Envy

So many women take it upon themselves to be the judge and the jury, according to their opinions of other women. Some of these women don’t even know the women that they have the audacity to attempt to judge and talk negatively about. What is really their problems? They are very insecure women who are envious with no self-confidence and they are just dying to be you... The Confident Woman.
These women... the ones who envy... are looking for identities and they want so much to be like you. They want to emulate everything that you do from the way that you dress to the way that you talk and walk. It is something isn’t it? They will talk negatively about the way you wear your hair or something that you are wearing and will try to come back the next day looking exactly like you. Stupid idiots! Theses type of women really don’t know what it is they want in life. They haven’t accomplished much and they are angry at you because you’ve worked hard to get where you are today.
It should seem that these women would use their envious feelings for other women as some sort of motivation to better their lives. After all, the reason why they are envious is because of what you have ....right? If they tried to accomplish a little of that, maybe their lives would get better. If they used that negative envious energy to go back to school, get a better job, or get a makeover or something, they would probably be on the road to more self-confidence and less stress from the envious energy they are carrying around.
If you are an envious woman, you really don’t accomplish much by trying to make other women lives miserable because you aren’t happy with your own life. The first step for you is to try to improve your life and yourself altogether. Being envious of other women should be motivation to get your lives the way you want them so you wouldn’t need to envy other women. If you don’t have what they have right now.......you know you are working toward it. Don’t try to be like the women you are envying, instead inspire to be better.
If you are The Confident Woman whose being envied, then you continue to do you and be you. You haven’t done anything wrong. You can’t help it because you are attractive, smart, and the center of attention. You deserve it! You have worked hard and sacrificed. You continue to do what’s necessary to keep yourself happy. If you are envied in the process, then oh well. They can either join the party or they can take a trip where the weather is al ways extra hot!
Copyright2005 Monica M. Burns. All Right Reserved.

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By Monica Burns

Monica M. Burns is a Writer, Expert Author, and Editor of Monica M. Burns, Inc. Information Publications, small web based businesses providing informational self-help products for women. She is also the Editor/Owner of Independent Women Online Magazine and Sweet Stimulations Online websites. She has authored several eBooklets and other reading information materials and is a featured Expert Author on many websites and magazines. She has also contributed to several Poetic Anthologies. If you would like to publish any of this author's articles electronically or in print to your websites, ebooks, newsletters, or ezines, you MUST include this resource box.
To find out more about this author, please visit her websites at:
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You may also email her at monicaburnsinc@yahoo.com.

The Hormone Replacement Therapy Debate

In recent times, there has been a heated debate within the medical community regarding hormone replacement therapy for women suffering from the effects of menopause. The debate is centered around a number of studies that have concluded that hormone replacement therapy may not be near as effective as was once promoted. Other studies have gone even further, by suggesting that there is a direct correlation between hormone replacement therapy and an increased risk of cancer. For women suffering from this dreaded condition, it is often very difficult to determine fact from fiction.

Many women place a great deal of trust and faith in their doctors. Naturally, they expect their doctor to have their interests at heart and to facilitate a treatment regimen that will benefit the patient and hopefully cure them of what ails them. Sadly, this is not always the case. Many doctors have special relationships with pharmaceutical companies, and in some cases it is suspected that they receive kickbacks for promoting new products. The pharmaceutical industry is not interested in your health. They are in the business of making money, not of curing illness. No illness = no profits. Take what your doctor says with a grain of salt…or perhaps some vitamin C.

This is not to suggest that all doctors are of this mindset, but a great many are. They, too, are in the business of making money. They issue of central importance is your health and wellbeing. The pharmaceutical industry seems to try to create new classes of conditions with each passing quarter. Menopause is not an illness. It is not a disease. Menopause is naturally occurring maturation process that affects women from all walks of life. It is a natural part of the aging process, and natural process is deserving of a natural treatment. Women have found ways to cope with the side effects of Menopause, long before modern medicine tried to turn it into yet another illness to be treated with expensive and potentially dangerous drugs.

There are a number of natural ways to deal with the effects of menopause. Explore your options. Vitamin E is very effective at easing the effects of Menopause. Vitamin B6 works by increasing your body’s natural progesterone production. It also boosts your serotonin production, thereby inducing a sense of calm. Try some Evening Primrose Oil to help alleviate headaches, irritability, cramping, and water retention. It is recommended that you explore every natural treatment option, before you compromise your health further with unnecessary drug therapies. Educate yourself. Your body will thank you for it!

