http://dearsugar.com/ Just ask. en http://dearsugar.com/2670200 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/02_2009/14f8f2e8e17d971a_bed.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="313" width="300"></span>One of my friends recently told me that when her husband is out of town, she sleeps with one of his old t-shirts so she can snuggle with something that smells like him. It keeps the <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/loneliness" >loneliness</a> at bay and although it sounds a little childish, she's not alone. <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28528971/" target="_blank">Researchers reported</a> that as many as three-quarters of women admit they cuddle with clothing worn by their significant other when he or she is away. And get this — two-thirds of men do the same thing! </p> <p>Can you relate? Do you embrace clothes worn by your lover when you're apart?</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://dearsugar.com/2670200#comment cuddling Missing a Loved One News to Me scent Smell Thu, 08 Jan 2009 10:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2670200 http://dearsugar.com/2667014 <p>I don't think there's any better feeling than what you experience in the beginning of a relationship; the passion and excitement you feel is just unbeatable! As you get to know each other though, and become more comfortable, the newness can wear off and it doesn't take long before that passion and love fades away. It may seem like most relationships are doomed for boredom or <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/divorce" >divorce</a>, but <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/02_2009/33db15fa927fb94e_kiss.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarger" height="367" width="300"></span> new <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2009/HEALTH/01/04/true.love.found/index.html?eref=rss_health" target="_blank">research</a> has proven that true love can actually last a lifetime. </p> <p>At Stony Brook University in New York, researchers scanned the brains of couples who have been together for 20 years, and those who have been dating less than a year. When shown photographs of their loved ones, the scientists discovered that 10 percent of the older couples' brains had the same chemical reactions as the newer couples. This goes against previous studies, which showed that love withered after only 15 months, and was completely vanished after a decade. </p> <p>I think this optimistic news about love and romance is a breath of fresh air, but do you think it's possible to love someone for your entire life?</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://dearsugar.com/2667014#comment Love Love Lasts News to Me Relationships Wed, 07 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2667014 http://dearsugar.com/2666745 <p>We all have our moments, and sometimes the little things can set our mood into a tailspin. Maybe somebody accidentally threw away your bagged lunch at work, or your neighborhood coffee shop ran out of cream, and boom — you're instantly in a bad mood. Stereotypically speaking, women are thought of as the moody ones, but men can be moody too, and there's actually a name for it — <a href="http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=53725" target="_blank">irritable male syndrome</a>. It's much less severe than depression or bipolar disorder, but the same roller coaster of emotions apply. One minute he's happy and loving life, and the next, he's sulking and not wanting to talk. This change in mood can be triggered by hormonal fluctuations (just like us!) or stress. To find out more about this condition and to learn what you can do to help, check out the video below from <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/28521125#28521125" target="_blank">The Today Show</a>.</p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_2667115"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so2667115 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so2667115.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so2667115.addVariable("file",'2667115.flv'); so2667115.addVariable('height', 328); so2667115.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/2667115.jpg'); so2667115.addVariable('width','400'); so2667115.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/dearsugar.png'); so2667115.write('player_2667115'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> <p>Do you know any men that suffer from irritable male syndrome?</p> http://dearsugar.com/2666745#comment bad mood Emotions Irritable Male Syndrome moody News to Me Wed, 07 Jan 2009 09:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2666745 http://dearsugar.com/2663637 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/02_2009/66c9ce8f94131241_original.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarge" width="320" height="207"></span>Last year most of you agreed that <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1054366" >spending $12,000 on a vibrator was out of the question</a>, but what about $1,440? Dave Stewart of the Eurythmics <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/12/30/eurythmics-dave-stewart-l_n_154334.html" target="_blank">recently worked with an adult-only specialist firm to design a vibrator</a> made of solid steel with a satin finish, adorned with an "eternity band" of 28 diamonds for the high price of $1,440. For a famous musician that might not seem like a lot, but for the average Joe, $1,440 could pay for more than a month's rent! </p> <p>Sex toys and vibrators mean something different for everyone, so tell me where you stand on spending high prices for such bedroom accessories. </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://dearsugar.com/2663637#comment Money News to Me sex toys vibrator Mon, 05 Jan 2009 11:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2663637 http://dearsugar.com/2646604 <p>For years, there has been an ongoing battle between two opposing ways of schooling: sex education and abstinence only education. A new <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28415602/" target="_blank">study</a> may help sex education win this war once and for all since research shows that encouraging teens to be abstinent until marriage is ineffective. For teens who are taught to wait, some are also encouraged to <a href="http://popsugar.com/1947577" >publicly declare their decision to remain a virgin</a>. But as it turns out, those who made this virginity pledge were just as likely to get it on as those who didn't promise abstinence. What's worse is that teens who took the pledge were less likely to use <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/condom" >condoms</a> once they did have sex. That's because those young adults only learned to "save themselves for marriage," and never learned how to protect themselves from <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/pregnancy" >pregnancy</a> and <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/STIs" >STIs</a>. </p> <p>To hear more about virginity pledges, check out this video from <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28415602/" target="_blank">The Today Show</a>.</p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_2646929"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so2646929 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so2646929.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so2646929.addVariable("file",'2646929.flv'); so2646929.addVariable('height', 328); so2646929.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/2646929.jpg'); so2646929.addVariable('width','400'); so2646929.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/dearsugar.png'); so2646929.write('player_2646929'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> <p>There is no right answer here, but which kind of education do you think is most effective? </p> http://dearsugar.com/2646604#comment News to Me virginity Virginity Pledge Tue, 30 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2646604 http://dearsugar.com/2628516 <p>Whether you're for or against <a href="http://dearsugar.com/661098" >breastfeeding</a>, moms all over the world are nursing their babies, many are <a href="http://dearsugar.com/557770" >doing it in public</a>, and some have even posted pictures of themselves breastfeeding on Facebook. It turns out that Facebook isn't OK with that and has <a href="http://www.insidebayarea.com/health/ci_11248229" target="_blank">placed a ban</a> on posting such photos on its site. If women ignore the rule, Facebook will take the pictures down. The social networking site claims to have no problem with photos of women nursing but simply won't allow photos "containing a fully exposed breast." To hear more, check out this video clip from <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/" target="_blank">MSNBC</a>.</p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_2628504"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so2628504 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so2628504.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so2628504.addVariable("file",'2628504.flv'); so2628504.addVariable('height', 328); so2628504.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/2628504.jpg'); so2628504.addVariable('width','400'); so2628504.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/dearsugar.png'); so2628504.write('player_2628504'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> <p>A group called the Mothers International Lactation Campaign (MILC) is so outraged by the ban that they're planning a <a href="http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/12/19/censoring-breastfeeding-on-facebook/?hp" target="_blank">demonstration on Dec. 27</a> right outside Facebook's Palo Alto offices. They're also asking Facebook users to join the "virtual nurse-in" by making their profile photo a picture of a woman breastfeeding. </p> <p>This is a pretty heated topic, so what's your opinion on public displays of breastfeeding and taking photos of the act? Share your thoughts below.