outside once or twice a week. All I really do is play video games, read, surf the internet, do my schoolwork, or other little activities. I love going outside as long as it isn't hot, but I'm just too depressed and anxious. Is there something wrong with me? I go to a therapist every week. I just feel like I'm worthless and not going anywhere since I stay in my room 23 hours of the day, on the internet for like half of that time. I just feel worthless. It's not like I'm a lazy bum who doesn't do anything with their life, I just am majorly depressed and scared to leave my house. I'm still in school and learn a lot though.
First off, I'm glad to hear that you are learning a lot and you are not a lazy person, those are two very good qualities to have.

As far as your mental health goes, I am truly sorry to hear all that you are going through. While no one can say they know exactly what you are going though as that each end every person's experience is unique to them, I can relate to some degree based on my own stuggles with OCD and anxiety.

First off, it good that you recognize you are having a problem. That is the first step in combating it.

You need to know that you are not worthless, even without knowing you personally, I am certain of this. I believe that each and every person has skills and a purpose to offer this world, sometimes they just have a very hard time realizing it.

Video games and the Internet can be a good thing, in moderation. I suggest you try to take small steps to do other things like maybe exercise and things that don't involve being in front of a computer and tv. This can help both body and mind.

See if there are any local groups yo can join for people with anxiety issues. The support of others as well as the opportunity to get out to meeting or events could be great for you.

Last but not least, please check out a book I always recommend, "Feeling Good" by Dr. David Burns. I also recently came across another good one called "You Are not Your Brain" by Jeffrey M. Schwartz. These two should be helpful.

Good luck.

Q: Hi! I'm really into Evanescence but I can't seem to find any more music like it. I've tried fall out boy and nickelback but they don't have the... I guess, real emotion behind what they're singing. Any suggestions?
Evanesence is a very talented band with a fairly unique style. If you're looking for something similar, I have a few suggestions that might help.

First off, either sign up for a free account with Pandora or I Heart Radio and use Evanesence as the band you'd like the site to play similar artists.

You might also want to do a web search for Evanesence influences. This might help you find some bands and artists that have some similar qualities.

I'd also look into some of the genres of music they have been said to fall into. These include
Nu Metal, gothic metal, industrial, post-grunge and more. You can find out more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evanescence#Musical_style

Good luck.

Q: 21/f

Hello,

I have been studying about marriage and family therapy for the previous four years. It has always been an interest of mine. I was planning on pursuing marriage and family therapy for graduate school and now since the time has come, I'm having doubts.

I was thinking about just going into regular counseling and just my LPC. But the classes for marriage and family therapy interests me more. The only thing stopping me is the risk of becoming a marriage and family counselor. Many people have asked and told me, "you're not even married. Who would want to go to you for advice? Who would want to get advice or see someone for help who has never been married before?"

That makes me have doubts. Should I continue to pursue my interests and take the risk of not getting any clients? Or should I just take the safe route and choose regular counseling which the classes don't interest me as much?
Clearly you are passionate about counseling, and specifically the area of working with marriage and family therapy.

As you probably know from your own studies, it's natural for us to have doubts at times. Often these seem to pop up when we are getting really close to a particular goal.

Stop for a moment and think about it. You've come this far, you have a true passion and desire for this style of therapy, why shouldn't you pursue it?

There are many people out there working in this profession and others like it that are not married or have never been. If you are good at what you do, this won't matter at all.

It's kind of like someone saying you can't coach a sport because you never played it. Yet there are several successful coaches out there who where not athletes themselves but studied their craft and love what they do.

Go for it.

Q: I think I want to be a storm chaser, but are my parents going to flip out when I tell them. I know it's my decision, but I don't want to cause them a lot of stress and anxiety. I want to help protect people from bad weather, particularly tornadoes as much as possible. I think I'd be good at it. How would you feel if your kid told you that they wanted to be a storm chaser?
While I do not have any children, I do have a younger brother who can be quite adventurous. He enjoys linking like rock climbing and white water rafting. And I know my parents worry about him a bit when he goes on such trips. That being the case, I can only assume that I would feel a similar way if a child of mine wanted to get into something fairly risky.

That being said, it is in the nature of a loving parent to worry about their children, regardless of what path they may pursue in life. Even if it's something completely safe by most people's standards,like when a child moves away to attend college, or takes on a new job with a start-up company that may or may not make it.