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By Caren Killtral

Caren Killtral is an active enthusiast of natural health therapies. When she is not researching the latest information on natural health care, she writes articles for http://www.menopauseinsight.com – a menopause resource site with information about Menopause Information, Signs of Menopause, Early Menopause Information and more.

Are Our Young Women In Trouble?

Today’s Illusionary Icons
My generation grew up watching Mary Tyler Moore proudly hold her own in the boorish business world, Edith innocently defy Archie’s intolerance, and Maude argue for social reform. We read about the “women’s movement” in Cosmopolitan magazine, while Cher broke new ground with her unabashed sexuality. Over the years, the struggles of our older sisters made it possible for us to open doors, to attain more than they had, to soar. As we grew up, we dreamed of meeting our Prince Charming, but we also envisioned working in the city or becoming a doctor or a lawyer. Indeed, over the years we made important strides in our quest for equality with men in business and in society, but what about in relationships?
Science tells us that women’s domesticity and nurturing qualities are instinctive, however, we also learned ways of thinking and interacting with others from our mothers, who had, of course, learned from their mothers. But what had we learned? Thirty years ago, most of us saw our mothers cater to our fathers, while dismissing their own ideas, and neglecting themselves. They did what was expected of them, but were they happy? As one woman said, “I’ll never forget that look on my mother’s face… she couldn’t have been happy.” We told ourselves that things would be different in our relationships, and they are, to some extent. But had the freedom and independence that had finally bubbled to the surface made us wiser and more connected to our inner selves, or did it just give us more outside choices? Had those achievements influenced our roles as loving and lovable companions?
In discussing this subject with women as young as thirteen and as old as never mind, I could see that the older women who had been influenced by our pioneer sisters, knew how important individuality and respect were to women. The younger ones, however, seemed to demonstrate the same self-effacing behavior as in years past, putting the needs and desires of men ahead of their own. This new breed of female seemed unprepared, naïve, and oblivious to what women before us had accomplished. Accordingly, if how we think and behave is a result of what we were taught and exposed to as children, what does that tell us about girls growing up today?
Have you noticed how obsessed most young women appear to be with having the best body, face, and hairstyle? Why is physical “perfection” such a priority today? Could it be the dozens of makeover and plastic surgery shows on television or the constant marketing of products consuming the airwaves and billboards, luring our young women with false promises of happiness and everlasting love, and almost hypnotizing them into buying their magical potions and gadgets -- look like your favorite movie star, and have a wonderful life! Those kinds of deceitful messages are shameful and potentially harmful to women who try futilely to reach the media’s ideal archetype. Our young women need to believe that they don’t have to look, think, or behave like the rich and famous, or do what the so-called “trendsetters” dictate just so advertisers and retailers can make a buck.
I am also concerned that a lot of girls feel they need to have a man (actually, a boy) in their lives in order to feel complete. Part of the reason is age -- the dawn of hormones -- but could it also be a result of reality shows where a dozen women compete for one man by using any means necessary? These shows have turned meeting and winning the heart of a man (a/k/a “falling in love”) into a spectator-driven, cut-throat event featuring ruthless women who act as if men were almost extinct!
Now, I admit that as young girls we wanted to have boyfriends and we wore makeup (remember that black eyeliner and blue eye shadow?), but I also remember that all of that was just a part of our lives as budding young women. We were also curious about the world, about finding out who we were, and what we would become. One reason for the somewhat distorted thinking of young women today could be that the world around them is not teaching them about integrity, confidence, or self-esteem. Parents today work really hard and can only hope that their children will listen to their words of wisdom and experience. It’s a losing battle when young women are then bombarded by self-serving, deceptive messages emanating from the media around them.
Please know that when I state my case I am not advocating censorship here. Nor am I in favor of producing a class of male-hating women -- far from it. I am talking about taking responsibility for teaching our young people the difference between what is true and appropriate for them in real life, and what is put out there for “shock value” and entertainment purposes. We need to spread the word to our young women that they have a choice not to be that woman in the video dancing half naked and that they will still get a boyfriend (and one of better quality). We have to tell them that it’s okay to refrain from using (and listening to) offensive and disgusting language, and that Britney and Christina are dressed like that because they are on stage (not in a classroom), and that yes, blow jobs are sex!
We have to teach our little sisters how to be comfortable in their own skin by shouting Be kind to yourself! Don’t obsess about your looks or berate yourself because you’re not model-thin. As women, we are our harshest critics and hold ourselves to ridiculous standards. Be independent! Don’t just say, “Wouldn’t it be nice to…” Do it! Set limits! Don’t let anyone mistreat you -- stand up for yourself and keep your word. Express your appreciation! When we embrace gratitude and humility, even more goodness and love comes to us. Listen to your inner voice! Don’t be someone who jumps to conclusions, but if you have that “feeling” deep down, don’t ignore it -- trust your instincts. Believe in yourself! Decide what you want, go after it whole-heartedly, and stay committed. Let ‘em see your joy! Joy comes through in our smiles and our eyes, and enables us to attract even more love into our lives. Remember, what you give out, you get back.