</p> http://dearsugar.com/2628516#comment breastfeeding Facebook News to Me Where Do You Stand Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2628516 http://dearsugar.com/2620824 <p>When looking for the right guy, I'm sure you have a list of traits he must possess, such as a good sense of humor, attractive appearance, subtle sensitivity, and an honest heart. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/51_2008/eaec07b10c3e4289_books.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="300" width="300"></span>A smart guy is a plus, too; intelligence goes a long way in my book, and as it turns out, sharp guys can not only help with your taxes, but they may also help in the baby-making department. <a href="http://bodyodd.msnbc.msn.com/archive/2008/12/16/1718831.aspx" target="_blank">Studies show</a> a connection between high IQ and high quality sperm. That means an intelligent man has a higher sperm count, and his sperm are strong, perfectly shaped, and good swimmers. All these characteristics make for one fertile dude, so if you're trying to get pregnant, you might have an easier time with a brainy guy! </p> <p>Now that's not to say that a non-Harvard graduate has bad sperm. Other factors play into the quality of a man's swimmers, such as exercise, diet, genes, stress level, use of steroids, alcohol consumption, and tobacco and marijuana use. So even if your man isn't well-versed in Shakespeare or can't spell to save his life, he can still father your children — he just may not be able to help them with their geometry homework!</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://dearsugar.com/2620824#comment High IQ News to Me Sex Sex Facts Sperm Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2620824 http://dearsugar.com/2611911 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2611911"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2611911',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2611911');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/51_2008/47e0cde5b32d9572_dv1991002.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right outline image xlarger" width="323" height="400"></span>I just came across an interesting <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/13/opinion/13blow.html?_r=4&amp;em" target="_blank">article</a> in this weekend's <b>New York Times</b>. It speaks to the fact that dating is a thing of the past, but hooking up is here to stay.</p> <p>To help the author understand this new phenomenon, he called upon Kathleen Bogle, a professor at La Salle University in Philadelphia for explanation. She feels that the pros of hooking up are that it takes the pressure off individuals and puts more emphasis on group friendships. While there used to be a negative stigma attached to those who couldn't get a date, she feels that now all you have to do is hang out with your friends and hope sparks fly! The cons, on the other hand, are that many women hope hooking up will lead to a relationship, but men think the opposite which can create a communication gap. </p> <p>While this is just a part of "dating life" nowadays, tell me ladies, do you play by the new rules of hooking up first or do you still date the old-fashioned way? </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2611911" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Dear Poll: Do You Date or Hook Up? </label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> I usually just hook up</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I usually go on dates</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> I do both</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other — Please explain below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2611911" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/2611911#comment Dating Dear Poll hooking up News to Me Relationships Tue, 16 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2611911 http://dearsugar.com/2608433 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/51_2008/d6cac38ccd713239_f21d7bb919cfa352_madonnaguy112108.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarge" width="290" height="320"></span>In the midst of all the scandal and rumors surrounding the <a href="http://popsugar.com/2523406" >Madonna and Guy Ritchie split</a>, new reports say that they <i>will be</i> <a href="http://popsugar.com/2604724" >spending Christmas together</a>, for the sake of their kids that is. While I think the idea is nice, I'm not sure faking it, if you will, is necessarily a good idea. Obviously different things work for different families, but ladies, where do you stand on the notion of spending the holidays together for the sake of the kids when the parents are clearly in an unhappy, volatile relationship?</p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://wireimage.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></span></p> http://dearsugar.com/2608433#comment Celebrity Divorce Family Guy Ritchie Madonna News to Me Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2608433 http://dearsugar.com/2601085 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2601085"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2601085',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2601085');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p>Men and women have used every excuse in the book to get out of sex — I'm <a href="http://dearsugar.com/653347" >too tired</a>, I'm not in the mood, I'm <a href="http://dearsugar.com/872017" >stressed</a>, I have to get up early, etc. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/50_2008/1049cec7eef9a674_bed.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image xlarge" height="303" width="300"></span>Well, now there's a new excuse — "I'd rather surf the Net." Yep, <a href="http://blogs.wsj.com/biztech/2008/12/11/not-tonight-dear-id-rather-blog/" target="_blank">Intel</a> did a survey and discovered that "46 percent of women would rather go without sex for two weeks than give up the Internet for that long." The numbers are slightly lower for guys, only 30 percent of all men would swap lady lovin' for the Internet for the same amount of time. Either these people are having some pretty bad sex, or the web addresses they're visiting are way more exciting than an earth-shattering, orgasmic love session.</p> <p>These stats depress me. I love technology as much as the next person, but how can it be more important than a real-life, personal, intimate connection? Tell me ladies, would you rather give up sex or your Internet connection for two weeks? </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2601085" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Dear Poll: Internet Better Than Sex?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Sex</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> Internet</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2601085" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/2601085#comment Excuse Not to Have Sex Internet News to Me Relationships Sex Mon, 15 Dec 2008 09:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2601085 http://dearsugar.com/2594474 <p>If you're human, I'm sure you're dealing with a little holiday stress right about now. If that's the case, it's time to release the tension. Light some candles, sip some chamomile tea and slip into a warm cozy bed with your special someone. Yes, when it comes to shaking your stress, baths are out and sex is in! <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28146086/" target="_blank">Research shows</a> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/50_2008/1a7874202edef3e9_sex.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image xlarger" height="396" width="300"></span>that sharing some togetherness can help ease tension and anxiety. </p> <p>The only obstacle is the ability to let yourself go since stress can be a real mood killer; making you feel tired, annoyed, nauseous, and cranky. I'm sure having sex is the furthest thing from your mind when you feel this way, but it can become a vicious cycle and not having sex can make a couple feel distant, which in turn causes even less sex. So the solution to a rough day at work or a dry spell in the bedroom is actually an outstanding night of hot sex. If you don't have time for a full-on nookie session, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28146086/" target="_blank">studies</a> show that holding hands, cuddling, and kissing are also wonderful stress relievers. </p> <p>So the next time you feel the pressure rising, especially during this stressful time of year, reach for your partner. <a href="http://dearsugar.com/2506092" >Sex may not be the most important part of a relationship</a>, but healthy and satisfying intimacy will not only strengthen your connection, but also help you deal with whatever life throws your way. </p> <p><span style='font-size:10px !important;'><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com/" target="_blank">Source</a></span></p> http://dearsugar.com/2594474#comment de-stress holiday holiday stress News to Me Sex Stress Fri, 12 Dec 2008 10:30:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2594474 http://dearsugar.com/2579246 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2579246"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2579246',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2579246');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/50_2008/fe63b54d7c86e3e2_gc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarge" width="315" height="315"></span>If you're at a loss as to what to give one of your female friends or family members this holiday, a <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2542051" >Planned Parenthood gift certificate</a> could be the perfect present! They are available in $25 increments at 35 clinics statewide and are valid for health services, contraception, and yes, even <a href="http://dearsugar.com/2567686" >abortions</a>. According to <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/features/lifestyle/health/chi-talk-planneddec03,0,3497971.story" target="_blank">The Chicago Tribune</a>, about a dozen gift certificates have sold in Indiana since they became available on November 25th, and Illinois plans to follow today. </p> <p>This new form of gifting comes with its fair share of controversy though, especially from anti-abortion groups, but ladies, tell me, do you think selling Planned Parenthood gift certificates is a do or a don't? