You Know You're About To Get Dumped When...

Nobody likes getting dumped. I mean, like, duh! If we could, we'd like to be the one doing the dumping, right?
Seriously, breaking up is never easy and, for many, really really hard to do. But if we could have just seen the signs, seen it coming, perhaps......

So, let me help you out here.
According to break-expert Elina Furman, there are top five signs you're about to get dumped. Here's the list, according to her (and in her words).

1. Picking fights. No one is saying you have to get along 24/7. Constructive conflict can actually be good for your relationship. But if you find that your partner has become argumentative over petty issues like your clothes or choice of restaurant, that should serve as a warning sign that he/she may be looking for an excuse to bail.

2. Forgetting to call. Used to be that your phone would ring all day long with your sweetie wanting to make plans or calling just to say, "I love you." Now your significant other doesn't even call when he/she is running three hours late. It may seem obvious, but going from speed dial to a blocked number is a sure sign that your relationship may be nearing its expiration date.

3. Changing their stripes. A major change in appearance can be a sign that your partner is looking toward greener pastures. Whether they've chopped off their hair, lost 40 pounds or gone from a bold brunette to a sultry blonde, major cosmetic changes should be noted. Of course, there's nothing wrong with being a little vain, but if the change is accompanied by any of the other signs listed here, you may need to get ready to go solo.

4. Criticizing. If your sweetie isn't feeling you anymore, don't be surprised if he/she becomes less tolerant of everything, from how you brush your teeth to how you tie your shoes. Constant criticism is a telltale sign that your days as a twosome are numbered.

5. Losing sexual interest. A healthy sex life can make or break a relationship. If you find that your partner is becoming more sexually aloof, you need to get to the root of the issue. While it's natural to have less sex as you settle into a comfortable groove together, waiting weeks or months to have sexual contact is a sign that something is amiss.

Okay, has Ms Furman helped you out?
But she says not to panic just because your partner exhibits some of these behaviours.
That doesn't necessarily mean the relationship is over.
Check out for a combination of signs and not one isolated incident that foreshadows a breakup.

If you're worried that your partner is itching to get out, the most important thing you can do is sit down and discuss your issues in an honest and open manner. If you take these signs as your cue to improve communication, your relationship may just have a fighting chance.

My advice: ONLY if you think he's worth it!

Is Your Cell/Mobile/Hand Phone Your Life?

Don't lie! You never leave home without it, I know.
You can call it what you like -- cell phone, mobile phone or just plain hand phone -- but you guard it with your life, don't you?
Because without it, you might as well have lost your head.
Do you remember the early days of the mobile phone? It was a real novelty and anyone having one was, well, important or rich.
It was the humongous motorola phone. Ugly then but was quite a gadget to have.
And then the Japanese made those real handy ones for the rest of the world, and you and I could have one.
You know, of course, the mobile phone, in the early days when everyone could own one, had caused many a relationship, nay, marriage, to go bust.
Indeed. Indeed. Indeed. I am pretty sure that nothing has changed since.
We can laugh about it because it has not happened to us.
The finger on the wrong button, or the inept use of the mobile phone could trigger some of the most dramatic scenes imaginable. And ugly break-ups or divorces, for sure.
Of course, we all agree that the mobile phone was (and still is, I reckon) a great ally to have for that extra marital affair.
You know, you don't have to go looking for a public phone. Speaking of which - when was the last time you used a public phone?
The technology SMSes offer is phenomenal.
Aah -- the possibilites are endless.
Did you know that some people (you know I mean men), have more than one mobile phone because using just one is really inviting problems, and can cause hell at home. You don't want to trip, fall and get caught red-handed, if you know what I mean.
One for the office, one for the home (wifey and kiddies) and one for the lust-of-your-life, otherwise known as mistress.
You can bet that these guys with multiple mobile phones had been caught schmoozing on that little gadget by the missuses.
Okay, so why am I going on about this?
Well, I am reminded about the lunch I had with one of my girlfriends the other day.
She almost left her husband years ago when she "caught" him with a woman.
She was listening to some very intimate exchanges between him and a woman over her mobile phone.
Silly man! He had accidentally hit her number while doing goodness-knows-what, she answered the call, only to be listening to some very very hot action.
Why she did not leave him high and dry, beats me.
Must be love and that brain of hers not working.

So. Can you imagine life without your life-line? No?
Yeah....that's what I thought.
If it's any comfort, neither can I.

Lucky Date 07/07/07

Are you among the people planning important events for this first Saturday in July?
This first Saturday in July is 07/07/07 -- a lucky number.
Last year, everyone freaked out when the calendar read 06/06/06.
I am guessing that there will be a rerun of this.
So, will you be planning your wedding on 07/07/07?
Of course you are! You want that extra dose of marital luck, huh? So that's why you are among the scores of would-be bridal couples to be flocking to the altar on that auspicous day.
A little bird told me so!
Rather, a little article told me so.
For a good read, click here.

I hate to be a party pooper. But I am not a believer in lucky numbers. What's the big deal?
Oh well. To each, her own!

