Romancing Your Man

It comes down to one simple principle—love your neighbor as you would want to be loved.


by Barbara Rainey

I've noticed that most romantic novels and movies contain a common theme. It goes like this: A handsome, intelligent, adventurous, single man on a mission unexpectedly meets a beautiful, equally intelligent single woman under improbable circumstances—often in an exotic foreign location or in a lavish historical setting. Though their personalities may clash at first, and though they may even be on opposing “teams,” eventually they fall madly in love. And while this love is often impulsive and always new—never mature—in most cases the story ends with the unspoken assumption that they will live happily ever after.


How many romance novels or all-star chick flicks feature a faithful husband and wife with two, four, six, or eight children, living a normal life (whatever that is!) going to work and school and church, and enjoying passionate romance on a regular basis? Not many that I know of.


How many couples really live like people in the movies and novels? Who can maintain that level of intensity? Or adventure, intrigue, and surprise? Does that sound like your marriage relationship? I’m guessing it doesn’t.

5 Ways to Boost Your Body Image

Emily L. Ciraolo

Reviewed by QualityHealth's Medical Advisory Board

At some point, most of us have wished that we were thinner, more muscular, or better looking. After all, in today's world, we're constantly bombarded with images of celebrities and models. After a while, many people want to be like them or even believe they're happier because of the way they look. But according to experts, if you have these thoughts often, you may be in need of a body-image boost.

Body image, or the way a person thinks about his or her body and how it looks to others, can have major impacts on our self-esteem, our mood, and even our health. That's why it's important to accept the body you have. What's more, you may find that the assumptions fueling your body-image issues are unfounded: Even models, for example, aren't perfect—their jobs require that they stay super-skinny, so they're probably more worried about their bodies than you are.

Body-Image Boosters

If you often find yourself wishful thinking in front the mirror, follow these tips from the National Eating Disorders Association to improve your self-esteem. If you're continually bothered by your body image, be sure to consult your doctor.

1. Write it down. Make a list of your best qualities, such as loyalty, intelligence, humor, or creativity. Repeat these to yourself whenever you're feeling bad about your body.

2. Take stock. Think of three reasons why it's ridiculous to believe that beautiful people are happier or better. Remind yourself of these if you start to have doubts.

3. Minimize mirror time. It's unhealthy to spend hours scrutinizing every inch of your body. Instead, cut down on the time you spend in front of the mirror, and focus on things that make you feel good.

4. Prioritize. If you're dieting or exercising, make sure you're doing it for the right reasons. It's more likely that you'll stick with your routine if you can will help you recognize the rewards of feeling better and growing stronger, as opposed to achieving an appearance goal that may be impossible.

5. Wear comfortable clothes. Remember, you don't need to squeeze into the same jeans you wore five or 10 years ago. It's normal to grow as you age, so treat yourself to a new pair that fit comfortably. You'll feel better and have more confidence, knowing that you look good. 

http://www.qualityhealth.com/depression-articles/5-ways-boost-your-body-image?ct=39995

Forgotten Toddler is Reminder to Divorced Parents About Communication

By Tammy Lee Morris | Yahoo! Contributor Network

COMMENTARY | As a divorced parent who shares custody of my children with their father, the story of a toddler who was inadvertently left at a Maryland Chuck E. Cheese's is a reminder of theimportance of communication. As reported by ABC News, the 3-year-old named Harmony was left at the restaurant after a large family party when both parents assumed she went home with other family members.

As often happens with divorced parents or parents who are not together, miscommunication might have been the culprit behind this incident.

When two parents live separately, it isn't difficult to understand they might be on different pages when it comes to what their child is doing or where they are. Parents who live together tend to be in constant communication, but divorced or nonmarried parents who share custody have to work harder to maintain communication.

In the case of Harmony, her parents share custody and each left, assuming she was with someone else. With my children, I know not to assume anything of their father, but instead I verify every plan, every date. It's not hard to understand how such an incident could happen.

When I first began reading about this incident, my first thought was "How could those parents not know?" But the more I read, the more I realized the challenges of parents who are not "together" makes such an incident possible.

It is fortunate things turned out as they did and Harmony was unharmed. Even though my children are older than Harmony, this incident is a reminder of the importance of checking, double checking and verifying everything that is happening with my children. When they are with their father, I will continue to always verify plans and assume nothing.

http://news.yahoo.com/forgotten-toddler-reminder-divorced-parents-communication-182700175.html