about

My name is Laura and I'm 28 years old. I live in Illinois and work as a licensed veterinary technician. I am a runner, bookworm and obviously, an animal lover.


I've been on this site since '05. I take hiatuses, but I'm never gone for good. I enjoy giving advice and I've made such lovely friends on this site that I couldn't imagine giving it up!

chat it up yo.


ps. here's my bestestestest friend.
I love him. You will too :)

advice

i discharge A LOT! is that normal?

Yes, it is normal. If it bothers you that much, try wearing a light pad or pantyliner.


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

Hii Advicenators!

Okay. This question is about a boy. Hes 14 just like me, also starting high school after the summer (even though were going to different ones).

I threw a party, & my friend invited him & a few of his friends because they are family friends of hers. I didnt mind because i knew of them, my close friends (who were all at the party) were really close with them so i knew they werent dangerous or anything. We ended up going swimming so i was soaking wet & even though he didnt want to get wet he came & sat next to me. Because i motioned for him to. & we were talking for...maybe five minuites. But i was the one who started conversation. Apearantly it was a big deal that he was sitting there talking to me because he usually dosent do that...or so his best friend (whos my close friend) said. & he was all like "oh yeah my dads company is you ever want a belt i could just bring you one" and so thats another sign i think! & he was smiling the whole time! (Well so was i!) & im a really big flirt so its pretty obvious that i like him im sending him all the signals. & im always making the first move you know? & hes pretty shy. We've been talking every day since then but theyr really short conversations & we dont say anything. Im trying to make conversation but i keep getting short answers & it just gets so frustrating so i end the conversation. But i have a feeling he likes me. At the party he gave me one of those looks with a huge smile & he didnt look away for like 5 whole seconds even though we were both walking in different directions. I know he wouldnt be flirting if he didnt like me because thats not how he is.

So my question is, how can i tell if he likes me or if hes being nice or whatever?
& my second question, how do i get him to open up & be more comftorble around me? How do i get somthing besides these one word answers?

Thanks so much!

My guy friend answered a question that will help:
http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=506340


From there:
"I'm going to give you a list of what guys tend to do when they like girls:

1. They don't call you "sexy". They call you "beautiful", "gorgeous", "amazing", etc.

2. They make an effort to hug you. They might high-5 instead, but it really depends on the guy in question.

3. They DO find any reason to touch you in some way. Mostly it ISN'T in a sexual way. Its more of just an excuse to remember what you feel like, I guess. Its hard to explain...

4. He is always smiling around you. If you're feeling bad and he's around- he'll be smiling because he knows that he's there to help you- and that's like brownie points for a guy if they can help a girl out. That, like the above, is hard to explain.

5. He'll tell you things about himself that he normally wouldn't tell everyone. He opens up to you. Guys don't get a chance to do that when pressured to "be manly".

6. If you have a feeling that a guy likes you- you're probably right. Guys aren't the best at hiding it- and girls are even better at figuring these type of things out.

If you like this guy- and he does all or most of those things- my best bet is that he does like you. That means one and only one thing: Ask him to make sure, and then try the relationship out. Who knows- it could be great!"


As far as getting a guy to open up, you just have to get to know him. Just start talking to him about everyday things [like the music he likes, or his favorite sport], and take it from there. Once he starts to get more comfortable with you, he'll start opening up more.



-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

There's this guy that was in my class and i noticed that he's been staring at me since April..so i started to like him and i told him and he said that he has a g/f...but after he told me that, he still would stare at me then look away..he even tried to start a conversation with me on msn but i wasn't at my computer..i was going somewhere with my sister and i saw him walking on the same side of the street as me..he walked by me and we never said anything but then i looked back and i saw him look back at the same time..I'm so confused..does he like me?

My guy friend answered a question that will help:
http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=506340


From there:
"I'm going to give you a list of what guys tend to do when they like girls:

1. They don't call you "sexy". They call you "beautiful", "gorgeous", "amazing", etc.

2. They make an effort to hug you. They might high-5 instead, but it really depends on the guy in question.

3. They DO find any reason to touch you in some way. Mostly it ISN'T in a sexual way. Its more of just an excuse to remember what you feel like, I guess. Its hard to explain...

4. He is always smiling around you. If you're feeling bad and he's around- he'll be smiling because he knows that he's there to help you- and that's like brownie points for a guy if they can help a girl out. That, like the above, is hard to explain.

5. He'll tell you things about himself that he normally wouldn't tell everyone. He opens up to you. Guys don't get a chance to do that when pressured to "be manly".