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2579246" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>A Do or a Don&#039;t: Planned Parenthood Gift Certificates</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> A Do</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> A Don't </label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2579246" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/2579246#comment Abortion News to Me sex education Sex Facts Mon, 08 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2579246 http://dearsugar.com/2570753 <p>Times are tough, and people are having to pinch pennies because of our <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/" >shattering economy</a>; some are even choosing to <a href="http://dearsugar.com/2567839" >sell their personal possessions</a> to help pay the bills. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/49_2008/529c085d9311ed25_sperm-for-money.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image xlarger" height="400" width="292"></span>In extreme situations, though, people are resorting to selling products from their bodies, including blood plasma, hair, <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28040824/" target="_blank">eggs, and sperm</a> — apparently it's a way to make quick cash. A shot of sperm can earn a guy $60 to $100, and for fertile eggs, a woman can make up to $7,000 per egg! I guess this idea is sounding pretty good to some, because sperm banks have reported that donations have tripled from 50 to 150 a month, and egg donations have increased by 30 percent.</p> <p>Of course you have to meet strict criteria and pass rigorous testing in order to sell your precious goods, but if you could, would you give up your sperm or eggs to make some dough? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2570753#comment Egg Donor News to Me Sell Eggs Sell Sperm Sperm Donor Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:30:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2570753 http://dearsugar.com/2567839 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/49_2008/608007bfc4e43c36_ring.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right outline image xlarge" width="313" height="313"></span>The state of our <a href="http://www.savvysugar.com/" >economy</a> is worsening by the day, and many women are now hocking their old engagement and weddings rings that they were holding onto for sentimental value in exchange for cold hard cash. According to <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/2008/12/04/2008-12-04_secondhand_engagement_ring_sales_rise_wh.html?page=0" target="_blank">an article</a> in today's <b>Daily News</b>, October was the busiest month (in visits and sales) for IDoNowIDont.com — an online marketplace for secondhand rings. </p> <p>Even though these women aren't getting anywhere near the value of their goods, desperate times are clearly calling for desperate measures. If you're feeling the effects of the economy like so many of us, tell me, is this something you'd ever consider doing? Where do you stand on selling your memories for money? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2567839#comment Economy engagement ring Money News to Me wedding ring Thu, 04 Dec 2008 15:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2567839 http://dearsugar.com/2534566 <!-- no strip poll --><!-- no rss --><div id="epoll-view-2534566"></div><script type="text/javascript">new Ajax.Request('/epoll/view/2534566',{method:'get',onSuccess:function(transport){var epoll=$('epoll-view-2534566');epoll.update(transport.responseText);}});</script><noscript><!-- /no rss --><p><p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/48_2008/366401c31e88fb92_sad.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarger" width="266" height="400"></span>Even if you didn't turn into a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/bridezilla" >Bridezilla</a>, the letdown after your wedding day can feel overwhelmingly depressing, and the feelings around postnuptial depression are now being recognized by psychiatrists and therapists. According to <a href="http://www.time.com/time/health/article/0,8599,1861028,00.html?xid=rss-health" target="_blank">a recent article</a> on Time.com, therapists say that most people experience some sort of letdown after the big day, but five to 10 percent of newlyweds experience strong enough feelings of remorse, sadness, or frustration to seek professional help. To avoid these feelings, the article offers some advice:</p> <blockquote><p>After the vows, to defeat the postnuptial blues, doctors say couples should get adequate rest and exercise; communicate constantly; focus on the benefits of marriage, such as having a built-in support system; and start thinking about the future in terms of family or finance. Women especially should also stop thinking of themselves as The Bride: throw out those wedding magazines, then plan some social events for after the honeymoon, so you have other parties to look forward to.</p></blockquote> <p>Since post-wedding blues aren't uncommon, I'm curious to know how many of you felt down and out after your big day, so tell us . . . </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> <p><br clear=all></p> </p><!-- no strip poll --><form action="/2534566" method="post" id="epoll_view_voting"> <div><div class="poll"> <div class="vote-form"> <div class="choices"><div class="form-item"> <label>Dear Poll: Did You Experience Postnuptial Depression?</label> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="0" class="form-radio" /> Yes, I'm feeling pretty glum right now actually.</label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="1" class="form-radio" /> I did feel a little down after my wedding, but those feelings have since passed. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="2" class="form-radio" /> No, I never felt the blues after my wedding day. </label> </div> <div class="form-item"> <label class="option"><input type="radio" name="edit[choice]" value="3" class="form-radio" /> Other — Please explain below.</label> </div> </div> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[nid]" id="edit-nid" value="2534566" /> <input type="submit" name="op" value="Vote" class="form-submit" /> </div><input type="hidden" name="edit[form_id]" id="edit-form_id" value="epoll_view_voting" /> </div> </div></form> <!-- no strip poll --></noscript><!-- no strip poll --> http://dearsugar.com/2534566#comment Marriage News to Me the blues Wedding Tue, 25 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2534566 http://dearsugar.com/2523205 <p>Date rape is more common than you might think, and statistics show that <a href="http://www.rainn.org/statistics" target="_blank">one in six women will be sexually assaulted</a> in a lifetime. Of those assaults, only 19 percent are reported to the police, which is why <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27825997/" target="_blank">recent news</a> shows that it's tough to prosecute sexual predators. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/47_2008/5ee2dbe9af34c1e1_sad.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="316" width="300"></span>Of all the stranger-rape cases that do make it to court, 68 percent end with a conviction. For acquaintance-rape cases, that number is much lower — only 35 percent. Part of the reason is that juries don't think the notion of date rape exists. In the 70s, most reported <a href="http://dearsugar.com/774958" >rape</a> cases were committed by strangers, so jurors and judges have an image in their mind that a rapist is some crazy lunatic who hides in the bushes and prances on unsuspecting victims. They assume the victim will have bruises and broken bones, and she'll notify the police right away, but as we all know, that's not always the case. Rape situations are much different now. Many victims know their attacker and often times, they are given <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1653059" >date-rape drugs</a> so they'll be unable to fight back or say no. These drugs can make details foggy for the victim, so she may not go to the police (right away or at all) because she's unsure of what happened. </p> <p>I know this is frighting news, but there's still something you can do. To find out what it is </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/2523205">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2523205#comment date rape date rape drug News to Me Sex sex crime Mon, 24 Nov 2008 11:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2523205 http://dearsugar.com/2523618 <p>If you tuned into <b>Oprah</b> yesterday, you'd see just how true the statement "beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is. Mara Schiavocampo of NBC news traveled around the word to find out <a href="http://www.oprah.com/slideshow/oprahshow/20081024_tows_beauty/1" target="_blank">how different cultures define beauty</a>. She discovered that big butts and ankles are considered beautiful in Mauritania, a perfect nose is ideal for Iranian women, and straight hair and pale skin is what Japanese women go to great lengths to achieve. Since the American standard of beauty is different from those around the globe, it's more clear to me than ever just how many of us succumb to the pressures of societal norms. Of course, it's all about what makes us feel good from the inside out, but tell me ladies, what do you consider beautiful?<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/47_2008/ccdd9ebf93452f0b_beauty.xxlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image xxlarge" width="500" height="335"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2523618#comment Beauty News to Me Oprah self esteem Travel Fri, 21 Nov 2008 12:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2523618 http://dearsugar.com/2515466 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/47_2008/dfbb34f0d8fc1d33_sex.