I do believe you should be commended on your reasoning for wanting to do this too. Anyone who wants to commit themselves to helping others is a truly good hearted person. I assume you have probably been like this much of your life and your parents know that it's in your nature to help others. That being the case, perhaps you might want to approach the subject to them with that as your focus and reason.

Ultimately, if this is your passion, I think you should go for it. But at the same time, do your part to be as safe as you can to help minimize the stress and worry of your parents.

Q: They'll criticize the new Annie for making Annie and Mr. Warbucks black, but say nothing at the entire Exodus film, set in ancient Egypt, being white washed. They'll even criticize characters originally intended to be POC, like Rue from the Hunger Games, and the laughable Dragon Ball and Avatar: The Last Airbender live action films. Why promote racism? Just because your parents, of an older time, are racist, doesn't mean you have to adapt to their flawed way of thinking. Think logically. I want a better future for the next generation, not a future where people only repeat the same mistakes.
First of all, I can understand how people are flustered by such things in some cases. Other people couldn't care less. And the reason for which way you feel probably has a lot to do with your own personal experiences in life.

However, you have to realize that not all white people are racist, just like not all black people, Latinos, Asians or any other group is. In fact, I would venture to guess that it's a rather small percentage who actually are. It's just that as that they are the ones that stand out, unfortunately they are the ones some people tend to remember.

Think about it. It's completely unreasonable to suggest that this world isn't better off racially that it was millenniums, centuries or even 50-60 years ago.

In suggesting what you are saying, you are actually doing exactly what you accuse "white people" of doing by lumping all of one race into a single category.

I understand your concern and hope for a better and more color blind world. But in order to bring that about, you need to commit to being part of the solution.

Q: Here the past few year I have noticed me getting more impatient, stressed and short tempered with a lot of people. And its not just people its messing with some things as well. The best way I have found to relieve a little stress is to jump in my truck of suv hit the country road and just haul ass. Bad thing is if I get too aggravated cause of someone holding me up or doing something stupid to hold everybody up I might black out. Well in July and August I really felt myself getting more stressed and impatient and also had a weird feeling that I was going to have a wreck if I don't find an alternate way to relieve my stress. Sure enough in August I was heading to work got behind a car going 10 to 15 under the speed limit got pissed off, blacked out and boom wrecked the trailblazer I had just got in June. I didn't have collision on it so of course had to pay out of pocket. Here recently I have noticed I am getting more and more of an attitude at work just cause I am getting aggravated there. I been trying to figure out something else to do to relieve some stress but have no idea on what to do. Especially me being the home body type. I don't smoke or drink to top all that off. So I was wondering if anybody might have any ideas on something hands on I might can try doing at home to calm myself down before I end up in another situation like I was in earlier this year?
Stress can be a major contributor to a lot of problems in life, both mentally as well as physically.

First off, I applaud you for not being the type who tries to drink away the stress or pain, in the end, that never really works anyway.'It just takes some people longer than others to figure that out.

There are lots of things you can do at home that can help. I highly recommend trying meditation. You can learn how to do it with a quick Google search or even YouTube tutorials. It's easy and scientifically proven to reduce stress.

Along the same lines, you may want to give Yoga a shot.

And even taking some time out to listen to some soothing music can make a big difference.

While this one does involve leaving the home, a great option is to find a good massage therapist and book a session once in a while. It's fantastic for body, mind and soul.

A nice walk can really help clear the mind too.

Last but not least, if you're the creative type, maybe you can channel any pent up frustration into some form of art. It could be something as simple as writing a poem or song lyrics, drawing or woodworking.

Good luck and let relaxation come to you.

Q: I need help on how to word this differently so I can use it in my speech: In order to better understand serial killers, It is important to explore...
Well, I just so happen to have an educational and professional background in journalism and English so I think I may be able to help you out.

While I'm not sure what your intent is with the speech, there are a number of ways you can approach it.

My suggestion would be to use wording like:

"Historically, people who have committed serial homicides may be very hard to relate to for the average person. However, if we look into the science and psychology behind their actions..."

Hopefully this will help you out.

