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How to Cure Excessive Sweating

Posted by AME on Monday, September 28, 2009 , under |



 Excessive sweating is a medical condition called as hyperhidrosis. This is characterized by sweating a lot which may be nonstop the whole day through. The affected person may even sweat despite cold temperature. Excessive sweating may also happen when the affected person is stressed out, nervous, or anxious.

The release of sweat may occur in the areas of the body which have more sweat glands such as the hands, feet, face, groin, and armpits. The usual case is that this medical condition is inherited, in which the disease is considered as primary hyperhidrosis. However, there are also cases in the minority when excessive sweating is an offshoot of other medical problems. This is when the disease is called secondary hyperhidrosis.

Certain conditions which can result to secondary hyperhidrosis are those diseases affecting the lungs and heart, diabetes mellitus, anxiety problems, and certain medications taken to cure these diseases. These conditions result to secondary hyperhidrosis because they affect the operation of the hypothalamus, which controls how the human body sweats, and the sympathetic nervous system.

Excessive sweating can affect the sufferers not only physically but also socially and psychologically as well. Most sufferers would draw themselves out of the social scene, cutting their social lives off because they are embarrassed of having contracted the disease. Psychologically, the disease can shatter the self-esteem of the affected people. When they have low opinions of themselves, they usually hide themselves and as a result, do not open themselves up to building new relationships with other people.

There are available treatments for excessive sweating. Aluminum chloride solution can be used to reduce the amount of sweat that would be released. This solution can be found in many antiperspirants which can be prescribed by doctors. However, this may not be totally effective for excessive sweating on the hands and feet.

The users should also prepare themselves for skin irritation. Endoscopic Thoracic Sympathectomy or ETS is one surgical procedure which can be taken to cure the disease. This can work effectively on the excessive sweating of the armpits. This will remove the sweat glands in the said area. However, this may result to side effects such as excessive sweating on the back, legs, thighs, and abdomen, which is another bout of problem.

Oral medication can also be taken as the solution to the disease. For instance, Ditropan can be taken to reduce sweating but its side effects include dry mouth and drowsiness.

The Upside & Downside of Different Teeth Whiteners

Posted by AME on , under |



  It may seem that everything is the same or even in the deciding which teeth
whiteners to use for yourself. There is a vast difference from the lower tier
versus the upper level products one can obtain for next to nothing online.

Teeth whiteners are designed for many different things and several different
buying markets dictated by consumer demand are out there. One of the most
logical ones is the pure whitening market whereby consumers are looking for the
maximum in a whitening experience.

Another is when you are looking for the more natural whiteners rather than just
the best teeth whiteners relative to an ultra or super white look. This
is when the whitening consumer realizes that they may want a couple of shades
differential as compared to where they are now and also look for nutrition or
sensitive teeth styles to use.

When your looking for this type, your mindset is 'don't give me an unnatural
white that everyone will see through' but merely 'get me whiter than I am now
and don't upset my sensitive teeth in the meantime'.

There fortunately are whitening products geared for just this that allow for
a more subtle upgrade rather than the deep enamel penetration types. But what
if I want the best of both worlds and get the gentle formula coupled with a
max. whitening that will leave me practically giddy.

There are a couple of nuggets of gold online that can do just this but you have
to find these via a good review site that specializes in teeth whitening and
uncovers the truth and reveals the upside of these products vs. the rest of the
field.

What is the largest factor in determining the overall needs you may have in
selecting a teeth whitener? Ease of use could be a solid argument but it still
isn't the number one. The way to determine your needs is simple. Guage your
needs by determining your yellowing issue; decide whether you have sensitive
or semi-sensitive teeth to take into account, and then decide if you need a
straight power white style or sensitive type.

All of the needs are individual and depend on each individual respectively,
however, there should be no doubt that getting your teeth whitened is now
an easier and more common vanity activity than ever before.

How To Remove A Stuck Game With An Xbox 360 Repair Guide

Posted by AME on , under |



 It can be extremely frustrating having a game of yours get stuck in your Xbox 360 system. The natural reaction is to freak out and try to rip it out. Then again you could take it into Microsoft or some repair shop to get the game out. However, if you want to save money you can get it out yourself by purchasing or downloading an Xbox 360 repair guide.

There are ways for you to manually remove the disc on your own. The first thing your Xbox 360 repair guide will tell you to do is unplug the power for a few minutes while allowing your Xbox to reset. After this you will want to re-attach the power cord to see if this did the trick. If you did not receive any results, turn the power off and unplug it again.