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarge" width="316" height="320"></span>I bet most of you don't like to think about your parents having sex, but what about your grandparents? Even if the thought makes you cringe, past research shows that men and women up into their '80s are still getting it on! A <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27790746/" target="_blank">recent article on MSNBC</a> touches upon this topic. </p> <p>Nursing home sex has been taboo for quite some time now but experts want to lift that stigma and researchers are finding ways to educate their staff and provide the elderly with privacy so they can satisfy their sexual needs. As more baby boomers are shacking up in nursing homes with their 1950s and '60s attitudes about sex, it's no wonder this is of some concern. </p> <p>Since the elderly in nursing homes need special care, safety is of course the first priority, but being able to feel intimacy, regardless of age, has proven to be just as important. Do you agree with this new directive to get the staff talking and asking questions about sex in nursing homes? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2515466#comment News to Me Sex Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2515466 http://dearsugar.com/2496342 <p>A recent study shows that deer mice are monogamous and have "superior stress tolerance and blood sugar regulation." That would make us think that for humans, a monogamous relationship would prove to offer health benefits, but what else can we learn from the animal kingdom? Here are the first five of 10 sex lessons from a recent <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27687248/" target="_blank">MSNBC</a> article and my interpretation of each one. I'll warn you, some of these are a little out there, but enjoy!</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/47_2008/5d9364e199b3dbcc_zebras.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="230" width="300"></span> <ol> <li><b>Do not turn sex into warfare:</b> If you nag your guy and pressure him into having intimacy, it'll drive him away and you both could end up unhappy. </li> <li><b>Avoid weaponizing your penis:</b> If a guy pierces his business or does anything else that may make sex painful to a woman, she won't want to engage in the act with him. </li> </ol> <p>To see the other lessons </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/2496342">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2496342#comment Animal Kingdom News to Me Sex Sex Lessons sti Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2496342 http://dearsugar.com/2500543 <p>I'm sure you've all heard about <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3628860.ece" target="_blank">Thomas Beatie</a>, the man to first become pregnant and have a baby. He was originally born a female, but underwent six sex-change operations and took male hormones to become a man, and then legally married his partner Nancy. Since she's infertile, he kept his womb and ovaries intact in the hopes of having a family someday — they feel that having a baby is neither a male or female desire, but a human one. Before becoming pregnant, he stopped taking testosterone injections so his menstrual cycle would return. He gave birth to their first child last Summer and now <a href="http://www.lilsugar.com/2496206" >the Beatie's are expecting their second child</a>, due this June! To get a peek inside their lives, check out this video of their <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/Health/story?id=6244878&amp;page=1" target="_blank">interview with Barbara Walters</a>: </p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_2501163"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so2501163 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so2501163.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so2501163.addVariable("file",'2501163.flv'); so2501163.addVariable('height', 328); so2501163.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/2501163.jpg'); so2501163.addVariable('width','400'); so2501163.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/dearsugar.png'); so2501163.write('player_2501163'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> <p>Pretty amazing, huh? Tell me what you think about this in the comment section below.</p> http://dearsugar.com/2500543#comment Family News to Me Pregnancy Pregnant Man Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2500543 http://dearsugar.com/2496336 <p>I don't know what this world is coming to — I just read a <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27681660/" target="_blank">news article</a> about two men convicted of infecting 14 semi-conscious men at sex parties with <a href="http://dearsugar.com/tags/HIV" >HIV</a>. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/46_2008/d5fb08d6da53c345_needle.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xxlarge" height="498" width="300"></span>The incidences happened in Amsterdam between January 2006 and May 2007. It's possible that these two men drugged the others with a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1653059" >date-rape drug</a> before assaulting them, but that has yet to be proven. A panel of three judges concluded that one of the men repeatedly injected others with HIV in an attempt "to bring this same hurt to others." </p> <p>All 14 men tested positive for HIV, but since they all took part in unprotected orgies, it can't be proven whether they were infected by the injections or by their own actions. While you'd think these two men convicted would be charged with attempted murder, they were not, since Dutch courts feel that HIV is a chronic illness, not necessarily a fatal one. </p> <p>We have enough crime out there as it is, but apparently we have this kind to worry about, too. What do you think about this frightening news?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2496336#comment group sex HIV injection News to Me Orgy sex crime Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:30:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2496336 http://dearsugar.com/2489185 <p>I was really touched by this miraculous story I saw this morning on the <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27661955/" target="_blank">The Today Show</a>. Kim Coseno couldn't have her own children, so her 56-year-old mother, Jaci Dalenberg, decided to act as a surrogate mother for her — which meant she'd be giving birth to her own grandchild! She was artificially inseminated with embryos created by her daughter and son-in-law. Jaci was hoping to carry one healthy child, but surprisingly, they discovered she was having triplets! At the age of 56, there can be many health complications when it comes to pregnancy and giving birth, but it didn't matter. Jaci just wanted to selflessly give the greatest gift she could: life. Talk about a mother's love! </p> <p><center> <div style='width:455px' id="spi_tabs_container"> <div id="spi_tabs_top"> <div id="spi_tabs_topL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_topR"></div> </div> <div class="panel chatter_chatter fbceleb " > <center> <script type="text/javascript" src="http://images.teamsugar.com/static/js/swfobject.js"></script> <p style=margin:0px;padding:0px id="player_2489671"><a href="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer">Get Flash</a> to see this player.</p> <script type="text/javascript"> var so2489671 = new SWFObject('/static/flash/mediaplayer.swf','mpl','400','300','7'); so2489671.addParam('allowfullscreen','true'); so2489671.addVariable("file",'2489671.flv'); so2489671.addVariable('height', 328); so2489671.addVariable('image','/media/cooked/thumbs/2489671.jpg'); so2489671.addVariable('width','400'); so2489671.addVariable('logo','/static/imgs/watermark/dearsugar.png'); so2489671.write('player_2489671'); </script> </center> </div> <div id="spi_tabs_bot"> <div id="spi_tabs_botL"></div> <div id="spi_tabs_botR"></div> </div> </div></center></p> <p>To see the rest of the video, go to <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/27660704#27660704" target="_blank">MSNBC.com</a>.</p> http://dearsugar.com/2489185#comment babies Inspiration Mother's Love News to Me Pregnancy surrogate mother Tue, 11 Nov 2008 15:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2489185 http://dearsugar.com/2469086 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/45_2008/cd7531eb15e4f4d2_simon-cowell.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarge" width="254" height="320"></span>If you didn't already hear, <a href="http://popsugar.com/2451849" >Simon Cowell and long-time girlfriend Teri Seymour have called it quits</a>, but according to <a href="http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20238032,00.html" target="_blank">People</a>, he's not looking for love again anytime soon. He claimed to have sworn off women and his statement got me thinking.</p> <p>We all handle breakups differently: some hibernate and regroup while others paint the town red or jump into another relationship. No one way is better than the other so tell me, do you tend to swear off men after a breakup like Simon is doing with women?</p> <p><a href=http://wireimage.com/>Source</a> </p> http://dearsugar.com/2469086#comment Breakup Celebrity Dating News to Me Relationships Thu, 06 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2469086 http://dearsugar.com/2468634 <p>Last night we saw history being made. Regardless of the way you voted, a great change has been made to our country. I know <a href="http://dearsugar.com/2466406" >most of you</a> were feeling anxious before the votes were counted yesterday, and since emotions are no doubt still running high, tell me, is your mind a little bit more at ease now that the election is over? </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/45_2008/e8901d5f9c8c423a_obama.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" width="550" height="358"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2468634#comment 2008 Presidential Election change Emotions News to Me Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:00 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2468634 http://dearsugar.com/2462548 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/45_2008/a15b92bd86112f54_teen.