Q: Hi i am 15 and i met this guy online.
I was bored do i signed up on a social site . When i met him he said he thought i was nice and stuff. Btw he was 22 and i was 14 then. He said that it was sad that our age diff. Was so bad and that although we clearly liked each other he was afraid if he do sonething i dont like i would report him. But then he began trusting me and we dated for 2mths then he broke up with me saying that i am too young for this relationship and that i should get someone my age.i really dont know what happened to my feelings that day but i cried the entire day. After about 8mths we began talking again and dating. Only thing now is my parents know about him. I told him that they knew and he said if our relationship was getting me into trouble i should end it and wait til i am older but i cant. I told him how i felt about him and he said that sadly he didnt love me.he just liked me a lot and he cant promise we will be together in real life.i am so messed up right now and i am hoping he will love me since at first he didnt trust me and now he does. Please give me some advise...and dont say forget about him coz i cant .we tried being friends but we like each too much
Some people say age doesn't matter when it comes to relationships. Those people are somewhat right and somewhat wrong.

Once you reach a certain age in your life, well into adulthood, the differences between where you are in your state of being can be minimal and thus not really matter. However, that's not the case during youth.

Science and psychology both tell us that when people are young, the gap between maturity level and emotional maturity is significantly greater between just a few years. For example, the emotional and physical gap between an eight grade girl and an 11th grade boy is huge even though it's only four years age difference. One the other hand, a 42 year old woman and a 65 year old man, even with the 23 year age difference, are likely to be on a much more emotionally and physically compatible level.

I know you may not want to hear this but he is right in some ways. At this stage in your life, the two of you are biologically and psychologically to far apart for a boyfriend/girlfriend relationship.

It's fine to be friends for now but that's probably all. If you don't think that is possible, then you do have a decision to make, you can either part ways (which does not imply that you have to forget him) or you can try to make a friendship work despite your doubts.

Q: Okay, so my friend is anorexic but she completely opened up yesterday. She told me that being skinny is perfection and that she wants to be a skeleton. I explained to her that this is just anorexia talking but she told me things like: "dont you dare help me","I will never forgive you", "i know what i am doing" and "if you help me you will trigger me more". I know that this is not my friend talking and i don't care if she never forgives me. I will do anything to save her life. Her body is really skinny right now. There are bones everywhere and it makes me so sad. She also told me that she would rather die than gain more weight. When she said that, i decided to get help but i don't know how. Should i go to a teacher? And if yes, what do I tell him? Please give me as much detail as possible!
Sadly, like many other psychological/emotional aliments that cause major physical problems, anorexia is something that is all too common.

I admire the fact that you want to help you friend regardless of the consequences (her saying she'll never forgive you and things like that). After all, this is indeed the attitude of a true friend. That being said, anorexia, like any other addictive disorder or behavior, can only be fully stopped once the person who suffers from it decides to accept the problem and take his or her own action to fix it.

The fact that she finally opened up to you may be that she's on the road to that discovery and acceptance, even if it doesn't seem like it.

If you do go to someone from the school, I would suggest going to a counselor and not a teacher, they have more experience and expertise in these areas.

From a personal standpoint, I would also suggest trying to do anything and everything you can, in a subtle and not blatantly obvious sort of way, to show her that weight is not an indication of self worth, beauty or perfection. For example, watch TV shows or movies with her that have normal or even chubby women in the read roles. Tell her how catchy the hit song "All About the Bass' is. Mention some of the women you admire and just happen to work in the names of some fuller figured ladies.

Basically and somewhat subliminally, plant the seed in her head that her value is not tired to her weight.

Good luck.

Q: Can I get some tips on how to make my man happy with me and wants only me? I am 25 and I am a female I live in jamaica
You can try anything and everything but ultimately the decision has to be his. You cannot make him feel any specific way about you without him essentially giving you emotional and metal permission.

It's quite loving and considerate of you to want to make him happy. But, depending up what you mean, you may be being a bit unrealistic.

Yes, if you mean you want to make sure he is satisfied in your relationship and won't try to look elsewhere for intimacy or sex, you have a right to expect that for sure. It's totally and completely reasonable.

However, if you get upset because he may look at another girl or think some woman in the grocery store is kind of hot, you really can't think it is reasonable to stop that. It is inherently part of human nature, especially when it comes to the generic makeup of males.

So simply put, as long as he's not actively seeking someone else to be with, I think you are in a good place in your relationship.

Q: Hello, there. I am a freshman in high school. I am still quite young, but my religious beliefs have been bothering me lately. I have had severe anxiety my whole life; I'd always pray to God, hoping he would help my anxiety decrease, so I would be at ease. However, that has never happened. As time went on, I've lost my faith in God.