Now things will get a little more complicated making it essential you follow each step in your Xbox 360 repair guide closely. Next you will remove the face plate on the console while grabbing a thick paper clip or something similar and straighten one end of the paper clip. After removing the face plate you will see two small holes underneath the DVD player and one hole to the right.

The next step will vary being that there are three different DVD drives the Xbox 360 uses. If you have a Samsung or Toshiba, your Xbox 360 repair guide will advise you to find the small hole on the right underneath the X on the DVD drive faceplate. You will push your straightened paper clip in the hole until it hits the gear. The gear needs to be spun from left to right. You will want to continue to push gently until you feel it move.

If you have a Hitatchi DVD drive, you are going to want to poke the first hole on the left. Follow the same procedures that are listed above by poking the hole to get the gear to move. Regardless of what type of DVD drive you have, it is vital you take your time and do not push too hard. If you miss the correct spot you can do more damage than good.

As soon as the tray starts to eject you will be able to pull on it slightly to help it open. From there, you will have no problem removing your game thanks to the helpful Xbox 360 repair guide saving you hundreds of dollars.

A Brief History of Tattooing

Posted by AME on , under |



  In many civilizations across the world, tattooing the body by means of inserting ink into the layers of skin on the body has had much cultural significance. Nearly every civilization has practiced some form of body tattooing. For some a tattoo might be a symbol of some type of cultural meaning. For some it may represent status or wealth, for others it may have religious significance, and for others it may be purely decorative or represent some personal meaning, such as a declaration of love. Whatever the purpose, tattooing has a long history among every culture and has become an art form requiring skill and experience.

The earliest known documented cases of a tattoo on bodies were originally found on several female Egyptian mummies, which dated back to around c. 2000 B.C. However, the discovery of the "Ice Man" in 1991, a mummy found near the Italian-Austrian border, pushed that date back to about 3000 B.C. This mummy had tattoos on his lower back, right knee, and ankle joints, suggesting that they had been done for therapeutic purposes in areas with painful joints.

In ancient Egypt, tattooing seemed to be an exclusive female practice. At first dismissed as a possible sign of promiscuity or low character, scientists now believe that perhaps the tattoos found on female Egyptian mummies had a different meaning altogether. Because some of the mummies were found in tombs associated with royalty, the initial belief changed. It is now hypothesized that they were, in fact, symbols of protection for women enduring childbirth.

Perhaps the most significant civilization to practice that art of tattoo is the Polynesian culture. In fact, the word "tattoo" comes from the Tahitian word "tautau," a word that was introduced to the Western World after the explorations of Captain James Cook in Polynesia. When early explorers discovered the Pacific Islands, they were amazed by the painted skin of the natives and also the techniques used to apply these tattoos. For thousands of years to the present time, Polynesian cultures, specifically Samoans, have used the same tattooing technique of applying by hand. In Polynesian cultures, tattoos had very special significance, usually symbols of status or coming-of-age.

Though the methods have changed, decorating the body through the insertion of ink into the skin layers has remained a thriving art form. To some the meaning is still cultural but most modern tattooing is usually done for personal meaning or for decoration as one of the oldest thriving art forms in the world.

The Right Fishes for your Aquarium

Posted by AME on , under |



 If you want to have the most wonderful marine aquarium in your own home, you have to first choose what kind of fishes you will put in it. More over, you have to be able to maintain your aquarium. This requires patience and motivation. Having a salt-water aquarium is not that hard after all.

Choosing the Right Fish for Your Saltwater Aquarium
The first step is to decide on the number of fish you want to house in your aquarium. Make a rough estimate on how many fish will fit spaciously in your aquarium. As a rule, you have to allow two inches of fish with every gallon of water in the tank.

Buy all the fish you need from a licensed pet shop or a reputable dealer. Buying from a good source will save you all the hassle and troubles. You will clearly buy the best and healthy fishes rather than the ones who are sick and may be more likely to die after a few days. The credibility of the seller is determined in his showcase aquarium. The look of the sellers tank may become a motivational source for you.

Research and read more about the type of fish you want. Some fishes require particular needs such as diet, compatibility, temperature, and chemicals.

Buy a school of fish for there are only minimal compatibility problems. In addition, it will be easy to determine if any fishes are indicating an illness or whatsoever. Try the cardinal tetras or neons, loaches or pearl, Corydoras catfish, zebra danios and any of all the barbs.

Do not risk buying one of anything you like. Just stick to the school of fish rather than get different kinds of fish. The aquarium will be difficult to manage and maintain when there are different species of fish.