6. If you have a feeling that a guy likes you- you're probably right. Guys aren't the best at hiding it- and girls are even better at figuring these type of things out.

If you like this guy- and he does all or most of those things- my best bet is that he does like you. That means one and only one thing: Ask him to make sure, and then try the relationship out. Who knows- it could be great!"


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

I was wondering if your high school was at all like its portrayed in the show the Secret life of an American Teenager? I'm a sophomore, and sure kids are having sex at my school but its not nearly dramatic and a big deal as it is in the show.

My mom happened to see the show so now she's got the wrong idea about my friends and my school. Sure I'm somewhat sexually active but its not like its all everyone talks about and everyone doesn't just sleep around.

I'm curious how your high schools are in comparison to the show. Thanks!

My high school is kind of like that. I'm going to be a junior, too.


It's like that, meaning that people [myself NOT included] are having sex, and yeah, girls as young as freshmen get pregnant. It's not, by any means, an every day occurance, but it has happened. It's not as bad as the show. The show does overdo it a little.



-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

what the hell is cardio?

i ask a question about diet and they say do a lot of cardio?

but I DONT KNOW WHAT THAT MEANS??
anyone please give me some examples!!

Cardio = your heart.


Running is one of the best forms of a cardio workout. If you cannot run, walking is also good. Riding your bike and swimming are also both very good forms of a cardio workout.

For more help:

only search advicenators.com




-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

any good tear jerkers?
like PS i love you

A Walk to Remember.
The Notebook.
How to Deal.
The Last Kiss.
Definetely, Maybe.


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

Weeelll I love my boyfriend, and I'm home bored waiting on him to get off work, and I want to make a CD of love songs for him. Haha he'll will probably never listen to it, but I still want to do it. What are some good love songs? like "Accidentally In Love" "If I Aint Got You" "Bubbly"..songs like those. Thanks in advanceeee :]

Untouched: The Veronicas.
The Best Thing: Relient k.
Young Love: Gavine Degraw.
Say It Again: Marie Digby.
With You: Chris Brown.
Leave the Light On: A Kidnap in Color.
Smother Me: The Used.
I'm Yours: Jason Mraz.
No One Can Touch Us: Sing It Loud.
Getting Into You: Relient k.
Think of You Later: Every Avenue.
On Top of the World: Boys Like Girls.
Skyway Avenue: We the Kings.

=]


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

13/f

so i like this guy.
it is summer now, but when i was in school he would always look at me on the bus ride home.
we sat diaginol from each other.
when school let out we talked a lot on myspace.
we still do but not as much.
i am VERY shy, to shy that i cant even barely talk to guys.
we would talk abotu music, movies, skateboarding. . . etc.
how can i tell if he is interested?
is he not interested since we dont talk as often?
how can i hint to him that i like him?

please dotn say ask him to go out on group dates, or exchange phone numbers because i am WAY to shy for that.

please help

My guy friend, Jack, answered the question "Does he like me?".
http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=506340

From there:
"1. They don't call you "sexy". They call you "beautiful", "gorgeous", "amazing", etc.

2. They make an effort to hug you. They might high-5 instead, but it really depends on the guy in question.

3. They DO find any reason to touch you in some way. Mostly it ISN'T in a sexual way. Its more of just an excuse to remember what you feel like, I guess. Its hard to explain...

4. He is always smiling around you. If you're feeling bad and he's around- he'll be smiling because he knows that he's there to help you- and that's like brownie points for a guy if they can help a girl out. That, like the above, is hard to explain.

5. He'll tell you things about himself that he normally wouldn't tell everyone. He opens up to you. Guys don't get a chance to do that when pressured to "be manly".

6. If you have a feeling that a guy likes you- you're probably right. Guys aren't the best at hiding it- and girls are even better at figuring these type of things out."


As far as what you should do about it, you don't have many options if you don't want to hang out or call him. I guess you can talk online, but that's about it? I really think you should just tell him you like him. What's the worst that can happen? He says no. Big Deal! You're 13 and have your whole life for guys!


Good Luck =]



-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

is it good? my 18th birthday is coming up and i thought about having my dinner there in atlanta, but ive never been. is it a fun place? expensive? anything you can tell me from personal experience would be great =]

I went to the Hard Rock Cafe in Chicago, and it was amazing. Definetely good for an 18th birthday celebration, I think.

Yes, it was very fun, and I just went there for dinner with a friend and her family.

I'm not sure how expensive it is/would be, you may want to call and ask the owner or manager for details.