To be completely honest, I have not read a bible (It is severely confusing to me), nor been to church. I know very little about christianity, yet I label myself as one. Or I used to...

Anyway, I feel like there is always going to be a small part of me that will believe in God. But I don't know if it's because I'm scared not to (Due to my anxiety). I WANT to 100% believe in God, and I feel like I do, but I have my doubts. Sometimes I just feel like someone could've wrote the bible or something. I want to be fully convinced. I'm scared of the devil though and I'm scared he'll kill me in my sleep or something...
I'm am truly sorry for the anxiety you are facing. And in more ways than one, I really do understand where you are coming form.

As a person with OCD, anxiety is part of the territory for me. And just like you, quite a bit of my difficulties are based in religion.

First off, very few Christians have actually read the Bible. And even if they have, fewer likely understand it. This includes clergy and so-called experts in some cases. It can be confusing, why is anyone's guess. In some case it probably has a lot to do with translation issues. In others there is a lack of knowledge of cultural context. The reasons are countless.

Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps it's not not your faith in God that you are struggling with but rather the human idea of God or the one taught by a given faith?

The bottom line is that all religions essentially teach the same core value (until people go and mess it up) of love. Try to be a decent person and you will surely be moving in the right direction.

Q: Okay so Christmas is coming up and my boyfriend and I will have been together a month when it comes. I am giving him a list of 365 reasons that I love him but I only have 217. Here's what I have so far. If anyone has some new ideas, that would be fantastic!

