The results of an Australian study on predicting which relationships are good for the long haul have come up with the rather unsurprising finding: choose someone who is quite a lot like you. Similar age, similar smoking habits, similar attitudes to having kids, similar attitudes to money and work. Surprisingly, education levels, drinking habits and religion seemed to be of less importance.

So, if you feel you need a bit of disaster in your life (which strangely enough we all seem to need every now and then), choose someone who is 20 years older than you are, plans to live off you entirely, smokes like a chimney, and looks at your kids as if they’re bundles of nuclear waste. I’m not being serious, but, hey, people seem to do this all the time, and then expect things to work

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• Our long-time fascination with breasts has leaded some to argue that the restriction of access creates a commodity, hence creating a market for the pornography industry and topless bars.
• As in the drug war, are we merely driving prices up and making the business more lucrative for those willing to deal in this high stakes market by preventing our breasts from being bared?
• Breasts are often a source of conflicting emotions for women. Our personal body experiences are rarely reflected in media images we see.
• A woman may feel ashamed, proud, annoyed, and sexual about her breasts in the course of one menstrual cycle, or even a single moment.
• Almost every woman has a bra story to tell. Some are traumatic, others joyful.
• A first bra is one of our culture’s rites of passage for women, yet it’s often a secret, mumbled between teenaged girls and their mothers in store dressing rooms.

Reckless driving, criminals, freak waves… we all know where danger lurks. But there are more injuries through accidents than through aggression, so it’s as well to wise up to your most dangerous times and places.

Driving with toddlers – A screaming toddler in a car can very easily distract the driver’s attention. A second with one’s eyes off the road could lead to an accident – all you need is the car in front of you to brake sharply, and into it you go. If your child is distressed, either stop the car if you can and sort it out, or carry on driving if you are not far from your destination.

Leaving and entering your home –  If you are laden with parcels, or files from work, or if you are scrounging in your bag to find your keys, you are an ideal target for muggers or hijackers. Never walk out the door without checking who is in the street first. By the same token, don’t enter your home if there are strangers in the street – drive round the block first. Don’t enter your home if anything looks suspicious.

The kitchen – There are hot surfaces, boiling liquids and sharp knives here. No wonder the kitchen is a problem area. Be constantly aware of the danger – also to your children.

Addictions – Too much alcohol, drugs, cigarettes and even gambling can have far-reaching consequences on your mental, physical and financial state. Remember, strong people go for help – join a support group or see a counsellor if you need help.

Loading up your car –  Many people have been mugged while loading groceries or other goods into the car. For that time, your attention is away from your wallet and your keys. Take care not to be distracted.

Unsafe sex –  It is quite staggering how many people still have sex without a condom. Right, the reality is that people do have sex, often with people they don’t know well, but using a condom will prevent the transmission of HIV as well as many other STDs. Be alert, be alive.

Traffic light – . When sandwiched in between other cars at an intersection, you are an ideal target for smash-and-grab incidents. Keep all valuables out of sight and keep your windows closed and doors locked.

Fireplaces and heaters –  Many children and adults have burnt themselves badly on either of these two. Wood falling out of open fires pose a real danger, as do direct heat from bar heaters. Screens in front of fire places are essential. Fan heaters or oil heaters are a lot less dangerous than some of the other types.

The bathroom –  The bathroom can be a slippery place and if you are dripping wet, it is easy to slip on the bathroom floor. Bone fractures can easily happen here. A non-slip bathmat is an essential in every home.

Drawing money – Whenever you draw money, whether at an ATM or in a bank, be alert to people who could be watching you. Many people, who have been robbed, have either been distracted at an ATM or followed home after withdrawing large sums of cash. Vary your routine and don’t go to dark ATMs in deserted areas. Rather go to the ones located inside shops. Never talk to strangers in the queue.

Abusive relationships –  Many more women are assaulted or killed by spouses than by strangers. If your partner is physically abusing you, get out while you can. Remember it is nothing you have done that brings this on – he probably had a history of abusive relationships long before you were ever around. Don’t listen to excuses. When it happens the first time, pack your bags and go.

Bedside tables –  Guns should not be kept in bedside tables where children can get hold of them. Medication should also be removed from here, as it is easily accessible.

Unhealthy eating – Living on takeaways, chips and chocolates is a great temptation if you have a very demanding job and little time for cooking. This can lead to all sorts of health problems, such as diabetes, heart disease and obesity. Good planning is required in this regard. Cooking in bulk and freezing portions could be a solution.

Gender-based violence is a phenomenon that is growing world-wide. In general terms one would expect that gender-based violence would be rife in developing countries. It is true. But what is shocking is that it is also rife in developed countries . . More

Seduction is Alluring

The dance between the sexes is a wonderful thing when it comes to the subject of seduction. Making ourselves alluring and attractive to the one we desire is both fun and exciting. If that wasn’t the case, then there wouldn’t be as much need for glamorous lingerie stores, hair dressers, rows and rows of cosmetic shelves in department stores, stores that sell sexy clothing and hundreds of fragrances from name brand manufacturers.

It all depends on what turns on the object of your desire. Some women love a man with a full beard, whereas, others couldn’t tolerate all that facial hair. Some men are switched on by a female in black, lacy lingerie and five inch heels while other men couldn’t care less as they would rather have less packaging to deal with. A pair of sexy legs is appealing to a man. Women seem to prefer manly posteriors (okay, butts). It is all very subjective and based on personal preferences.

So, in order to be seductive, you will have to do your homework and know what turns on his/her switch. You will need to get to know the person to accomplish this.

Seduction is Romantic

Romance is the fine art of genuinely treating the object of your love with a sweet caringness that arouses the desire in them to want to be with you. If you want to seduce him/her, be romantic!

Seduction is Visual

To be seductive, you have to look appealing and sexy.

And most importantly, have Fun!

By Beverly Smith