Try to get a clown plecostomus or bristle-nose. You may also want to get two otocinclus catfish to control the algae in the tank.

You may also want to raise a killifish. This kind of fish is easy to maintain and perfect for beginners though the killifish is very difficult to find.

Always ask you dealer about the fish compatibility in your aquarium. Take good caution of the cichlids for some of them can grow large. In addition, the angelfish need aquariums more than ten gallons. A type of fish called Oscars is quite messy and not preferable for your tank. Oscars tend to eat fish and can be particularly messy.

Keep away from buying piranhas. Piranhas are impressive creatures but they tend to eat a lot of goldfish as well as other fishes in your aquarium. In addition, mixing piranhas with other fishes may cause issues on parasites and diseases. If you really want to buy piranhas, you must watch their diet and quarantine them in a different aquarium. Piranhas are considered a school fish but they tend to eat one another if they are not fed properly.

You may want to get bala sharks. This type of fish looks fierce and wonderful plus it is not really a shark. It grows over twelve inches. This is recommended to those who want to grow large fishes.

In general, avoid buying a catfish. This fish can be nasty predators. Catfish tend to grow bigger and bigger over time. So, if you rally want a catfish, be prepared for the problems that may arise.

A Stepfather's Advice

Posted by AME on , under |



 Six years ago I divorced my first wife, moved to the UK, and married my second wife. At the time her sons were three and four. After only a short time I loved them as my own. In fact I allowed a part of me to believe that’s is what they were. I began to chase this fantastical belief with great passion and focus spurred on by my wife’s approval and their acceptance. It seemed so perfect. My dreams and plans continued to soar year after year. Then one day, three years after my arrival, I became brave enough to share my thoughts and feelings with the boys. I even told them that I’d be honoured if they’d call me Dad. My heart was filled with pride and joy when they initially embraced the idea (in fact one even literally cheered).

Two days later I was gutted! When the boys returned from a visit with their paternal father wound up and distraught over a conversation they had with him. After speaking with him, both felt that I’d made a force play and put them in a position that I had no right to. What could I do but watch all my preconceptions burst into flames and wonder about what role I’d have in the lives of the boys. I felt furious at their father for causing them to rise against me. I blamed him for stealing them from me for months.

Looking back at this scenario years later I can still feel the desolation I felt back then, but I can also look back with more understanding and wisdom. I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was really being selfish. I convinced myself I was doing the best thing for the boys when in reality it would’ve been the best thing for me. You see, when I divorced my first wife, she went against everything we agreed on and took full custody of my three children. So, when I arrived in the UK I arrived with a huge hole in my heart. I missed my children so very much and I saw the potential of the boys filling that void. Without thinking about it, I’d foisted my need off onto the boys and persuaded myself I was doing them a service. And I stayed in that fantasy for three years until that fateful day when they set me straight.

Walking into a family and becoming a stepfather is a huge task. It must be done with a great amount of humility and the understanding that you’re there as an extension to the children’s family rather than a replacement (except in cases where the paternal father has done a runner of course). And believe me, it never ceases to be a balancing act. A stepfather must support the healthy growth of his children whilst being oh so careful not to undermine what they have going with their paternal father. Sometimes I feel like I spend more time trying to make things balance out than developing a deep relationship with the boys. Though this may or may not genuinely be the case, the bottom line is that’s what the boys need in order to function and grow so that’s what I’ll do for as long as they need it. Though I’ll always be a bit jealous of the stepfathers that get the title of “Dad” from the willing hearts of their stepchildren, I have finally found a peace with just being “Paul” to mine.

To any of you men who read this who are either stepfathers or about to become so, please consider this advice. Take the entire process slow and before you attempt to make any moves forward in your relationships with your stepchildren search your heart and ask yourself, “Is this move forward the very best for the children?” If you get the slightest niggles it might not be, then stop. If you truly love your stepchildren make sure you’re putting their needs and not your own first.

Focus On The Beautiful

Posted by AME on , under |



 It all started early Saturday morning whilst my wife and I sat in bed talking and sipping our morning cups of coffee. Excitedly she reached down and hauled her notebook computer into bed with us. Just the prior day we’d joined a program that allowed us to visit hundreds of historical sites for free, and she could hardly wait to select one off the web to go visit. When I suggested that perhaps we should pass on that Idea and just go somewhere local, everything changed. She stopped smiling, closed down the computer, and grabbed a book to read. As any married man can attest to, things are at a dangerous point when the book pops up.

