Extramarital Affairs: What Everyone Needs to Know…and what you can do to help

January 30th, 2009

Recent statistics suggest that 40% of women (and that number is increasing) and 60% of men at one point indulge in extramarital affairs. Put those numbers together and it is estimated that 80% of the marriages will have one spouse at one point or another involved in marital infidelity.

That may seem like a very steep number. However after two decades plus of full time work as a marriage and family therapist, I don’t believe that number is off the charts. I worked with a great number of people involved in infidelity who were never discovered.

The possibility that someone close to you is or soon will be involved in an extramarital affair (any of the three parties) is extremely high.

Maybe you will know. You will see telltale signs. You will notice changes in the person’s habits and behavioral patterns as well as a detachment, lack of focus and reduced productivity. Maybe you will sense something “out of character” but be unable to pinpoint what it is.

It is not a given that he/she will tell you. Those hiding the affair will continue to hide. The “victim” of the extramarital affair often, at least initially, is racked with anger, hurt, embarrassment and thoughts of failing that preclude divulging the crisis.

It might be important to confront the person with your observations, depending on the status of your relationship with the person.

It is important to understand that extramarital affairs are different and serve different purposes.

Out of my study and experience with hundreds of couples I’ve identified 7 different kinds of infidelity.

Briefly, some extramarital affairs are reactivity to a perceived lack of intimacy in the marriage. Others arise out of addictive tendencies or a history of sexual confusion or trauma.

Some in our culture play out issues of entitlement and power by becoming “trophy chasers.” This “boys will be boys” mentality is subtly encouraged in some contexts. Some become involved in marital infidelity because of a high need for drama and excitement and are enthralled with the idea of “being in love” and having that “loving feeling.”

An extramarital affair might be for revenge either because the spouse did or did not do something. Or the revenge may stem from rage. Although revenge is the motive for both, they look and feel very different.

Another form of infidelity serves the purpose of affirming personal desirability. A nagging question of being “OK” may lead to usually a short-term and one-person affair. And finally, some affairs are a dance that attempts to balance needs for distance and intimacy in the marriage, often with collusion from the spouse.

The prognosis for survivability of the marriage is different for each. Some affairs are the best thing that happens to a marriage. Others serve a death knell. As well, different extramarital affairs demand different strategies on the part of the spouse or others. Some demand toughness and movement. Others demand patience and understanding.

The emotional impact of the discovery of infidelity is usually profound. Days and weeks of sleeplessness, rumination, fantasies (many sexual) and unproductivity follow. It typically takes 2 - 4 years to “work through” the implications. A good coach or therapist can accelerate and mollify the process. I don’t recommend “marriage” counseling, at least initially.

The devastating emotional impact results from a couple powerful dynamics. Trust is shattered - of one’s ability to discern the truth. The most important step is NOT to learn to trust the other person, but to learn to trust one’s self. Another is the power that a secret plays in relationships. THE secret exacts an emotional and sometimes physical toll that needs to be acknowledged and dealt with.

How can you help?

Those in the midst of their affair crisis told me they need this from you:

1. Sometimes I want to vent, get it out without censor. I know sometimes I will say what I shouldn’t be saying. It may not be nice, pretty or mild. Please know that I know better, but I need to get it off my chest.

2. Every so often I want to hear something like, “This too shall pass.” Remind me that this is not forever.

3. I want to be validated. I want to know that I am OK. You can best do that by nodding acceptance when I talk about the pain or confusion.

4. I want to hear sometimes, “What are you learning? What are you doing to take care of yourself?” I may need that little jolt that moves me beyond my pain to see the larger picture.

5. I may want space. I may want you to be quiet and patient as I attempt to sort through and express my thoughts and feelings. Give me some time to stammer, stutter and stumble my way through this.

6. I want someone to point out some new options or different roads that I might take. But before you do this, make sure I am first heard and validated.

7. When they pop into your mind, recommend books or other resources that you think I might find helpful.

8. I want to hear every so often, “How’s it going?” And, I may want this to be more than an informal greeting. Give me time and space to let you know exactly how it IS going.

