healthcare

apples

Despite the real reason being jealousy and low self-esteem.

carousel

screw up

Thrilled

for leaking classified information

Enchanted

Did you know that NO ONE does?

Did Ya Giggle?

ISD

inspirational

Voluntary kidnapee

Sure have.

Have you ever taken 'the final step' hopin' it wasn't final?

Dearly wants a picture of that

Didja know that you just created a brand new fetish in my twisted noggin?

All of the advice so far is cool When I was a single parent (my guys are grown now and doin' ok. I must not have been too bad a screw-up) we made time to do stuff together. That was LOTS harder after they hit their teens, but we worked at it.

Pick your battles. Some stuff just isn't worth stressin' over. If what they do isn't destructive, doesn't violate YOUR principles, won't hurt them, shine it on.

It's not necessarily rebellion; might just be the kid trying to find a place in their world. Not every situation is Armegeddon. Your stress level will thank you.

Do all that you can to be involved. If you take the time to understand them, them understanding you is unavoidable.

And after all that, throw up your hands, shout at the top of your lungs 'Are you sure you aren't aliens?!' Laughter is a great stress buster. Find something about this that amuses you. It's a physical law - for every action there's an equal and opposite reaction. Hunt for it. It's a lot more productive than tearin' your hair out.

Go on a date. Regularly. Leave the rascals at home and find time for you. The date doesn't even have to include anyone else. Pretend. Go buy cotton candy and ride the Tilt-a-Whirl. Wander the zoo. Skip pebbles at the lake. Take pictures of humming birds and butterflies. Engage in a hobby. Drive for miles and miles and miles. Make YOU time. It's cool if you can share it, but it's not strictly necessary.

Bright Blessings and good luck. You CAN fix this, y'know.

Because we exist in a universe that stresses instant gratification, maybe. Because the thought that the grass is greener on the other side rules. Because there are always other fish in the sea. Because you aren't the same person I married. Because I'm tired of not measuring up. Because we don't see eye to eye. Because.

The cliches and justifications are endless.

Oh hell yeah. Fantasy rocks!

Have your ever tried soooo hard that you fell flat on your face?

It's when you're sittin' at the bar at closing time and the girl you saw when ya first walked in made you think 'Uh uhhhhh, no way' but by the end of the night - and a fistful of liquid courage to knock down the gremlins - she starts to look like Eva Longoria.

Never, Lb~

Just say the word.