I love you because you’re cute
I love you because you make me laugh
I love you because you comfort me
I love you because you hold me tight
I love you because you make me happy
I love you because you listen to my rants
I love you because you put up with my bitching
I love you because you have the same sense of humor
I love you because you get along with my sister
I love you because you make me smile
I love you because you’re sweet
I love you because you love me
I love you because you call me “princess”
I love you because you kiss my hand
I love you because you make me feel special
I love you because you pick me up to kiss me
I love you because you treat me like I am all you need
I love you because you make me smile when I think I never will again
I love you because you call me cute
I love you because you make me feel beautiful
I love you because you get along with my family
I love you because you know just what to say
I love you because you listen to me play piano
I love you because you care about me
I love you because you put up with my issues
I love you because you don’t care that I have a lung disease
I love you because you make me feel better
I love you because you’re funny
I love you because you listen to my rants
I love you because you watch movies with me
I love you because you cuddle with me
I love you because you have the best smile
I love you because you have the best laugh
I love you because you know how to treat me
I love you because you love me for me
I love you because you think I’m pretty
I love you because you aren’t afraid to show me off
I love you because you’re perfect
I love you because you support me
I love you because your eyes are perfect
I love you because you look at me like I am the only thing that matters
I love you because you want to be with me no matter where that is
I love you because you show me off
I love you because you tease me
I love you because you play games with me
I love you because you hold me when I’m sad
I love you because you miss me when I miss you
I love you because your hair is perfection
I love you because you’re adorkable
I love you because you’re the best
I love you because you cuddle with me
I love you because you find little things to say that are sweet
You compliment me
I love you because you make my heart race
I love you because your hand fits perfectly in mine
I love you because you run across campuses to see me
I love you because you’re thoughtful
I love you because you carry me up stairs
I love you because you watch Spongebob with me
I love you because you don’t care how I dress
I love you because you’re passionate at whatever you do
I love you because you make the cutest facial expressions
I love you because you have a big heart
I love you because you’re my best friend
I love you because you make me forget about my pain
I love you because you give the best hugs
I love you because you want me for me
I love you because you play with my hair
I love you because you’re a part of my family already
I love you because you let me be myself
I love you because you give me butterflies
I love you because you show me how much you care
I love you because you make me confident
I love you because you tickle me
I love you because you don’t let us fight
I love you because you light up my life
I love you because you hug me randomly
I love you because you love my imperfections
I love you because your voice soothes me
I love you because you talk about me to your friends
I love you because you talk about our future and don’t get scared
I love you because your kiss makes the world melt away
I love you because you can read my mind
I love you because you are always there for me
I love you because you are understanding
I love you because you smell amazing
I love you because you understand me
I love you because you strive to make me happy
I love you because you know me better than I know myself
I love you because you promised you won’t leave, and are proving it
I love you because your laugh is perfect
I love you because you are protective of me
I love you because you see my stupidness as cuteness
I love you because you tell me when you miss me
I love you because you drop other plans if I need you
I love you because you bug me about being short
I love you because you are easy to talk to
I love you because you listen to my heartbeat
I love you because you make me feel at home
I love you because you let me fall asleep in your arms
I love you because you stroke my fingers lazily when we hold hands
I love you because you take so long to say goodbye
I love you because you don’t give up on me
I love you because you bring out the best in me
I love you because you are always so happy
I love you because your eyes soften when you’re around me
I love you because you give me secret “looks” when we’re together
I love you because you are honest
I love you because you would never make me cry
I love you because you light up any room that you walk into
I love you because you taught me how to love again
I love you because you make me feel safe
I love you because you are always by my side
I love you because you always make time for me
I love you because you make the cutest comments
I love you because you look at me like I am all you’ve ever wanted
I love you because your arms wrap around me perfectly
I love you because you wore my sister’s bracelet she made for you
I love you because you don’t pressure me
I love you because you like our eskimo kisses
I love you because you do what I ask, even if I’m joking
I love you because you don’t judge me
I love you because you show up at my classes
I love you because you surprise me with little things
I love you because you respect me
I love you because you pull my shirt down if it pulls up while we cuddle
I love you because you laugh at my blonde moments
I love you because you wouldn’t flirt with another girl
I love you because you always reassure me
I love you because you are an orchadork
I love you because you always know what’s on my mind
I love you because you do your best at everything you do
I love you because you are gentle
I love you because you sing with me
I love you because you are cute when you get nervous
I love you because you complete me
I love you because you are always on my mind
I love you because you look in my eyes when you say you love me
I love you because you inspire me
I love you because you make my heart melt
I love you because you kiss my forehead
I love you because you give me something to look forward to
I love you because you give me massages
I love you because you will be my husband one day
I love you because you show your affection for me in public
I love you because you trust me
I love you because you are mine
I love you because your hand always finds mine
I love you because you make our relationship easy
I love you because you take my breath away
I love you because you won’t ever give up on me
I love you because you say marrying me would make life complete
I love you because you are never boring
I love you because you still love me when I’m grumpy
I love you because you make me feel like I can take on the world
I love you because you are never mean to me
I love you because you make me feel like I never have before
I love you because you never want to stop kissing me
I love you because you are the best person to ever come into my life
I love you because you happiness is mine
I love you because your mood affects mine
I love you because you never get tired of me
I love you because you hold me like you never want to let me go
I love you because your hugs make everything better
I love you because your smile makes me smile
I love you because you make goofy faces with me
I love you because your heart is my home
I love you because you make my life perfect
I love you because you love my flaws
I love you because you made me believe in love at first sight
I love you because you get along with me
I love you because you hold the key to my heart
I love you because you give me the time of my life
I love you because you look into my eyes when you laugh
I love you because you make an effort to be with me
I love you because you appreciate me
I love you because you are perfect the way you are
I love you because you are loyal
I love you because you make me feel like royalty
I love you because you make me love you
I love you because you are the only one who loves me this much
I love you because you mean everything to me
I love you because you are so much like me
I love you because you turned my world upside down
I love you because you finish my sentences
I love you because you shook my parents hands when you met them
I love you because you took my phone when we first met
I love you because you took getting to know me into your own hands
I love you because you join in when I’m being weird
I love you because your eyes twinkle when you make me laugh
I love you because you are all I need
I love you because you’re everything I’ve ever wanted
I love you because you dip me when we kiss sometimes
I love you because you told your mom about us when I asked you to
I love you because you’re my space heater
I love you because you make me feel wanted
I love you because you support my ideas
I love you because you always win the “I love you more” fights
I love you because you give me advice
I love you because you play with my sister
I love you because you’re patient when I’m annoying
I love you because you worry about me
I love you because you are so strong
I love you because you take care of me
I love you because you text me the cutest things
I love you because you say my name in a special way
I love you because you smile into our kisses
I love you because you like cats AND dogs
I love you because you are just a good guy all around
I love you because you reassure me that I’m yours forever
I love you because you’re my soul mate
I love you because your body fits perfectly holding mine
I love you because you are as awkward as I am
I love you because you know where I am ticklish
I love you because your love for me is a natural anti depressant
I love you because you announced when you shaved
I love you because you think I’m smart
I think it is wonderfully sweet and thoughtful that you have decided to do this. You clearly care deeply about your boyfriend.