9. I want you to understand and welcome the ambivalent feelings and desires. I would like you to be fairly comfortable with the gray areas and the contradictions about how I feel and what I may want.

10. I want you to be predictable. I want to be able to count on you to be there, listen and speak consistently or let me know when you are unable to do that. I will honor that.

Extramarital affairs are powerful. Affairs are costly. They affect family, friends, colleagues and employers. Infidelity is also an opportunity - to redesign one’s life and love relationships in ways that create honor, joy and true intimacy.

Acne and Pregnancy - Common Questions and Answers

January 26th, 2009

Every woman experiences huge changes to her body during pregnancy. Hormones go haywire and she never knows what to expect. One of these major changes could be her skin.

While some women experience healthy “glowing” skin, others experience red blotchy patches known as acne. Every woman undergoes unique changes.

If you are you pregnant or are trying to get pregnant, there are a couple things you should know about how your skin will be affected:

1. If you already have acne, your skin could either break out more during pregnancy, or simply clear up (hopefully it does!).

2. If you’ve always had clear skin, you could develop acne.

Both the above situations are quite common. In fact, women are prone to acne during pregnancy because of unstable hormone levels. The following Q&A will tell you what you can do about it. If you find that you are having persistent problems with acne consult with your doctor on safe acne treatment during pregnancy.

Why does acne develop or get worse than before?

First, if you break out, or break out worse than before, it’s because of an increasing level of hormones in your body. Androgenic hormones like progesterone stimulate your oil glands to produce more oil, which leads to more acne. Secondly, there are changes in hydration in your body. If you don’t drink enough water, the hormone secretions won’t get diluted and won’t pass through the body as quickly.

When does acne typically develop?

Usually during the first three months (first trimester) when hormone levels are fluctuating. However, it is possible to experience breakouts at any time during pregnancy, or after pregnancy.

Will my acne go away?

As your pregnancy progresses, your acne typically improves, possibly because of higher levels of estrogen. After the first trimester, progesterone is produced by the placenta instead of the ovaries. For some women, their skin can return to normal a couple months after they give birth. For others, however, the breakouts can return after they’ve had their baby because of a sudden decline the production of estrogen. Sometimes their acne will disappear after a few months, and in other cases, it may not. Everyone is different.

What type of acne will I get?

Typically, women develop cysts, pustules and blackheads. Body acne can also develop.

Will my baby develop acne if I get acne during pregnancy?

No. There is no correlation between developing acne during pregnancy and your infant having baby acne. Neither is there a correlation between pregnancy acne and children developing acne at later stages in life.

Is there any way I can prevent acne during pregnancy?

No. You can’t predict it and you can’t prevent it. In most cases, the skin clears up after the first trimester, or after giving birth. In the meantime, there are things you can do to take care of your skin safely.

When should I seek treatment help?

You should seek a dermatologist’s help before you consider buying any acne treatment, since your acne at this time due to hormonal changes. Although you might be desperate about your skin condition, be extra careful at this time about any creams, medications, or treatments. Herbal remedies, although often promoted as natural treatments, may contain ingredients that could affect you. Even over the counter pimple treatments are drugs that should be discussed with your doctor first.

How can I care for my skin without using medicated treatments?

Here is a list of things you can do to minimize acne flare-ups without causing harm to your baby, and maintain your health:

-Exercise daily to increase blood circulation to your whole body.

-Eat lots of fresh fruits and veggies.

-Drink lots of water keep your skin hydrated, and to expel hormone secretions.

-Don’t over-wash, this can stimulate more oil.

-Don’t touch your pimples.

-Use disposable sponges or cotton balls for toners or makeup.

These are some basic tips on how to deal with acne during pregnancy. For more tips and information on this topic, please visit www.your-best-acne-treatment.com

Yvette Chau is a freelance writer based in Edmonton, Canada. She writes and publishes articles, and provides carefully researched information on acne on http://www.your-best-acne-treatment.com/

Kentucky to Ban Online Poker

January 26th, 2009

The fallout from the Kentucky domain seizure case in October continued Thursday as word spread that Microgaming would begin blocking all new registrations from the U.S., not just the ones from the state of Kentucky.