Also, if you tell them it's your birthday, they sing to you XD


Have fun!


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

What do cramps feel like? How do you know when you have them? Are they just like a normal stomach ache?
I'm really curious about whether I have them or not. I don't know what they feel like since I've never gotten my period. I've been having weird stomach pains in the area level with my belly-button. I'd always thought cramps were supposed to be below your belly button...?
Thank you!
15/f

Cramps before your period are usually below your belly button. But every girl's body works differently.


Check to see if you have other signs of PMS.


Emotional and behavioral symptoms:
Tension or anxiety
Depressed mood
Crying spells
Mood swings and irritability or anger
Appetite changes and food cravings
Trouble falling asleep (insomnia)
Social withdrawal
Poor concentration

Physical signs and symptoms:
Joint or muscle pain
Headache
Fatigue
Weight gain from fluid retention
Abdominal bloating
Breast tenderness
Acne flare-ups
Constipation or diarrhea.


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

ok my friend keeps saying he likes me and he is going out with my friend she is clueless on this whole ordeal and i really like the guy and this always happens to me and hes telling me to wait for him for like 5 more months but he is wanting to kiss me makeout with me hold hands etc. and i just dont no if i should tell the friend or not and should i tell him i loe him to cause i kinda do.

Ok, so what is your question exactly? What should you do?


I don't think you should get involved with this guy. He has a girlfriend, and not just any girlfriend, but your FRIEND. You're willing to steal your friend's boyfriend? Not a good plan,


Plus, if he's telling you to wait 5 months, he obviously doesn't care about you as much as you're implying that you think he does. Sorry if that was harsh, I just think you'll only end up getting hurt if you get involved with this guy.
I mean, if he does this now with your friend, whose to say he won't do it if the two of you ever did get together? I don't think it's worth it at all =/



-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

just finished reading the noteebook
ohh im still crying from it!
my question is...
is true love like that just in books? i mean, im 14 & anyway im not looking for somthing thats going to heal desieses im just curious to know if true love with that much passion happens in real life. any stories/just your personal ideas would be fantastic thanks so much!

I agree with Mangy_Momma.


I think it really does exist, and there is someone special out there for everyone. And while I haven't found it/that person myself yet, I hope one day that I do.


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

hi, random question but what would you say is a good age for kissing (like on the lips...with a guy you love). plz don't say "any age, as long as your ready" caz that's not what i want. when did you kiss? what's a really common age?

I'd say a common age for a first kiss [like, on the lips] is between 13 and 17. I got mine when I was 14, and I'd say that's probably a good age. But you can be older or younger, it really DOES depend on when you're ready.


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

What color should I paint my room? I wan't a warm color but nothing too young, but nothing i will get sick of either. Hope you have some great ideas!

My room is a blueish green, and I love it. I accented with black and white [zebra comforter, black and white pictures on the wall].


Or, try yellow. It's a happy, sunny color that isn't "too young".


Good Luck! =]


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

f/18

My best guy friend isn't much of a reader but I'm the biggest bookworm alive. He use to tease me about reading all the time but one day at Borders, he turned to me and said, "You know what? I'm gonna start reading a lot like you do. I need to get educated with literature. Since you're good with books, pick out a book for me to read and we can read it together." Well, the big secret is I've had a very big crush on him for 4 years now and I think there's something there that he feels, too. I wanted to take this opportunity to write the story how we met and end it to admit my feelings for him and then I'm going to print this story and give it to him as the first book I chose for him to read as a surprise. I've been trying so hard for weeks now but I can't think of an interesting or cute opener. I can finish off the ending easily but the beginning I have come up with is as primitive as "There was this girl who met this boy when she was 14 and then she liked him." That doesn't sound interesting at all.

Any ideas to make it sound better?

First of all, this is one of the cutest [if not THEc cutest] things I've seen on this site. I think your idea is awesome, and I hope this guy loves it [I'm sure he will] =]


Start it with something like:

"Once upon a time, there was a girl. She met this boy, and instantly, she knew he was different. Through the years, she realized that he was, indeed, different from any other boy she'd known..."


"There once was a girl and a boy. They spent their entire lives without knowing each other, and then, when the girl was 14, everything changed.."


"Once upon a time, there was a girl. She'd never given much thought to falling in love. But once she turned 14, her world changed forever. She met [name], and suddenly, her views completely changed."