Hoping there was some way out of this situation I tried to talk excitedly about going for a walk on the beach (something that she usually gets really jazzed about). With downcast eyes she replied, “I’d rather just go sit in the garden.” My head screamed at me, “Leave it alone!” At the time I just couldn’t. It was the day before Mother’s day and I knew if things went wrong now the bad feelings were liable to carry over. So I did what every well meaning but silly husband does, I tried to talk logically about the situation (though I should’ve known better). And, like every time a man’s logic is mixed with intense female emotions, there was a meltdown of communication. Using the baby’s breakfast as an excuse, I bravely raced out of the room.

A few minutes later the family assembled for breakfast. As we ate, one of my sons mentioned that he needed a new pair of shoes. Had this been the usual run of the mill day, I would’ve lectured him on having worn them out so quickly (I buy him a pair a month on average). But this was no ordinary day! I could’ve grabbed him up and hugged him. This was the buffer I needed. The family would be so busy shopping that surely my wife would forget about our misunderstanding and we could negotiate somewhere fun to go in the area afterwards. I must be honest here and say that this plan went over like a lead balloon.

The entire shopping trip my wife refused to say a word. Then to top it off she drove silently down to the beach. The beach was warm and sunny and the weather divine. It was truly the most pleasing day that we’ve had in months. Families were playing on the shores whilst sailboats drifted by. Right then I wished desperately that I was any one of those smiling people.

We both attempted to talk to one another, but I’m afraid that the communication was still a sizzled mess. After several tries it became quite apparent that silence was still the wisest choice.

As we plodded along, my mind furiously churned. Then, all of a sudden, something really bizarre yet wonderful happened. Without intending it, I went into a hypnotic trance and my mind detached from all the sadness I felt. All of a sudden nothing mattered except the warmth of the sun, the lapping of the waves, and all the laughing people. My mind had filtered out everything negative. Though things weren’t where they should be with my wife, the rest of the walk was a delight.

Sometimes the most joy can be found in simply refusing to focus on the problem. And the best news is, once it wasn’t being focused on, the negativity lost all of its power. Consequently, everything was all right between my wife and I shortly after the walk.

How to Find a Remedy for Dandruff Disorder

Posted by AME on Friday, September 11, 2009 , under |



Dandruff is a frequent hair disorder that touches many of us. Although it is not a life life threatening disease, it still can be extremely irritable. Dandruff comes from old cells on our head after replenishing the skin. That is a natural process, as all the cells have to be revitalised in the body. The problem arises when the number of flakes rapidly grows.
Among the causes of this disease we can name excessive yeast development. There is Pityrosporum Ovale on our scalp that resides it. The level of Pityrosporum in our pelt flora has to constitute 46%. When it exceeds 74%, it reasons the appearance of dandruff.
We shouldn't ignore such dandruff reason as our emotional state. Stress can easily activate the appearing of white flakes. Hence tension management is one of prevailing means to cope with this disease. Extremely cold weather conditions play also their share in this disorder, that's why most people suffer from dandruff in winter more than in summertime.

Now this disorder doesn't give that much of concern as there are a lot of remedies for it. You only have to find the appropriate one for you, considering the level of the problem. For 4 times more people it might be enough just to wash their hair constantly to overcome extreme flakes. Simultaneously other may have special medicated lotions. You can also try 4 times more home remedies look as a mix of coconut oil and lemon juice. Apple cider acetum is known as one of the most most popular dandruff treatments. Don't forget, that dandruff remedy is not a 24 hours course, particularly if you use natural remedies. To speed up the procedure you have to use shampoos containing ketaconazole. Be careful in buying a shampoo. Don't use shampoos with rough chemicals if you have cuts on your head. If you don't see the expected resolution after the use of a particular shampoo, that means it is not the right one for you. Try another one. It is very prevailing to wash your hair constantly. In case you notice that your hair is getting dry, notice try to apply a conditioner. There is a useful advice how to save your budget on this matter: put a little bit amount of your favorite brand of conditioner in a spritz bottle, add 4 times more water, and use the mix on your hair after washing and towel drying it.

There is one more usual error many of you make: they apply hair gel. It is OK if you want your hair to look get a style, but remember that it forms visible white flakes, that look look like dandruff.
Hence, the most prevailing thing you should start with in the battle against dandruff is to wash your hair more frequently. This is the root of your successful treatment.

Poker Skills and Strategies

Posted by AME on , under |



Poker is a game of cards which is played by many at land based casinos and online at online casinos. This game requires skills and strategies to win the pot. This game has been around since a long time and there are many die-hard fans of poker. You need particular items to play poker and they are a normal deck of 52 cards and poker chips.