Several online poker and gambling portals said they would stop accepting all new U.S. Players, for fear of similar litigation like how the state of Kentucky seized 140 or so domain names from online gambling sites, because gambling is illegal in that state.

The fallout from this case could be disatrous for players all over the world, as it could mean that any local entity could force a multinational online gaming and poker operation to shut down. However, there was some good news for law abiding gamblers during this recent election in the U.S. Voters in three states, Missouri, Colorado, and Maryland approved ballot initiatives that expanded legalized gambling and poker opportunities.

In Maryland, voters overwhelmingly approved the addition of 15,000 slot machines at five different locations. The estimated 48 percent to 51 percent tax on gaming revenues would be directed toward the state’s educational fund. Missouri voters repealed a loss limit in which gamblers were held to $500 in losses every two hours. In exchange for Las Vegas-style gambling, the state’s casinos agreed to a 1 percentage point increase in the gaming tax. In Colorado, voters allowed the state’s casinos to increase wagering limits to $100, extend gambling to 24 hours, and add craps and roulette to the table games mix. And, though he has no official stance on the issue, word has it that President-elect Barack Obama is in favor of legalizing online gambling. Now that’s change we can believe in.

Ideas For Wedding Favors - Let Your Imagination Run Wild!

January 26th, 2009

Coming up with ideas for wedding favors can be a trying task, especially at a time when your brainpower is being pulled in a hundred different organizational directions! From cookie wedding favors to carefully crafted items of sterling silver, the ideas for wedding favors appear endless. Here are a few classic suggestions to help you find the one for you from the myriad ideas for wedding favors available today.

Cookie wedding favors, as mentioned above, are a simple idea for wedding favors that won’t break the bank. Available in a huge variety of designs, from generic wedding themes to something more personal, cookie wedding favors add a jovial touch to your table settings. Cookie wedding favors are a versatile idea for wedding favors too - eat it now, or perhaps varnish it as a keepsake, the choice is up to your guest!

On the slightly more expensive side, sterling silver has proven to be an enduring idea for wedding favors. Whether you choose a special memento, such as a charm or keepsake shaped to fit a wedding theme, such as a wedding cake, or bride and groom figurine, or something useful, like a small mirror or other accessory, a sterling silver item is a truly timeless idea for wedding favors.

Possible ideas for wedding favors are as diverse as your imagination. Though traditional ideas for wedding favors include such items as a slice of the wedding cake, or boxed chocolates, your ideas for wedding favors can be as inventive as you would wish. From cookie cutters to personal care items, the list of ideas for wedding favors is endless.

Perhaps you’d like to remind your guests of your special day with a CD of your wedding music. Another idea for wedding favors is a packet of seeds - this thoughtful favor provides your guests with something tangible and beautiful to remind them of the special day they shared with you.

Regardless of your taste or budget, there are a multitude of ideas for wedding favors just waiting for you to discover them. So let your imagination run riot - there are no limits on the huge array of ideas for wedding favors that will impress your wedding guests.

Ideas for wedding favors are everywhere, just use your imagination and discover them.

For a website totally devoted to Wedding Favors visit Peter’s Website The Wedding Favors Guide and find out about Unique Wedding Favors as well as Wedding Favor Ideas and more, including Cheap Wedding Favors and Wedding Shower Favors.

How To Get Rid Of Acne: 3 Steps Toward A Fair Complexion

January 25th, 2009

There are many types of acne, but the most common form occurs during the teenage years when young adults experience a dramatic increase in hormone levels. These hormones signal the skin glands to produce more oil. When this oil mixes with dead cells, it can clog pores in the skin and trap bacteria as well. The result is often a raised tissue area characterized by swelling, redness, and pus. These bumps are also known as “pimples,” the symptom most commonly associated with acne.