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarger" width="266" height="400"></span>Teenage pregnancy is on the rise again and researches are now saying that television is partly to blame. A study, which is being published today in the <b>American Academy of Pediatrics</b> looked at 700 12 to 17 year olds for three years and found that those who watched sexual content on TV were roughly twice as likely to be involved in a pregnancy over teenagers who didn't. And the lead researcher in this study, Anita Chandra, feels there's a strong association between the two factors. An article in today's <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/11/02/AR2008110202592.html" target="_blank">Washington Post</a> sums up the study by saying:<br /> <blockquote>Studies have found a link between watching television shows with sexual content and becoming sexually active earlier, and between sexually explicit music videos and an increased risk of sexually transmitted diseases. . . . But the new research is the first to show an association between TV watching and pregnancy among teens.</p></blockquote> <p>Since sexual activity is basically on every channel these days, it's pretty hard to avoid, but do their findings ring true to you? When you watch sexually heated content on the small screen, does it make <i>you</i> want to get it on? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2462548#comment News to Me Pregnancy Sex Teen Pregnancy teenagers Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:02:10 -0800 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2462548 http://dearsugar.com/2444495 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/44_2008/6728085050f85c39_love-hate.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarger" width="275" height="364"></span>If you've ever had a love/hate relationship with someone, you know how frustrating and confusing it can feel, but according to <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/scienceNews/idUSTRE49S01J20081029?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=scienceNews" target="_blank">new research</a>, there's a reason why these kinds of relationships are so common. In a recent study, participants were shown images of individuals they hated and the brain activity pattern it revealed partially occurs in areas of the brain activated by romantic love as well. Written in the Public Library of Science journal PLoS One, researchers said, "This linkage may account for why love and hate are so closely linked to each other in life. Our results show that there is a unique pattern of activity in the brain in the context of hate." The study also revealed one conclusion to this research:<br /> <blockquote>While both emotions are all-consuming passions, it may be that people in love are often less critical and judgmental about their partner but need to maintain their focus when dealing with a hated rival.</p></blockquote> <p>Since there's such a thin line between love and hate, tell me ladies, have you ever been in a love/hate relationship before? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2444495#comment Dating hate Love News to Me Relationships Thu, 30 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2444495 http://dearsugar.com/2435119 <p>Red has always been bold, but as it turns out, now it's officially sexy! A new study, <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/lifestyleMolt/idUSTRE49R18320081028?feedType=RSS&amp;feedName=lifestyleMolt" target="_blank">as reported by Reuters</a>, offers evidence that men are attracted to women in red. Researchers showed young heterosexual men pictures of women wearing different colors and asked them to rate the women by attractiveness and their desire to both kiss and have sex with them. Needless to say, red was the clear winner. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/44_2008/4db2b48adbeb2623_Red.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image xlarge" height="219" width="320"></span></p> <p>The study didn't offer any specific explanations for why the color red has this effect on men, except to say it could be an evolutionary trait or just the fact that red has long been associated with love. I'm no evolutionary scientist, but my bet's on the fact that for decades, red has been marketed not just as romantic (Valentine's Day cards and gifts) but also sexy (red lipstick and nail polish). Whatever the reason, if you're looking for a way to get the guys to notice you, a red top might just be the ticket. But we all have our own go-to outfits when we're trying to be sexy; if yours isn't a slinky red dress, what is it? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2435119#comment attractive men News to Me Sexy Wed, 29 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2435119 http://dearsugar.com/2397696 <p>If you've ever looked at <a href="http://sfbay.craigslist.org/cgi-bin/personals.cgi?category=mis" target="_blank">Craigslist's Missed Connections</a>, you know just how many people are seeking out that certain someone they locked eyes with on the subway, at the grocery store, or at the airport but never got the chance to speak to. An article written today on <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/LIVING/personal/10/21/lw.missed.connections/index.html" target="_blank">Cnn.com</a> explained this phenomenon perfectly:<br /> <blockquote>Craigslist, Kizmeet.com, ISawYou.com, SubwayCrush.com — these missed-opportunity matchmakers have become a staple of online modern love. They've also become a way for some singles to fantasize about the people they'd like to meet and those they hope will want to meet them.</p></blockquote> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/43_2008/5e7be4f0e504094d_computer.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image xlarger" width="400" height="266"></span<br /> Missed connections are great for those who don't have the confidence or courage to approach someone in person — sometimes all it takes is a little buffer to ease the fear! I have friends that have had luck in this arena before so tell me, have <i>you</i> ever meet someone through an online missed connection? If so, were you the one who posted it or was it him that wrote a query about you?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2397696#comment Craigslist Missed Connection News to Me online dating Relationships Wed, 22 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2397696 http://dearsugar.com/2395002 <p>I've heard of Roman Catholics not believing in birth control, but now a new <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27311596/" target="_blank">Roman Catholic pharmacy</a> in Virginia doesn't believe in <i>selling it.</i> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/43_2008/11d826e6b45e68fa_bc.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="307" width="300"></span>Divine Mercy Care Pharmacy isn't the only one letting their faith lead their business. Seven other pharmacies across the nation are doing the same. They're refusing to sell any forms of contraception, including condoms, birth control pills, and the <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1139043" >morning-after pill</a>, even if the person has a prescription. </p> <p>States are dealing with this issue by passing laws that require drugstores to go against their religious beliefs and fill the prescriptions. Right now though, in the state of Virginia, these laws don't exist and devout Catholic-based drugstores are allowed to deny birth control to anyone who walks in their store. </p> <p>To find out what abortion-rights groups think, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/2395002">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2395002#comment Birth Control Condoms contraception News to Me Pharmacy Sex Facts The Pill Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2395002 http://dearsugar.com/2390137 <p>As reported in the <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/20/technology/internet/20drill.html?_r=1&amp;ref=business&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">The New York Times</a>, a new study reveals that men are just as attached to their online communities as they are to their real world relationships. Women, on the other hand, reported having a deeper connection to their real life encounters. The article didn't offer explanation for these varying viewpoints, but I'm sure there are many reasons why men and women are different in this respect.</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/43_2008/a91c359a5edac6fb_Woman-Outside-Computer.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image xxlarge" height="334" width="500"></span></p> <p>There is something important about a physical relationship — a lot is said through someone's tone and body language — but I have to assume that even if it seems strange to some, online friendships and communities can be just as significant to a woman as her real world ones. But surely it depends on the woman, so since I know you're all active online, I'll ask you: Do you have any online relationships that you value just as much as those in your real life? Or do the connections you create online always come second? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2390137#comment Community friendships Internet men News to Me Relationships Women Tue, 21 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2390137 http://dearsugar.com/2375671 <p>If you're trying to have a baby, you may have heard that after enduring a miscarriage, your body is more fertile. Unfortunately, according to a recent article in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com" target="_blank">The New York Times</a> this is just a rumor. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/42_2008/e782580bc966745d_baby.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="249" width="300"></span>While it's true that your progesterone levels (the hormone that helps with pregnancy) are elevated, there's no evidence to support the notion that it can help you conceive any faster. What's more important is that you get back to your regular menstrual cycle, because as soon as you're ovulating again, you can try to get pregnant.