Not knowing your boyfriend personally I can only guess at a few things and make some general suggestion. That being said, I hope these help.

I love you because you accept me for who I am

I love you because you show that chivalry is not dead

I love you because you are compassionate

I love you because you are creative

I love you because you put me first

Hope this helps.

Q: I'm a hairstylist. My boss has been doing hair for 20 years but opened her own salon in March. I've been working in this salon for a little over 5 weeks and I love everything about it but one thing. Her husband will go pick up their 6 and 8 year old kids from school and bring them to the salon. I love kids and I love them, but they DO NOT listen. They fight and whine andante riot me while I'm working on somebody. I think if it was me getting my hair done, I would want it done in a relaxing environment. I'm new to this, and I don't want to overstep my boundaries or hurt feelings but it's getting old quick. Help me!!!
I have worked in environments with similar circumstances and have been employees by a home-based business before which has some parallels to the challenges you are facing.

Have you addressed the issue with you boss? I assume you haven't considering your statement about not overstepping your bounds. While I certainly think you should do so, there are some ways to go about it that might be better than others.

Rather than getting into a discussion about the behavior of the children, you may want to consider approaching it from a different angle. For example, perhaps you can inform your boss that it might be a concern for your clients in regard to the safety of the children, the focus of the employees or even the professional atmosphere of the place.

If you go it at with this point of view, your boss would probably be much less likely to feel like you are attacking her on a personal level.

Come at the problem from a place of concern rather than one of frustration.

If the issue doesn't get better after approaching her and giving it a little time, you'll have to make the decision as to whether or not this is something you are willing to deal with. After all, she is the owner and ultimately makes the rules.

Good luck.

Q: I am a 21 year old female. Every year around this time, I get extremely depressed. I suppose it's maybe "seasonal depression" but I don't know much about that. I just know that I am very morose and I don't know why. I love the winter months and enjoy the holidays, so I don't know why this always happens. I just lay in bed all day and have a hard time making myself go to class. I even quit taking care of myself like I should. It's such a struggle to shower, brush my teeth, put makeup on.

I've been dealing with this current bout of depression for about 2 months now. Then, 2 weeks ago, my father passed away. It's all I think about. I can't go see a therapist because I can't afford one. I just need to know ways in which I can help myself a little, and hopefully come out of this. Thanks.
I'm sorry for you recent loss. That is never an easy thing to have in your life. As far as the annual bouts of depression you seem to have, I can relate to some degree.

Even though you cannot afford to do so, it's a very good thing that you are not opposed to seeing a therapist. That's because you are willing to acknowledge that there is a problem which is a major struggle in itself of a lot of people.

For anyone who is depressed or dealing with other emotional issues, I always recommend the book "Felling Good" by David Burns. It's pretty cheap so the money shouldn't be an issue there and if it still is there's a chance you can get it from a local library or find excerpts.

A few other things I would suggest are taking a few minutes out of your day to learn how to and engage in meditation. It's simple, free and it works, there's scientific evidence to back that up as well.

Seek out a support group in your area or through an online forum. You might be surprised just how much the listening ear of someone in a similar situation can help.

Do what you can to keep yourself active. Even if you don't want to and have to force yourself, keeping your body and mind active can help with the physical and emotional pain.

Hang in there and be strong, things will work out.

Q: I have recently decided to stop using painkillers. I've been very successful and I am about to weeks clean. The only problem is I am always tired. I try to get enough sleep but even when I do I am very tired. I don't seem to be expereincing many of the withdraw effects I've read about, but the ones I do are fairly mild. Could me not being on the drug any more be related to always being tired or am I just not getting enough sleep?
I'm not a medical professional but I do know for a fact that each person's body functions a bit differently. That's probably why the number of common side effects for any given medication or treatment is usually pretty extensive. However, just because something isn't expressly listed as a side effect, or in your case a symptom of withdraw, doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't part of the equation.

That being said, it just as easily could be an unrelated issue.

I would suggest getting blood work to see if you are deficient in any vitamins or minerals. A deficiency in a lot of them can cause some level of fatigue. And if that's the case, it's a fairly simple fix too.

Personally, I know the B vitamins (especially B12 and B6) play a big role for me. And, recently after blood work due to intense tiredness, my father was found to have a vitamin D deficiency. This is really common in people who live in areas with long cold winters or minimal sunshine if that applies to you.

Congrats on your breaking free from the pain killers and good luck with your overall health.

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Pittguy

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