Acne can occur anywhere on the face, neck, back, or chest, and severe cases can lead to social alienation, or emotional and physical scars. Although mild acne can not be entirely prevented, you can take three steps to minimize its impact.

Gently Cleanse Your Skin: Each day, gently wash your skin with lukewarm water. Avoid scrubbing your face too hard or washing it too often. Doing so can make your acne worse. Also avoid using skin and hair care products that contain excess oil. Instead, use water-based skin care soaps that gently cleanse your skin, such as Neutrogena or Dove.

Apply Topical Ointments: At least once daily, but no more than three times a day, apply a nonprescription topical ointment to problematic areas. One of the best products is Clearasil because it contains both benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid. Benzoyl peroxide works to unplug clogged pores, while salicylic acid helps clear up blemishes by causing the top layer of skin to peel. Products that contain tea tree oil (commonly found in gels, creams, and lotions) or alpha-hydroxy acid are also desirable. However, remember that if you use a product too often, your acne can get worse. So confine your applications to less than three times per day unless otherwise directed by a doctor.

Avoid the Following: Make sure to avoid the following acts which can trigger acne flare-ups: overexposure to the sun, the wearing of tight-fitting items that rub against the skin, excess stress, constant touching of the face, working with oils or harsh chemicals, excessive sweating, hair hanging in your face, or the use of hair care products that contain oils. Also avoid squeezing pimples. Squeezing pimples can result in an infection and/or long-term scaring.

While mild acne is annoying, it will eventually pass. Most people will outgrow acne by their early-twenties, so there is reason to be optimistic. Make each of the above steps part of your daily routine, and you should be able to control your acne. However, those with more severe cases of acne should consult a dermatologist.

About the Author

Britt Gillette educates people on the numerous benefits of Himalayan Goji Juice. You can find more articles like this one at The Goji Juice Resource.

Taking Risks: Casino Taking a Chance

January 24th, 2009

Assuming that you have not figured out gaming hall betting, read on…

Most commonly a casino is a construction that accomodates card-playing. Patrons are invited to take a chance by operating one armed bandits or some other pastimes. Gaming establishment games on the whole include logically determined percentages informing them that ensure the organization has an interest over the gambling fans.

A number of betting hall games can get you overly habituated very quickly. Let’s look at the archetypal slotmachine, a cash operated appliance with 3 or more gears that orbit if a knob on its flank is moved. The gadget typically will compensate punters in correspondence to a set arrangement of symbols discernible on the screen of the contraption. Sadly, casino pastimes tend to push the semblance of being in full control, effectively hoodwinking the betting devotee: the addressee is given over options, but in reality they can never realistically match the patron’s overall odds. That is induced by the casino never paying the full sum as expected. This pattern is continuously noticeable in famous casino games like five-card stud poker, dice games, roulette or blackjack.

Seven card stud poker is certainly a very popular casino pastime. The customers, playing with either fully or partially obscured hands, wager in a central pot that is finally bestowed onto the last gamester owning the highest set of cards. (Of course, the best bluffer can win)

online casinos

Similar to five-card stud, blackjack is also a very popular casino pastime. A lavish portion of its notoriety is grounded in its particular mix of chance and know-how & decision making, and a method dubbed “card counting”. This is a particularly demanding mode of playing gambling tactics by which gambling enthusiasts can significantly change the probabilities of the game for their own ends both by betting and strategy opetations according to the cards dealt.

Craps is a well-known wagering game where punters will place bets on the throw of 2 dice. Customers wager on the outcome of of 1 spin, or on a sequence of rolls of two dice. In contrast to blackjack, there is no probable long term killer betting system punters can play on to ramp up the odds.

Roulette is an eminently popular casino gambling pastime: here, a croupier turns a roulette wheel which contains a set of 37 (in the case of French roulette) or thirty-eight (American roulette) independently tagged slots in which the white pellet will come to a stop, thus announcing the winner If a gamer bets on a particular number and is successful meaning it’s their lucky day, the set ward will be thirty five to one, the initial pledge itself is paid out. Thus in total it’s multiplied by thirty-six.

