Cupidopolis

“We are getting married but my fiance does not want a wedding ring. How can I change his mind?”

For starters, I don’t think this should be about changing his mind. Perhaps there is a reason that he does not want one. For example rings can be dangerous if you work in carpentry. It could be deeper underlying things such as not wanting to be tied down. If this is the case, you really need to speak. So start by finding out why he does not want a ring. It might be a perfectly acceptable reason.

Once you have spoken about it. You can explain how it is symbolic and traditional to exchange rings. If it is about style, you could show him a catalogue of mens wedding rings. It does not even have to be gold and perhaps you can have a matching one. You could also consider perhaps exchanging a watch in lieu of a ring. You do have options, but you need to find out why he does not want a ring first!

Good Luck and Congratulations!

“When my boyfriend meets up with his friends I keep being ignored. When they are around they are always talking about things like Yamaha rhino parts, racing, bikes, sports and so on. Yet when he joins my friends he always grumbles. I am getting really irritated. Any suggestions?”

Glad to hear it is not a serious issue, especially if this is your only problem. A couple of suggestions include :-

• Have your mates days on the same day - both sets together should give a better balanced conversation.
• You meet your friends while he meets his friends on the same day and neither of you lose out.
• Take a female friend with you when you meet his friends. He should also do the same.
• Speak to your friends girlfriends - they probably have more friendly conversation and are probably in your situation!
• Last but not least speak to your boyfriend because he might also have a suggestion or two!

Good Luck!

“I want to wear Red for my prom but mum thinks I will look like a slut. My friends & I disagree that wearing red will make me look like a slut. What can I do to show her that red is nice? After all it is not like these are my wedding ideas!!”

Mothers usually know best. Mothers usually want what is best for their children.

This is not to say that what your friends are saying is not right. However, you mum has more experience in life. I personally would sit down and have a chat with her and perhaps shop around together. After all there are many dresses and many colours and I am sure that together you can come up with a dress you both approve of.

Besides which, isn’t your prom at the end of the scholastic year? You have plenty of time to decide together.

Good Luck.

“I think I am going through the menopause, but how can I be certain. I have major mood swings but no hot flushes like you hear about. I am only 43!”.

During the Menopause you go through a change in hormones, hence the mood swings. There are various symptoms to going through the menopause but you do not necessarily have to experience all of them. We each experience the menopause differently and it is individual to each of us. Even the age we are at when we go through the menopause and how long it lasts.

Symptoms associated with the menopause include but are not limited to:-

• Irregular vaginal bleeding
• Hot flashes & night sweats
• Emotional and cognitive symptoms
• Vaginal symptoms
• Urinary symptoms
• Other physical changes

There are different treatments for the menopause if you find that you cannot cope. Do speak to your doctor about what steps to take. You can consider one or more of the following treatments:-

•  
  • Hormone therapy
  • Other medical therapies
  • Alternative therapies
  • Non-hormone therapies

The choice will be up to you, but your GP will be able to help you with your personal choices and can help explain things further.

Remember this is a time of change. If you accept the change, it will be easier on you in the long run.