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I'm obviously not speaking from experience, but I can certainly sound like I know what I'm talking about!... From what I've read, there is no cream or lotion out there that has actually been proven to prevent stretch marks. That is because stretch marks happen on a deep layer on skin that lotions do not penetrate. However, the whole point of a lotion is to moisturize the skin. So drinking water is supposed to be the only method of preventing stretch marks that has been proven. Drinking 3 litres of water per day keeps your skin moisturized and elastic. Finally, they say that exercising regularily throughout the pregnancy is the best way to guarantee that you will bounce back to your old body. Also (obviously) the more weight you gain, the more of a toll it will take on your body. So you should try not to gain more than the recommended 25 lbs. Ask me in 6 months and I will be able to tell you whether my advice works or not!

It's probably not you, exactly. But it may be psychological. Have there been any changes (positive or negative) in your relationship lately?

I agree with you, Shadows Light, I'm sure his mother loves him very much. However, parents have a tendency to let their guard down and show their worst side to their children. And that is not the proper way to show love. Jordan, you do not have to accept your mother's behavior and you have the responsibility to stand up for yourself and tell her when she is out of line. That doesn't mean screaming and swearing and slamming doors. You can just say, "I feel like you have crossed a line, and I would appreciate it if you would show me more respect, even you are upset with me". Just because our parents love us does not give them a license to disrespect us. I hope that you will keep us posted, Jordan, and let us know how things are going.

you don't have to hang out with him. If she ever expects you to, then she is walking all over you. Put your foot down. I would ask her not to mention the frat guy to you. Tell her that it's rude and insensitive to talk about him. But that she is free to do as she likes.

Your sister is no better than you are. You have to believe that. So what if she has a 3.9 GPA? Some of the most retarded people I’ve ever met have been graduate students in university with perfect GPA’s. My brother was close to the bottom of his class in high school (while my sister was at the top of her class), but he now has his own business (at 22 years old) and makes a ton of money doing something he loves. So what if she has lots of friends? All you really need is a couple of really cool and trustworthy friends to be happy. Please, do something for me. Sit down and make a list of things that you can do better than her, qualities that you have and she doesn’t, etc. And then realise that you are different, but neither one of you is better!!! And let go of the comparisons. What are your talents? What are the things that you love to do? If you could do anything with your life, what would it be? Focus on that. It will be the best revenge you could ever have on your mother. My family cut me out of their life for 5 years because I left their religion, so I know the pain that comes from family rejection. You may not be able to physically move away if you are young (remember, screwing up your life will only allow your mother’s negativity to win over your inner strength). But have goals and dreams that you can call your own. You will be surprised at the way they will help you rise above the stress at home. Here’s an idea: Why not start being really sweet to your mom? Make supper for her or buy her a present? Give her a compliment out of the blue? Maybe it will make her feel guilty and soften her toward you.

I'm so jealous of your beautiful belly! I'm 15 weeks and keep waiting anxiously for it to pop out. So far nothing. Sexy mama!

I disagree. He will ask because he is human, and as humans we are masochistic. If he is interested in bettering himself, there are a thousand other ways he can do that. Telling him all about his faults and breaking up with him in the same day is just mean.

It doesn't sound like she's a bad person. When she was fooling around with the other guy, she was distant with you. That's because she truly cares about you and couldn’t be fake with you. From the sounds of it, she is a trustworthy person. Just not at that place in her life. University life is totally about booze cruises (aaahh the good times!) and frat boys and making out with strangers. But it is also a transition period where we feel vulnerable and unsure of our place in the world, and it feels really good to have someone to fall back on. You should definitely not cut her off. You gave too much of yourself (and your money, and your time and your heart) and expected too much from her. She doesn’t deserve to be cut out of your life. Just lower your expectations and give her only as much trust as she earns, bit by bit. Stay friends and be there for her when she needs someone (and she will do the same). Who knows what the future will bring? Just let her get that wild-girl out of her system!

1. 35 2. what effort? i work for the government. 3. Like it, but only because I'm overeducated and get to do very specific, technical, fun stuff! 4. With the government, you have no choice but to get ahead. You can't get fired, automatically get promoted every 1-2 years, and it looks great on your resume. However, I'm a hardworking and motivated person. I would prefer an environment with expectations. In 5 months I'll be a mom for the first time, though, and that will be a challenge unlike any I've ever experienced.

Just a question: Would you want someone to sleep with you if he wasn't attracted to you?

Absolutely, in person. And he will probably ask for details, but don't give them. It will only destroy his ego if you start telling him what is wrong with him! (He likely already knows his weaknesses and doesn't need to hear them from someone else). I would just say that you enjoy the single life and feel the relationship has gone beyond the "casual" limit that you are comfortable in.

You were right to break it off in the first place. Remember how it felt to be neglected? How it felt to come second to his career? Now imagine having that same feeling 5 years from now.. 10 years from now.. 15 years down the road. Is that the kind of life you want? Yes, it hurts being apart and breakups can take months or years to heal, if ever! But does that compare to the pain of feeling neglected on a daily basis for life? If you want to stay with him, then you need to make some rules. You need to tell him what you are expecting from a relationship, and ask him if he's looking for the same thing. Then give it a test run. Tell him and you can continue to see each other for 3 months (for example), but that you are not officially back together. Tell him it is a test, and if he fails, there are no second chances. Give him a chance, but don't fall too hard. People can change, but they usually don't. How much pain are you willing to let this guy inflict on you? Remember, that's your choice. And good luck. My best friend is still sleeping with a guy that broke up with her over a year ago. It is destroying her from the inside, and while she knows that, she just can't cut ties. It's not easy, I know!!