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Archive for December 2007

Letting Go For The Holidays

by Sheilah Brooks

I don't know about you, but I often get Xmas gifts that I don't like, care for or even need. For instance, my stepmother would buy me these hideous sweaters and outfits and even though they were not my taste, being the person that I am, I would smile and thank her. After all, I was taught it's the thought that counts. The idea of giving away something someone gave me for Xmas just didn't sit well with me so instead of throwing it out or giving it away, I would feel guilty and I would hold onto it and a couple of years later have a pile of stuff I didn't care for.

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Blind Dates

by Sheilah Brooks

Is there anyone out there who has never been on a blind date before? Better yet, is there anyone out there who has been on a successful blind date? I’ve been on about 4 or 5 blind dates and none of them really turned out to be anything special. One was a movie date. The guy had seen the movie before and chose to narrate each and every scene for me. He was special…not.

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Breaking up is hard to do…but what if he wants you back?

by Denise Shively

Yes, breakups suck - there’s no polite terminology to describe the aftermath of a ruined relationship. You can cry, eat a pound of ice cream and write angry letters to your ex in your online journal, but eventually it’s time to face reality and realize life isn’t over. But what happens if you think your ex wants you back?

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How to Spend Time Apart but be Closer than Ever

by Denise Shively

Everyone goes through a period in their relationship where things seem to sour. Maybe your partner doesn't seem interested in spending time with you anymore, or perhaps he's so focused on other obligations he doesn't have time for you. Before you pack your bags and get the heck out of dodge, you should know that this type of behavior can actually be normal in a long-term relationship. I know – shocker, right?

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Are You Afraid of the 'L' Word?

by Sheilah Brooks

You've been in a relationship for a moment and are pretty sure about your feelings. You're in love and you're dying to tell that person, but you don't want to be the first one to say it and you're quite sure that given the right moment, they will admit their feelings. A few weeks or even a month has gone by and they haven't said anything. Afraid that you are going to burst, you say those 3 magic words--I love you, only to hear back those 2 dreaded ones, thank you.

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How to Say No…and Mean It

by Denise Shively

A few years ago, I went on a date with a man that I knew I didn't have anything in common with. He took me to a nice restaurant, and then we went for a walk along the beach. Even though I knew I wasn't attracted to him, I couldn't say no when he'd asked me out. Why? I didn't know it then, but my habit of being unable to say no would dictate future relationships, to the point where I would end up hurt, miserable and ultimately alone.

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Double Standards

by Sheilah Brooks

My ex-fiance had a penchant for looking at other women when we were together and no matter how many times I would tell him it bothered me, he would continue. My thought process was that if he continued, then I would just join in the fun and do my own looking. When I shared with him my idea on joining his little hobby, he told me in strong terms that if I even turned my head to look at other men; he would cause me bodily harm. Moving on…

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