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By Audrey Valeriani

Audrey Valeriani is the author of two gift titles, as well as a third more substantial book which takes an in-depth look at women and relationships. SIMPLE WAYS TO A WOMAN’S HEART: Movie Star Maneuvers That Will Take Her Breath Away!© and IT’S NOT EASY BEING ME! Random Thoughts of the Modern Woman© were received well and were featured in various Boston-area newspapers, including the prestigious who’s who Inside Track column of the Boston Herald. She also appeared as a guest on a popular Boston radio station, 93.5 FM. Currently, although her latest book is not yet published, Audrey’s website http://www.theaccidentalexpert.com is up and running and shares some personal experiences, romantic advice, and allows site visitors to contact her with relationship questions, ideas, and opinions.

Getting Rid of Bikini Hair: Why Waxing is King

I have asked several of my male friends whether they would wax their bikini lines if society decided that men looked better that way (I admit, I’ve also enjoyed describing what a wax would be like to these guys, just for the joy of seeing them turn several shades of sickly green). The answer has always been a positive no. One friend went so far as to say that he would not get waxed “there” even if someone held a gun to their head. Well, many women head to the salon for a bikini wax with no gun-toting maniac in tow and many even chat pleasantly with their aestheticians while the deed is done. The reason is that women want the smooth and clean look that waxing gives. In fact, in my opinion, waxing is one of the very best options out there for pubic hair.
The process of waxing a bikini line is pretty simple. Hot wax is applied over the bikini area and a strip of cloth is pressed into the wax. The skin around the strip is pulled as tight as possible, and after a moment, the strip is pulled rapidly off. Hair, wax, and even bits of skin come off with the strip, leaving smooth skin. In some cases, women opt for cold wax, where strips of cloth come with wax already attached. The strips are pressed onto the skin and pulled off - much like a bandage.
Many women are fine with waxing their bikini line at home. If you go this route, remember to pull the strips off fast - hesitating and jerking the strip off will hurt even more and may damage the skin. You will need to use a mirror to ensure that you have a clean, even line. Apply powder to the area afterwards and give yourself a well-deserved rest.
For many women, going to a salon makes a lot of sense for a bikini wax. Professionals can get at spots that are difficult to get at. They can also see you better, so they can tell where little bits of hair are sticking out. At most salons, aestheticians will pluck hairs that are too small to wax (anything under 1/4 inch) and will pluck the wiry hairs that are too tough to wax. It is awkward to go in for a bikini wax, since you are generally there in just your underwear and shirt, but it is the only way to get a perfect bikini wax.
There are several advantages to waxing your bikini line. First, the results last a long time - several weeks, in fact. The actual process takes less time than shaving and produces a much smoother effect. Since wax is made up of fairly simple ingredients (oil, paraffin wax and rosin, usually), there is little chance of chemical or allergic reactions. Some women may take comfort in knowing that both the wax and strips used in waxing are non-toxic and not very harmful to the environment.
That said, the ugly side of bikini waxing is pretty ugly indeed. The bikini line is a tender area and waxing here hurts a great deal. The further inwards you get from the thigh, the more pain there will be. For the least painful bikini wax, get only the hairs outside your underwear done. A badly done bikini wax can be disastrous, leaving skin damage, burns, and even leading to infection. Even a well-done bikini wax may cause skin cracks, bleeding, bumps, itchiness, swelling, and redness. You need to make sure that you go to a clean, reputable salon. If you wax at home, make sure the area in which you will wax is clean. After waxing, use only powder to deal with stickiness for the first few hours, and then keep your skin very clean to prevent infection and irritation.
Still, done properly, a bikini wax gives you worry-free smoothness for weeks.

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By Joni McCoy

Joni McCoy is the author of Hairchick.com, a fun and friendly resource on all types of hair removal for women.
Visit http://www.hairchick.com for more info.