</p> <p>Miscarriages aren't the most pleasant topic, but it's important to know that they're actually fairly common, occurring in 30 to 50 percent of pregnancies. The reason we think they're uncommon is because most miscarriages occur early on, so early in fact that the woman doesn't even realize she's had one. The good news is that when a woman does get pregnant again, she only has a 2.25 percent chance of miscarrying again. The odds of a third miscarriage are less than one percent. </p> <p>Keep in mind that starting a family can take some time. <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/14/health/14real.html?_r=1&amp;ref=health&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">As the article notes</a>: </p> <blockquote><p>Another study in <b>The New England Journal of Medicine</b> followed a large sample of healthy women seeking to conceive and found that of those who miscarried, 95 percent became pregnant within two years. </p></blockquote> <p>So if a little one is on your mind, try to be patient and have fun making it happen.</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2375671#comment fertility miscarriage News to Me Sex Sex Facts sex myth The New York Times Mon, 20 Oct 2008 09:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2375671 http://dearsugar.com/2370104 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/42_2008/Women-Exhausted.xlarger.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarger" height="400" width="266"></span>An article in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com" target="_blank">the Huffington Post</a> earlier this week noted how difficult it can be to find good friends, which is something we've all dealt with I'm sure. In response, the article offers some tips for successful friendships, the last of which I found particularly relevant. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sophie-keller/how-happy-is-your-friends_b_134245.html" target="_blank">It states</a>: </p> <blockquote><p>Before you spend time with a friend check out how your energy feels on a scale of 1 to 10. Then once you have spent time with them, notice if you feel more energized or drained and again, give it a number between 1 and 10. If they have drained you and you seem to feel that each time you are with them over a long period then perhaps it is time to move on from that friendship. If you feel energized after your interaction or time together, then fantastic, that is a nourishing relationship.</p></blockquote> <p>I've noticed this phenomenon in my own life. After time with some of my friends, my mood is immediately perked whereas there are others I tend to avoid spending time with because I know I'll feel drained afterwards. It's not that they're bad people; they just tend to demand more energy and leave me feeling anything but nourished. Do you have any friends or people in your life that leave you feeling like this, too? If so, how do you deal with them? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2370104#comment energy Friends friendships News to Me The Huffington Post Thu, 16 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2370104 http://dearsugar.com/2340853 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/41_2008/confidant.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image xlarger" width="315" height="381"></span>It probably won't surprise you that most women feel their sexiest when they feel confident, but according to a recent article in the UK <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/3171808/Women-feel-that-life-is-over-at-the-age-of-44.html" target="_blank">Telegraph</a>, many women feel a lull of confidence at 44, which leads them to feel as though their life is over. The peak of female confidence is said to be between 18 and 30, but according to a recent survey, "the 30s can be a roller-coaster decade for women's confidence, which peaks again at 40 before drastically falling off."</p> <p>Additionally, 80 percent of those that took the Bodyform Deo-Fresh poll for this study said they wanted to be more confident — again, not surprising — but even if you feel there's room for improvement, tell me, at what age did you feel most secure? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2340853#comment age Confidence News to Me Sexy Mon, 13 Oct 2008 16:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2340853 http://dearsugar.com/2337202 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/41_2008/Couple-Upset.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="225" width="320"></span>Earlier this week the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk" target="_blank">BBC</a> noted the results of a recent study suggesting that premature ejaculation, long thought to be a psychological disorder, may actually be genetic. <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7657092.stm" target="_blank">According to the article</a>, the men in the study who suffered from premature ejaculation had a variation of the gene that regulates <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/401029" >serotonin</a> levels — the hormone that controls, among other things, mood, appetite, and the speed at which ejaculation occurs. </p> <p>And while this information will eventually help researchers create an effective treatment, for now there is no medication, leaving many couples searching for solutions to something that is often a serious detriment to a satisfying sex life. The good news is that there are some techniques to help men <a href="http://www.fitsugar.com/1924818" >learn to slow their ejaculation</a>. To see them just </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/2337202">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2337202#comment Couples ejaculation Health News to Me Premature Ejaculation Sex Fri, 10 Oct 2008 15:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2337202 http://dearsugar.com/2323808 <p>Earlier this week I came across an article from <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/lisa-earle-mcleod/why-do-men-cheat-bless-th_b_132367.html" target="_blank">The Huffington Post examining why men cheat</a>. Referencing a recent <a href="http://oprah.com" target="_blank">Oprah</a> that showcased Dr. M. Gary Neuman and his book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Truth-about-Cheating-Stray-Prevent/dp/0470114630" target="_blank">The Truth About Cheating</a>, and citing Neuman's research that cheating isn't always about sex, the article determined that cheating for men is a result of feeling unappreciated at home.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/41_2008/Christie-Brinkley-Peter-Coo.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="320" width="284"></span><br>Though my own thoughts on this are still undecided, I couldn't help but think of it yesterday when clips from Peter Cook's interview with Barbara Walters were released. Cook and Brinkley went through a bitter divorce in which Brinkley publicly exposed Cook's affair with an 18-year-old, and it seems as though he's looking to explain himself. <a href="http://www.usmagazine.com/news/peter-cook-im-not-the-scumbag-pervert-ive-been-painted-to-be" target="_blank">According to Us Magazine</a>:<br /> <blockquote>Asked what he wanted out of his marriage, Cook tells Walters, "a little acknowledgment, a little attention, a little thank you every now and then for my efforts . . ."</p></blockquote> <p>Cook seems to echo <b>The Huffington Post</b> article and Dr. Neuman's sentiments about lack of appreciation rather than a sexual need being the reason to stray. But I'm not convinced just yet. I also think this argument is problematic since it puts blame on the person who <i>didn't</i> cheat. But I want to hear from all of you. Why do <i>you</i> think people cheat? If you've been cheated on or have cheated on someone else, does the notion of appreciation ring true? </p> <p><a href="http://www.wireimage.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2323808#comment Celebrity cheating Christie Brinkley News to Me Oprah peter cook The Huffington Post Thu, 09 Oct 2008 13:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2323808 http://dearsugar.com/2301453 <p>Yesterday <a href="http://jezebel.com/5060010/writer-suggests-manipulating-your-man-into-marriage" target="_blank">Jezebel wrote about an article</a> from the <a href="http://www.nypost.com" target="_blank">New York Post</a> in which Lori Uscher-Pines, the author of <b>The Get-Your-Man-to-Marry-You Plan: Buying the Cow in the Age of Free Milk</b>, offers five dos and don'ts for getting your man to pop the question. Disappointingly, some of her advice seems to promote guilt-inducing <a href="http://dearsugar.com/2170871" >tricks</a>, <a href="http://www.nypost.com/seven/10072008/entertainment/make_your_moove_132458.htm?&amp;page=2" target="_blank">including the following</a>: <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/41_2008/Couple-Thinking.xlarge.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image xlarge" height="214" width="320"></span></p> <blockquote><p>Do create some dependency, you scheming bitch. Ha ha, kidding. But really, do this. "Get him to depend on you a little bit," [Uscher-Pines] says, "and then show him what life is like without this benefit." Cook him a gourmet meal every night and then stop. Pay bills and then stop. Get his car inspected and then stop. You're so bad, you're good!</p></blockquote> <p><b>Jezebel's</b> commenters concluded that if you really want to get married and your boyfriend doesn't, then it's best to just end the relationship instead of trying to trick him into it. I wholeheartedly agree, except that I do believe there's a difference between a man who never wants to marry his girlfriend and a man who's just not ready to get married yet. But even still, the question remains: Do you wait? </p> <p>What's your experience? If you loved someone who didn't want marriage, could you sacrifice your own desire in order to stay with him? Or would you try to get him to change?