How to Stop Your Partner From Cheating

First, I cannot give you 100%-guaranteed solution. What I say here is my opinion so if you disagree, then that's where it ends. We may start a discussion but arguing is not my style. =)

Have you ever been cheated on? If you have or know someone this has happened to, it's probably because of one of these two reasons: she was with a jerk who has insecurities or she brought it upon herself. As a woman, you could prevent your man from cheating. First you have to always look your best. I do not care if you have kids or you are working too many hours. You willingly got married and took on that responsibility- to remain aesthetically pleasing for your man. Since you are married to him anyways and he is the father of your kids, make sure he shares the parental duties with you. Tell him that if he wants to keep enjoying your beauty then he better give you time to maintain it. Next, work it! Brush up on your bed skills by visiting adult stores and by reading appropriate magazines. Granted that buying gadgets and tools could be hefty, just remember though that it's an investment for your marriage. You could work on the magazine expenses by splitting the cost with your friends and passing the magazines around after they are read. Try different sexual positions. I do not think there's a man who could refuse kinkyness. Put some mirrors on your ceiling or walls. Make him look at you when you're working it. He has to continuously appreciate your beauty so he will think twice before cheating. If the kids are not around, tell him you want to go somewhere but once you're both in the car, surprise him by doing things IN the car. Role play on a regular basis. Draw lots on what roles each person you will play. You don't need costumes every single time because you could always improvise. Have him watch his football game and work on him every commercial break. You could even pose a challenge for yourself and see if he will quit the game and focus on you instead. Now if he chooses the game don't be upset and dramatic. Just remember that you are doing this to please him. Now don't think this is all about you doing the work. You also have to tell your man what tickles your fancy. If he is not hitting it right, guide him. Do not be a control freak though. If you know your body you could always angle yourself where he would hardly miss it. Whisper sexy words to him and tell him how you enjoy his skills. Stoke his ego and guaranteed you will stroke your way to a satisfied sexual relationship. Finally, do not be always available. Have your own group of friends and let him have his. You want him to wonder where you are and miss you when you're not around. Dress nice before you head out but give him that long sexy kiss and say that when you come back, he might get lucky if he's behaved. If, for whatever reason, your man still cheats - do yourself a favor and leave the bastard. If he's still not satisfied with everything you do then he's either a jackass or gay!

*Alexia S.

Why don't boys leave the toilet seat down?

Stop complaining about how your boyfriend leaves the toilet up in the bathroom. You always nag about how rude and impolite he is for doing this when he knows you use the bathroom too. Is it "eeeew" or "yuck?" Perhaps lacking proper manners? If you are nodding, you need to slap yourself and get over it. Is it really always about you? Imagine your boyfriend unzipping his pants and getting ready to pee... then as soon as he is about to release, he realizes that you left the toilet seat DOWN. Do you know how it is hard for them to aim? There he is wondering why you did not have the nerve to put the toilet seat up not to mention how rude and impolite you are. On second thought, has your boyfriend ever nagged you about this? If I may guess whenever this happens, your boyfriend simply pulls that seat up and releases the same way he has always planned. No nagging. No comments. After all, it's just a toilet seat! Next time you're in your boyfriend's house, leave the seat up for him after you use it. Then perhaps leave a note saying "I understand. You like it this way." Who knows - maybe next time he uses it, he will remember to return the favor and consider you as well.

*Alexia S.

American Students

As I read my old college friend Mong Palatino's political blog about education, I squirmed because it has reminded me how backwards education system is in the Philippines. The lack of appropriate equipment, unavailability of updated books, deteriorating buildings and the declining status of the country's supposedly top-notch schools bring sorrow to my heart. Yet I look at my years of experience as a teacher in a public school system in United States and recall American students' behavior towards this "free public education"... my crestfallen emotion slowly turns into slight anger because of the imbalance of opportunities.