Satellite Phone - To Buy or Rent

January 23rd, 2009

There are innumerable brands available of which the following are worthwhile: (1) Globalstar, (2) Iridium, (3) Inmarsat, (4) Thuraya, (5) Pelican, (6) RBGAN, and (7) NERA. The price of a satellite phone handset ranges from $275 to $9500 depending upon the type of services provided. A voice and slow access data phone handset will attract the minimum price whereas a high quality voice together with a real fast data transfer will cost much more, may be from $5500 to $9500. Data cables, SIM Cards etc., cost you more. The rates are on the basis of (1) rate of incoming calls and, (2) rate of outgoing calls per minute. Most companies do not charge, or, charge very little connection charges. In addition they also slap on you a service charge every time you renew.

In case you want to rent, may be you are called to pay $45 to $ 475 per week towards rental; depending primarily on the type of handset you want. Whether you use it or not, you may have to pay an average daily minimum usage of 3 minutes, and in some cases, even more. Some satellite phone companies require you to pay weekly insurance, which, in all probability, will cost you between $25 to $45 per week!

Iridium does not charge you any connection charges. However, they charge $.21 towards monthly subscription. Suppose you talk from your Iridium handset to another Iridium handset within the United States, you may have to shell out $.50 per minute. In the event of the call being an international one, you may have to pay $1.50 per minute. In all other cases where you talk from your Iridium handset to various other satellite phone systems, the charges are an exorbitant $8.50 per minute.

Paul has been providing answers to lots of queries through his website on a wide variety of subjects ranging from satellite phones to acne. To learn more visit http://www.askaquery.com/Answers/qn1686.html

You are welcome to republish the above article only if you add our hyperlinked URL.

Acne and Its Treatment

January 20th, 2009

Acne is a menace. However, it’s not something that cannot be tackled. There are loads of acne skin care products around. We can classify acne skin care products into 3 broad categories -

1. Preventive or general acne skin care products
2. Over-the-counter, specialised acne skin care products
3. On-prescription acne skin care products.

The general acne skin care products are the ones that are used as acne-prevention measure. These include cleansers, make-up removers and similar products that help prevent acne. In the real sense, these acne skin care products are just those that should anyway be part of your daily routine. However, some of these are more oriented to act like an acne skin care product. These acne skin care products act against the causes of acne e.g. limiting the production of sebum/oil and preventing clogging of skin pores. Basically, these acne skin care products prevent the oil from getting trapped in pores and hence hamper the growth of bacteria that lead to acne. The general acne skin care products also include exfoliation products like skin peels. These work towards removing dead skin cells, hence reducing the possibility of pore-clogging and bacteria development.

Then there are specialised acne skin care products that are available over-the-counter i.e. without the need of a prescription. These include products like vanishing creams which extract the extra oil from the skin. Most of these acne skin care products are based on benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid, both of which are the enemies of bacteria (and hence acne). You should start with a product that has lower concentration of benzoyl peroxide (e.g. 5%) and see how your skin responds to it. Alpha-hydroxy-acid based moisturizers are also popular as acne skin care products. You might have to try a few, before you zero-in on the acne skin care product that is effective for you. If nothing seems to work, you should contact a dermatologist.

On-prescription acne skin care products are the ones that are prescribed by a dermatologist. This can include ointments that can be applied on the affected area or oral antibiotics or just any topical treatment. Dermatologist could also suggest a minor surgical procedure to remove the contents of pustules. However, never try to squeeze or do this by yourself, it can lead to permanent damage of your skin. Your doctor could also prescribe a hormone-based treatment (since hormonal changes are also known to cause acne). Such acne skin care products are known to be very effective in some cases.

So, with all those acne skin care products, tackling acne is not that difficult.

Learn how to cure acne, pimples naturally - with many home remedies.

For ultimate-cosmetics.com. Find lots of makeup and beauty tips. Also learn how to cure your acne and dont forget to visit our beauty forums at http://forums.ultimate-cosmetics.com - they are fun.