</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2301453#comment Advice Marriage News to Me Relationships Wed, 08 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2301453 http://dearsugar.com/2270785 <p>I just came across an interesting <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/fashion/05cats.html?_r=1&amp;partner=rssuserland&amp;emc=rss&amp;pagewanted=all&amp;oref=slogin" target="_blank">article</a> in the <b>New York Times</b> that may be debunking the common assumption that dog is a man's best friend. It seems that more heterosexual men are coming out of the "cat closet," opting for a fluffy, cuddly cat instead of a high maintenance rowdy dog. Sandra DeFeo, an executive director at the Humane Society of New York said that there's been an increase in single men adopting cats and Carole Wilbourn, a cat therapist, said that the number of her straight male clients has risen 25 percent over the past five years.<br /> <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/41_2008/cat.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline center image preview" width="400" height="266"></span><br /> As we all know, owning a cat comes with a plethora of negative connotations, especially for women, but I don't buy it — an animal lover is an animal lover! And doesn't owning a feline say something about his confidence? I certainly think it does. What do you think? Are you turned off by men that own cats? Are you turned on because you're a cat lover too? Or does it make no difference to you whatsoever? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2270785#comment Dating News to Me personality traits turn on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2270785 http://dearsugar.com/2181256 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/40_2008/disagree.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="300" height="361"></span>I'm sure most of you were glued to the TV last night watching the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/tags/Vice+President" >vice-presidential</a> debate, and regardless of your political stance, I bet you had quite a bit to say throughout their heated discussion. Now as we all know, topics like politics, race, and religion are usually avoided in certain situations, but what happens when you don't see eye to eye with your significant other on important matters like war, the economy, women's rights, or where our country is headed? Can you agree to disagree? Does it change the way you see your partner? Or do politically heated debates at home keep you on your toes? I'm curious so tell me, have you ever dated someone with opposing political views? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2181256#comment 2008 Presidential Election Dating Debates disagreement Economy News to Me Relationships Vice President Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2181256 http://dearsugar.com/2154923 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/40_2008/body.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right outline image preview" width="313" height="313"></span>If you're dreading Winter, hopefully this new study will turn your apprehension into excitement. According to the <a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-1065119/Winter-content-Men-womens-bodies-attractive-colder-months.html" target="_blank">Daily Mail</a>, men are more attracted to women's bodies during the Winter months than the Summer months. Researchers believe that the rarity of bare skin being displayed in the Winter makes it more alluring.</p> <p>Anthropologists from the University of Wroclaw in Poland, who conducted this survey, asked men to rate photos of women wearing bathing suits, women who were bare chested, and close-ups of female faces. The men were shown these images every three months. They gave their highest scores to the photos of the women in swimsuits and bare breasts in the Winter and Fall, and their lowest scores during summertime. There didn't seem to be any seasonal variation to the images of the female faces, most likely due to the fact that their faces are in full view year-round. And if you're wondering if the men in this study were single, the results were actually the same when committed men looked at images of their own partners! </p> <p>Pretty interesting, huh! With Winter just around the corner, I hope you can rest assured that the men are still interested, so show a little skin this Fall!</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2154923#comment attracted bodies News to Me Thu, 02 Oct 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2154923 http://dearsugar.com/2135075 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/40_2008/respect.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="250" height="376"></span>The <a href="http://endabuse.org/programs/display.php3?DocID=321" target="_blank">following information</a> about female abuse might shock you. In fact, I hope it does so that you'll join the fight to prevent domestic abuse: The <a href="http://www.unifem.org/" target="_blank">United Nations Development Fund for Women</a> estimates that at least one out of every three women globally will be beaten, coerced into sex, or otherwise abused in her lifetime, with rates reaching 70 percent in some countries. Additionally, a <a href="http://www.who.int/en/" target="_blank">World Health Organization</a> report found that in women ages 15-44 years, violence accounts for more death and disability than cancer, malaria, traffic injuries and war put together. </p> <p>Oct. 1 kicks off Domestic Violence Prevention Month and Sugar Inc. is joining forces with the <a href="http://endabuse.org/" target="_blank"> Family Violence Prevention Fund</a> to help educate you and raise awareness about domestic abuse, sexual assault, and child abuse here at home as well as internationally. </p> <p>To learn more about the <a href="http://action.endabuse.org/fvpf/home/" target="_blank">International Violence Prevention Act</a>, the centerpiece of this campaign, be sure to check in with my friends over at <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/2134490" >CitizenSugar</a>. I'll also be bringing you information throughout the month of October on this ever important campaign, but in the meantime, <a href="http://action.endabuse.org/fvpf/issues/alert/?alertid=11424941&amp;PROCESS=Take+Action" target="_blank">take action</a> yourself by making sure your member of Congress has already signed on to co-sponsor the International Violence Against Women Act (I-VAWA). You can also participate in the RESPECT! Campaign by purchasing and wearing <a href="http://fabsugar.com/2037382" >RESPECT! on your wrist</a> (half the proceeds benefit the RESPECT! Campaign) or by sending your support via <a href="http://www.geeksugar.com/2032419" >text</a>. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2135075#comment Family Violence Prevention Fund International Violence Prevention Act National Respect Day News to Me Respect Campaign Womens Rights Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:45:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2135075 http://dearsugar.com/2116003 <p>The smell of apple pie always reminds me of my grandmother, who used to make it whenever I came to visit. I'm sure you have certain feelings and memories connected to scents too. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/40_2008/smell-rose.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="451" width="300"></span>And just as they affect us during the day, researchers have found that <a href="http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2008/09/080923-smell-sleep.html" target="_blank">aromas can influence the emotions we experience when we sleep</a>. Fifteen women in their 20s were part of this dream study. Each had a tube taped to their nostrils and while they slept, one of three scents was pumped through their noses: rotten eggs, roses, and plain air. While they snoozed, their brain activity was monitored. The scientists allowed them to reach REM sleep and after one minute, they woke them up and asked the sleepers to describe what they were dreaming about. The women didn't dream about the specific smells like you might think, but rather when they smelled roses, they had pleasant dreams, and when they smelled rotten eggs, their dreams were just the opposite. </p> <p>Isn't that interesting? Since a good night's sleep is so important to our health and overall well-being, I'm all for anything that can inspire some delightful dreams, so go out and buy some lovely scented candles or sheet spray for your pillows. <a href="http://dearsugar.com/404656" >Lavender essential oil</a> will also do the trick. Try it, and let us know how it works!</p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2116003#comment Dreams essential oils News to Me scents sleep Tue, 30 Sep 2008 07:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2116003 http://dearsugar.com/2079514 <p>I'm a firm supporter of fertility treatments that help women and couples have babies when health issues make it difficult. <span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/39_2008/baby.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="425" width="300"></span>I always thought that young people would be the ones seeking out this kind of help, but I just read about a <a href="http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/26606585/" target="_blank">59-year old woman who gave birth to triplets</a>, all with a little medical help. Her body was obviously passed her prime and well into menopause, but she wanted a baby. In France, where she lives, it's illegal to help a woman have a baby if she can't procreate naturally, so she went to Vietnam, received treatment, and gave birth to two boys and a girl. </p> <p>In several countries, it's fairly common for older women to have babies after undergoing fertility treatments. Ever since 1994, when Italian fertility doctor <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/1477698.stm" target="_blank">Severino Antinori</a> helped a 63-year-old have a baby, other doctors have followed suit. So my question to you is this: Do you think there should be an age limit for fertility treatments? If a women needs help having a baby, does she have a right to seek it regardless of whether she's in her 20s, 40s, or 60s? Share your thoughts below. </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2079514#comment Family fertility fertility treatment News to Me Pregnancy Fri, 26 Sep 2008 15:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2079514 http://dearsugar.com/2078370 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/39_2008/200325107-001.