The US government provides students from K-12 an overwhelming access to credentialed teachers, state and board-adopted curriculum, brand new textbooks, ELMO projectors, Smart Boards, DVD & televisions in each classroom, free lunch for students who qualify, resourceful libraries, multimedia centers equipped with computers and printers, custodian-maintained facilities, running water, proper ventilation (heater during Winter and aircondition during Summer) & decent sized classrooms FOR FREE. I am certain that if you have been living in the USA, you are then used to this and it's nothing uncommon. However I have gone to a public elementary school in the Philippines and witnessed the struggles of my classmates who actually had to walk miles and miles without shoes or slippers on because they could not afford to buy any. Textbooks were sold to the students in the beginning of the school year (along with an enrollment fee). Those who cannot afford them would then have to continue with their education with very minimal resources. Some of the facilities that I have seen are not even being close to average (see picture above). Now do not take this out of context and assume that I am speaking for all the schools in the Philippines because just like here with us, some areas seem to be well-off and some are just way behind. Yet the conditions I have seen are unacceptable no matter which part of the country you are from.

American parents have the option of sending their children to a private school or public school without sacrificing the quality of education. Some people may argue that private schools are better but in my opinion, it's about what the school and its staff stand for. For example, our school goes through accreditation and is held responsible to "fix" any concerns brought up by the committee within a given amount of time. In this country, we find solutions to identified problems. Resources are available and funding is within reach. As a result, schools are certain to meet appropriate standards to continuously operate. If you do not have a preference and would not mind spending some cash on your child's education then you could send them to a private school of your choice. However if you trust the public school system and would like to save some money, then you could go the other route. An American student's future is not blighted with the choice of school made by the family. Both sectors provide adequate instruction and support that the graduates start on equal footing before entering any university with the acceptance relying solely on the grades, extra curricular activities, test scores, entrance letters and interview results. Therefore, a student coming from any type of socioeconomic background is granted a chance to succeed. Those who cannot afford to pay for school have the option of enrolling in a public school system.

You would be astonished to know how many American students take for granted all this amazing opportunities. At least once a week, I encounter a student who complains how much school sucks and wishes to never been "required by parents and by law" to attend. How about those tardy students who blame their parents for not dropping them off on time when they have free bus passes that they could use? It amazes me how many come to school unprepared without a pencil or paper while they sport the newest MJ's (Michael Jordan shoes), South Pole shirts and Dickie's pants. They get mad for getting detention because they are not wearing their IDs. As if a simple "I forgot" excuses them from being irresponsible while they religiously grab their iPod Nanos daily before going to school. If not the teacher, then it's the book that bores them to death because it requires so much reading and too much work. Giving homework over the weekend seems to be the most "inconsiderate" thing a teacher could do because it takes so much of their busy schedule (aka hanging out with friends, playing videos or logging on to MySpace). When there is a 3-day weekend, most students complain about the time off being too short! Then after December breaks and Spring breaks, most students are too exhausted to get back on track because their vacations were not long enough. It takes a lot to appall me but whenever I hear about these complaints, I cannot help but be furious. I remember those former classmates of mine who would die to be here, to be educated and become future asset to the society. Whenever a student repeatedly complains, I joke with my colleagues about asking for the president's permission to trade this American student with another youth from the Philippines. I would rather have a student who would appreciate free education. Is our way of living too pleasant and convenient that our youth do not see the relevance of education to their future? Are Americans spoiled and not appreciative of the blessing we have?

Perhaps it is true that the Philippine's educational system needs revamping. With the widespread poverty in the country, I am certain that everyone understands that acquiring education may be their only chance to improve their lives. I hope the system changes and more youth can be provided free and appropriate education. Despite the lack of sophistication of the Philippine educational system, I continue to be appreciative of the determination and will Filipino students show. I know many who juggle being a full-time employee and a full-time student - I raise my glass to you. Those of you who keep walking to school despite the heat, the smell of jeepneys' (a public form of transportation in the Philippines) exhaust and the distance - I salute you. Maybe your country will support the education reform you have been needing pretty soon. Stick together and support one another. You may not have it all but you have your WILL... Something that I hope for our American students to have. It bothers me and I hate to ask you this young American but - Why is it that you wish to not be educated? Is stupidity the new fad?

*Alexia S.