Introducing the Burkini

I would have probably come out with a similar design because it seems to be the most logical swimwear for Muslim women.
Australian designer Aheda Zanetti calls it a burkini - a cross between a burka and a bikini (?).
I'd probably call it La Jumdi -- La (French singular feminine for "the") and acronym for baJuManDi.
You see, I have always fretted when I see Muslim girls and women jump into a swimming pool wearing t-shirts and jogging trousers.
T-shirts and jogging trousers are the most inappropriate swimming attire for anyone.
I remember I was at a swimming pool where all the Muslim girls and women were NOT wearing proper swimwear, but were in their t-shirts and trousers, and the pool looked so murky.
I don't quite blame them. For many Muslim females, wearing swimsuits is a no-no. They feel very indecent and, of course, strictly speaking it is forbidden to be seen so exposed that way.
There is a range of swimwear -- either one piece or two pieces - with sleeves and covers the knees or right down to the lower calves.
Many Muslim girls and women wear them. Almost perfect for them.
But now, there is a better design to meet the Muslim specification.
The burkini to offer Muslim women the chance to really enjoy the sea or the swimming pool.
For Zanetti, the burkini means that Muslim women can now integrate further into Australian society.
Australia, as we all know is about the sea, sand and surf. Muslim women are so encumbered by their "jubah" and "hijab" that going to the beach is a dreadful experience.
Zanetti said that the burkini is also for anyone who wants to show some modesty while on the beach or protect themselves from the rays of the sun.
The Burkini is made from ultraviolet- and water-protected polyester. Unlike the bikini, it covers the whole body except for the feet, hands and face, allowing Muslim women to swim in public.
Zanetti said she has sold more than 9,000 Burkinis at AUSD125 to AUSD160.

What's In A Name?

A lot, I would imagine.
Here's why I am raising this topic of names. I'd like to ask you -- would you mind if the authorities stop you from naming your baby boy "2Prick" or your baby girl "3Pussy"?
Never mind whether anyone in their right mind would want to give those kind of names to their offsprings. Believe me, there are all sorts in this weird world of ours.
But, say, you think those are really cool names and, hey, that's your kid and you have the right to be giving whatever name that pleases you. Right?
And never mind if that kid of yours will be embarrassed for the rest of his or her meaningful life, and that you may, in the future, regret that stupid decision of yours to give that disgustingly stupid name.
It is your freeedom. Right?
Now, do you think anyone has the right to stop you from exercising that freedom to give your baby (b a b y, as in child, not b a b e, ok?) whatever name you so desire?
I believe in Malaysia, there is a loose guideline on names for children. I believe, for Malays, you can't liberally use Putera or Puteri. I think Putera is a no-no but Puteri is meant for girls who are eligibile, that is, those with royal lineage.
Of course, there are other no's and cannot's.
In New Zealand, a couple was not allowed to register their baby's name as "4Real".
Pat and Sheena Wheaton were told that numerals are not allowed in names.
They decided to name their new baby "4real" shortly after having an ultrasound and being struck by the reality of his impending arrival.
"For most of us, when we try to figure out what our names mean, we have to look it up in a babies book and ... there's no direct link between the meaning and the name.
"With this name, everyone knows what it means," Pat told TV One on Wednesday.
Click here for the full story.
I think I am so conservative in this department. I just don't get it.
Why do people want to give their kids weird names?
Can you imagine if my real name was Witchypoo? Or Pink Candy? Or Sweet Pussy?
I'd disown my parents, I would.
Then again, I might not if - with the exception of Witchypoo - I had ended up in show sleazeness.
Yeah, the Wheatons are so over the moon, that this whole "having a baby thing" is really, really for real.
But, please. Have mercy on the innocent child.
You know it is really not your right, in all its entirety to name that baby of yours whatever you like.
Your baby is relying on you to not get crazy and give him or her a ridiculous name.
Meanwhile, we'll see if the Wheatons will finally get to name their baby "4Real".
But, hey, that's a great name for a hip-hop group. Or a real estate company.

Jealousy and (True) Love

Is jealousy a sign of true love?
Man, what a load of crock, this careless statement is.
This was a point of debate in Light.FM yesterday (Wednesday June 20) between Simon and Caroline with their listeners.
You know you cannot answer this question with a simple yes or no.
One or two said "no, if you love him./her you shouldn't even be jealous" or "if you trust him/her you should not be jealous".
Yeah, yeah. All morally-correct statements but so hypocritical and pretentious.
People. We are human, We are no saints. We are given to the two horns coming out of our heads and the green in our eyes, some time (though not all the time because that spells trouble).
Unless, your heart is pure gold and really pure, then you are excused for not being human. So you are not prone to an iota of jealousy or envy.
PUHLEEEZE.
Any of you ever felt that tinge of jealousy or envy when someone pays unwanted attention on your beau and he/she responds in equal amount?
Don't lie. Unless you no longer care two hoots about your partner, then, yeah, I can understand that you don't give a damn who he/she flirts with.
Now, the truth, please. Don't you feel a tinge of hot flush from the pit of your stomache right up to your brain when your beau or the love of your life gets into a cosy chat with someone else?
But wait. In the first place, if he/she had any regard for you, he/she would not be doing that or get into that cosy situation, right?
You see, a little bit of jealousy is okay. In fact, good in, or for, a relationship. Keeps both of you on your toes. Keep the heart a-fluttering. That's what I think.
I mean, I don't care if Antonio talks to another woman. But, if he talks to this woman all night long and forgets that I exist, yes, I would get jealous.
But then, is jealousy the right word?
I'm not sure now. I would get hurt, yes. A little insulted too because, how dare he ignore me !
So... back to the question -- is jealousy a sign of true love?
Maybe a little. Too much means you are insecure and needy. And that is bad. So, in very small doses should be fine.
Non, mes amis? Que pensez-vous ?

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

The thing to remember about fathers is...they're men. A girl has to keep it in mind: They are dragon-seekers, bent on improbable rescues. Scratch any father, you find someone chock-full of qualms and romantic terrors, believing change is a threat, like your first shoes with heels on, like your first bicycle... - Phyllis McGinley.