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="320" width="320"></span>Last week an article on <a href="http://msnbc.com" target="_blank">MSNBC.com</a> from <b>Today</b> show contributor and sex therapist, Dr. Ian Kerner caught my eye. In it he discusses the ways anxiety and excitement play a strong role in dating, ultimately creating an "emotional seesaw" effect as daters bounce from high to low and back again. His solution to this unending and exhausting cycle is a dating detox. <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26778728/?GT1=43001" target="_blank">He writes</a>: </p> <blockquote><p>Stop dating and stop worrying about it. It may be just the ticket to help you get off the treadmill and achieve a sense of calm and centeredness to get back out there from a place of strength. Put the time you would put into dating into yourself: work, friends, new challenges and goals.</p></blockquote> <p>I tend to agree with Kerner's solution, and in fact, I've heard many friends swear off putting themselves out there after a string of <a href="http://dearsugar.com/2040801" >bad dates</a>. Have you ever sworn off the pursuit of love in order to reconnect with yourself? And if so, did it work? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2078370#comment Alone Time Dating Love News to Me Thu, 25 Sep 2008 16:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2078370 http://dearsugar.com/2078267 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/39_2008/shop.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="275" height="416"></span>Since so many of you consider shopping a <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1793911" >form of therapy</a> I thought you could benefit from a <a href="http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26840446/" target="_blank">new test</a> that determines whether or not you're considered a shopaholic. Since compulsive buying is linked to low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and stress, it's a good idea to determine if you should be leaving those credit cards at home! </p> <p>As we all know, there's a difference between buying and over-the-top spending, which has the ability to wreak havoc on your life. Those who are considered compulsive buyers spend money on things regardless of the need for them or what's in their bank account, and according to Kent Monroe, a marketing professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, "Compulsive buying is an addiction that can be harmful to the individual, families, relationships. It is not just something that only afflicts low-income people."</p> <p>To see what this test entails, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/2078267">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2078267#comment Emotions Money News to Me Shopping Stress Thu, 25 Sep 2008 13:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2078267 http://dearsugar.com/2039637 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/1/12981/39_2008/sperm.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left image preview" height="383" width="300"></span>Many people think men have it a lot easier than women when it comes to making babies, but they have to do their part as well — especially when it comes to taking care of their sperm, since so many things can affect them. <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1970856" >Eating soy</a> may decrease their sperm count, spending too much time in <a href="http://dearsugar.com/644710" >hot tubs</a> can also have the same effect (although temporarily), and now men have to worry about their cell phones. Yep, it's true. Cell phones are believed to be safe enough to use every day, but now a <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/09/18/cellphone.sperm/index.html" target="_blank">new study</a> suggests that guys who put their phones in their pockets (on talk mode) while using a headset may have a decrease in the quality of their sperm. It has something to do with their precious business being exposed to cell phone emissions.</p> <p>To hear the details about the connection between sperm and cell phones, </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/2039637">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2039637#comment Cell Phone Health News to Me Sperm Sperm Quality Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2039637 http://dearsugar.com/2058612 <p>As I'm sure you all heard, DJ AM and Travis Barker were <a href="http://popsugar.com/2045517" >critically injured in a plane crash</a> over the weekend but thankfully, both are expected to <a href="http://popsugar.com/2051520" >make a full recovery</a>. Although they are no longer together, I just learned that <a href="http://popsugar.com/2056946" >AM's ex-girlfriend Mandy Moore</a> rushed to his bedside in South Carolina yesterday to support him on his road to recovery. Her presence clearly proves that she still cares a great deal for her ex, which got me thinking about how the worst scenarios have the ability to bring people together. Has a tragedy every brought you close to an old flame or to anyone you had an estranged relationship with?</p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/39_2008/MooreAM.jpg" alt="" title="" class="image preview" width="550" height="435"></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.bauergriffin.com/" target="_blank">Bauer-Griffin</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2058612#comment Celebrity DJ AM Mandy Moore News to Me Relationships Travis Barker Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2058612 http://dearsugar.com/2037327 <p><b>Forbes</b> is at it again, but this time they are looking at the 10 most stressful cities in America. They constructed their list after looking at the country's 40 largest metropolitan areas and examining quality of life indicators. They looked at the housing market, cost of living, price of gas, environmental factors such as weather and air quality, and lastly, population density. </p> <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/38_2008/chic.jpg" alt="" title="" class="outline image preview" width="465" height="367"></span></p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.forbes.com/health/2008/09/15/stress-cities-ten-forbeslife-cx_md_0915cities.html?feed=rss_popstories" target="_blank">Forbes</a>:<br /> <blockquote>Residents of the cities on our list acutely experience the shifts wrought by global and local economies in turmoil. In fact, it's "bedrock security issues" like housing affordability, job security and cost of living [that] drive anxiety, says Edward Hallowell, M.D., a former professor at Harvard Medical School and founder of the Hallowell Center for Cognitive and Emotional Health in Sudbury, Mass.</p></blockquote> <p>Check out the first five cities on their list below: </p> <ol> <li value="10">Philadelphia, PA</li> <li value="9">Providence, RI</li> <li value="8">Salt Lake City, UT</li> <li value="7">Cleveland, OH</li> <li value="6">San Diego, CA</li> </ol> <p>Want to see the top five? Just </p> <p><a href="http://dearsugar.com/2037327">read more</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2037327#comment Anxiety forbes Home News to Me Stress Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2037327 http://dearsugar.com/2037289 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/38_2008/YLF_036_0.jpg" alt="" title="" class="right image preview" height="438" width="350"></span>The overturning of the <a href="http://www.citizensugar.com/1631841" >ban on same-sex marriage</a> in California has <a href="http://dearsugar.com/1713965" >changed many lives</a> and simultaneously sparked a slew of arguments. In fact, as reported by the <a href="http://www.sacbee.com" target="_blank">Sacramento Bee</a>, a recently wed couple — Rachel Bird and Gideon Codding — are starting their own debate over the wording of the new gender-neutral marriage license, which has changed the traditional reference of Bride and Groom to Party A and Party B. </p> <p><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/101/story/1239279.html" target="_blank">Bird offered</a> her own explanation, saying: "We are traditionalists — we just want to be called bride and groom," and for this couple, anything else is unacceptable; they refuse to sign the license as-is. The article also mentions that this particular fight is a personal one, rather than religious. But whatever the motivation for standing their ground, I find the attachment to these two words interesting. They do represent tradition and their cultural significance is vast, but are they truly necessary? When it comes down to it, do these types of traditional titles matter to <i>you</i> and <i>your</i> relationship? </p> <p><a href="http://www.gettyimages.com" target="_blank">Source</a></p> http://dearsugar.com/2037289#comment bride Groom Love Marriage News to Me tradition Wedding Fri, 19 Sep 2008 08:00:00 -0700 DearSugar http://dearsugar.com/2037289 http://dearsugar.com/2036747 <p><span class="inline left"><img src="http://images.teamsugar.com/files/upl1/0/3362/38_2008/SJP.jpg" alt="" title="" class="left outline image preview" width="275" height="391"></span>Candace Bushnell, the author of the book <a href="http://popsugar.com/tag/Sex+and+the+City" >Sex and the City</a>, just signed a deal with HarperCollins Publishers to write a two book series titled <b>The Carrie Diaries</b>, which will be all about Carrie's high school years. Bushnell has always been interested in writing about Carrie's formative years, before she became the sex columnist we all grew to love, before she meet her three best friends, and before she entered into her tumultuous life in the Big Apple. </p> <p>While I'm all for keeping <b>Sex and the