Acne Products

January 20th, 2009

Hundreds of acne products promising great results flood the market today. But are these products necessary?

Statistics reveal that acne grips more than half of the population in United States alone. Despite its temporary nature, acne has the potential to make our lives miserable by either being a constant problem or causing distress occasionally by springing up before an important event. Thankfully, a variety of products exist in the market targeted to banish those unpleasant blotches from our faces. But, before trying acne products, it is important to know what causes the ubiquitous and annoying acne.

Our skin has pores through which excess oil, sweat, and even dead cells are carried out of the body. However, due to numerous factors, when excess of oil, or sebum, flows over, carrying dead cells, and gets blocked instead of passing through the pores, it results in the formation of Acne.

Clear skin is always Acne’s worst enemy. Gentle scrubs help in removing dead cells from our skin; however, take care not to overdo the scrubbing. A deep-pore, cleanser helps too, as it cleanses the pores effectively. Often saturated with anti-bacterial ingredients, medicated pads are also helpful in wiping off the excess oil.

Debates exist as to the causal factors of Acne. But whatever be the cause, one should resort to proper medication. Acne products come as creams, lotions, and gels for topical use, containing some percentage of Benzoyl peroxide, or Salicylic acid, which clean pores and kill germs. Some natural oils and products are available, such as Tea Tree Oil, which serve the purpose too. To treat severe acne, however, antibiotics such as Tetracycline are used, for which prescription is required.

Not only are products available for acne prevention, but also for ugly acne scars and their removal. With proper medication and care, you can free yourself from acne-filled days and nights.

Your skin just needs your attention. Pamper it to reveal the glowing beauty within; to reveal the beautiful you.

Acne Care provides detailed information about acne care, acne care skin tips, acne skin care centers, and more. Acne Care is affiliated with Acne Skin Care.

Save Your Marriage From Boredom and Predictability

January 19th, 2009

Although a divorce is - or at least shouldn’t be - a goal by itself, it is a fact that more than 50 percent of our marriages end this way. Here are a few tips to save your marriage. You can find more tips by searching for ” marriage tips ” online.

If you and your mate have scheduled some time for a Friday night dinner, a relationship tip would be to put together a surprise instead. For example, if your mate loves professional wrestling, buy some tickets near the front or if they like concerts, purchase the tickets ahead of time, getting the best seats possible. When Friday night comes around, insist on driving and head toward the location where the event is taking place. When your wife asks where you are going, simply answer, “I have a surprise for you. I know you love professional wrestling so I purchased two great seats for tonight’s performance,” or “I know we had planned on going to dinner, but I wanted to surprise you with something special. I purchased tickets to see one of your favorite groups in concert.” The idea of you getting the tickets for something THEY like and then keeping it as a special surprise will touch the heart!

Here is another tip

If your mate has to work late and you know he had a bad day, surprise him with a late-night gourmet meal. When you hear him arrive home, greet him in new, sexy lingerie, a warm kiss, and wonderful hot meal. After he picks himself up off the floor, he will fall in love with you all over again for this wonderful greeting. If reversed and the woman is coming home, after giving her a lingering kiss, have her join you in the dining room where the table is set with soft glowing candles and a wonderful meal. Have an envelope lying by her plate that when opened, reads, “This certificate is good for one thirty-minute massage after dinner.” This is how
you keep romance alive!

Order in some of your favorite food, open a bottle of fine wine, light some candles, and lay out a cozy blanket in front of a roaring fire. Enjoy feeding each other food, sneaking little kisses in between. This wonderful romantic moment will help build your relationship even stronger. This kind of gesture shows your mate that you really want something special from your relationship and that spending quality time together is a priority.

Terje Ellingsen - EzineArticles Expert Author

Terje Brooks Ellingsen is a writer and internet publisher. He runs the website 1st-Self_Improvement.net. Terje is a Sociologist who enjoys contributing to the personal growth and happiness of others. He tries to accomplish this by writing about self improvement issues from his own experience and knowledge. For example, online resources for achieving financial freedom as well as marriage and other relationship issues.

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