I don't know, I hope this helped! =]


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

Okay well i got my belly button pierced 5 weeks ago, June 2nd. They say you cannot swim in pools for 6 weeks. Well i'm going to Connecticut tomorrow with my friends and were staying at a house that has a huge nice pool. I figured its one more week and i've been keeping it healthy and clean so do you think it would be okay if i swam and then just cleaned it right after? Hope someone can help! Thankss!

If they said not to sim for 6 weeks, you probably shouldn't chance it.


My only tip, would be to cover the piercing while you're swimming. You can try putting some medical tape over it, so that it won't get as much chlorine and whatnot on/it in?


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

what are some things that i can say to my mom to tell her that i have started my period?

I don't know why girls make a huge deal about this! I literally just walked up to my mom and said, "I think I just got my period."


That's honestly, your best approach. Just be honest, and tell her flat out. She's your mom, she's raised you, seen you naked, bathed you, fed you and everything else, there's no reason to be embaressed. Plus, she's already been though it herself.


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

i need to find this bag,,,the only website i've found is this one and its on another languge and i need it in english since im buying that in dollars
http://www.1shopbrandname.com/?ProductID=Product-080220081337125

in black or pink! preferable in black!! ...but ALL the websites i've found it the bag is sold out!! please help!!

Have you tried checking eBay and Amazon? I'm sure you could find it on one of those sites.


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

its not relly adivce but i was just wondering about some of our advice columists and if they can answer me on this.

what do you like to do for fun? other then hanging out hehe.

what are you interest?

who would you like to meet?

describe yourself in a paragraph.

I know its dumb but i was just curious and its a really easy question that id love to just get input on.

1. Reading, listening to music, photography, watching National Geographic/Discovery/Histroy channel.


2. I am interested in photography, the show LOST, clouds, writing, and science [yeah, I'm kind of a nerd].


3. No names actually come to mind. This is going to sound so cheesy, but I really wanted to meet a good TRUE friend, and in the past year and a half I've met TWO, so I'm content with meeting people.
*Though, I like the other Laura below, think Bryce Avary would be nice!!!!


4. I talk a lot, and am usually "too nice". I like taking pictures, animals, science, driving with friends, and writing. I'm a neat freak. I don't like being made fun of, meat, staying up late, wind, or late people. Music and books are my favorite. I don't have a lot of close friends, but those I do consider close mean a whole lot to me.


-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

Yes I'm sure this question is very common but nonetheless I still need help. Well I have a good friend named Robert and he is really cool. So I did not like as more than a friend him before but recently I have gotten closer to him so now I really like him. Last week we danced together and there was a slow dance and he asked me to dance with him. Other than that hes always talking to me and around me and we really can talk about just about anything. It's just that hes 18 and I'm 16, so like I think he thinks I'm too young. And he like flirts with other girls so I'm not sure how he sees me: as a friend or more. But sometimes I'll like catch him looking at me and theres something about how he looks at me that makes me think he likes me. What do you guys think? How should I go about this whole thing? thnaks

Here is a link to a question that will help you:
http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=506340


From there:
"I'm going to give you a list of what guys tend to do when they like girls:

1. They don't call you "sexy". They call you "beautiful", "gorgeous", "amazing", etc.

2. They make an effort to hug you. They might high-5 instead, but it really depends on the guy in question.

3. They DO find any reason to touch you in some way. Mostly it ISN'T in a sexual way. Its more of just an excuse to remember what you feel like, I guess. Its hard to explain...

4. He is always smiling around you. If you're feeling bad and he's around- he'll be smiling because he knows that he's there to help you- and that's like brownie points for a guy if they can help a girl out. That, like the above, is hard to explain.

5. He'll tell you things about himself that he normally wouldn't tell everyone. He opens up to you. Guys don't get a chance to do that when pressured to "be manly".

6. If you have a feeling that a guy likes you- you're probably right. Guys aren't the best at hiding it- and girls are even better at figuring these type of things out.

If you like this guy- and he does all or most of those things- my best bet is that he does like you. That means one and only one thing: Ask him to make sure, and then try the relationship out. Who knows- it could be great!"



And another link that will help you;
http://www.advicenators.com/qview.php?q=543173


From there:
"Life is WAY too short to not take chances and risks once in a while. Why sit around wondering what could've been, what would've been and what should've been, when you can answer all of those questions and then some by being honest and telling a boy how you really feel about him?"



So, I think if you like this boy, you should just go for it! what's the worst that can happen, he says no? That doesn't mean you can't still be friends! You're not 12 and in the whole "Oh my gosh she likes me I'm not talking to her" stage anymore ;]



-Laura. (16-f)

[view]

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