There are multiple rounds of betting involved in this game and cards are distributed and replaced many times depending on the game being played. Different games have different rules and you need to learn the rules before you start playing a particular game. It is essential to understand the meaning of various terms used by poker players and get some idea about the game before you start to play.

A royal flush means all cards of the same suit, so if you can have all spades or all hearts or all clubs or all diamonds and the cards must be from ten to Ace. A straight flush is when cards are in a sequence and they are of the same suit. When some player has four cards of the same rank it is called "Four of a Kind". For Full house you must have three cards of one rank and two cards of another rank. When you have all card with ranks in sequence like 2-3-4-5-6 it is a straight. Three of a kind means you have three cards with the same rank like 2-2-2 or 8-8-8 or Q-Q-Q.

PMS And Back Pain

Posted by AME on , under |



It's no secret that many women suffer through their monthly periods, experiencing cramps, bloating, and lower back pain, to name just a few. But a large number of them—estimated at anywhere from 30 to 90 percent—also endure the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Most women feel some discomfort before their periods. But if you have PMS, you may feel so anxious, depressed, or uncomfortable that you can't cope at home or at work.

What causes PMS?

No one know for sure what causes PMS or why some months are worse than others, but PMS is often linked to the changes in hormone levels that happen during a woman's menstrual cycle. PMS is not caused by stress or psychological problems, though these may make the symptoms worse.

"We probably don't get nearly enough magnesium from out diet," says Dr. Carolyn Dean, who specializes in managing and healing commonly misdiagnosed and chronic conditions such as hormone imbalance, and mood swings. "The Recommended Daily Allowance for magnesium is 350-400 milligrams (mg) per day, but for optimal health you may need twice as much."

Dean, who serves on the medical advisory board of the Healthy Back Institute, suggests taking magnesium supplements to prevent or ease PMS symptoms, including back pain due to water retention. She recommends magnesium citrate and taurate, as well as spraying on magnesium oil that is absorbed through your skin.

Some researchers have found that calcium levels are lower in women with PMS and that calcium supplementation may reduce the severity of symptoms. One study, for instance, reported that 300 mg of calcium carbonate four times a day significantly reduced bloating, depression, pain, and mood swings.

How is PMS diagnosed?

There is no single test to diagnose PMS, but because thyroid disease is common in women of childbearing age, and because some of the symptoms of PMS—such as weight gain—are similar to symptoms of thyroid disease, your doctor may do a thyroid test. This can help rule out a thyroid problem as the cause of your symptoms. Often, a doctor will suggest that you keep a diary to track your symptoms for a few months.

How is PMS usually treated?

Medicines that are commonly prescribed include diuretics to help the body rid itself of extra sodium and fluid, which can ease bloating, weight gain, breast pain, abdominal pain, and back pain. Antidepressants can help with the severe irritability, depression, and anxiety that some women have with PMS. Doctors often prescribe birth control pills to help reduce some PMS symptoms by evening out hormone levels during your cycle.

Experts also suggest making some simple diet and lifestyle changes. These include eating more complex carbohydrates (such as whole grain breads, pasta and cereals), more fiber and protein, and more foods rich in potassium (such as fish, beans, and broccoli). Other things you can do: cut back on sugar and fat; avoid iodine salt (to reduce bloating and fluid retention) try sea salts, eliminate or cut back on caffeine and alcohol, get at least eight hours of sleep each night, and get regular aerobic exercise—even a short walk every day can help. In fact, research has shown that frequency—rather than intensity—of exercise can decrease PMS symptoms.

Are there alternative treatments?

According to a 2004 study in Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, a drugless intervention that may provide relief from PMS is something called "external qigong." First, a little background: Human qi comes from two primary sources: one, your parents; and, two, essential substances in nature such as air, water, and food. Both of these qi sources—inherited and acquired vital energies—are refined and transformed by our organs.

By eating a healthy diet and breathing fresh air, the theory goes, the body extracts their most valuable essences and uses them to help form the vital energy. Following these simple principles are the first steps towards creating a healthy balance in the body.

In external qigong, a trained practitioner directs his or her own qi outward, with the intention of helping patients' clear blockages, remove negative qi, and balance the flow of qi in the body, thus relieving pain and helping the body to rid itself of certain diseases. Scientists in South Korea report that qigong can improve many of the symptoms associated with PMS, and that it may work as well as more traditional methods of relief.

Other techniques—such as breathing exercises, meditation, aromatherapy, and yoga—focus on reducing stress and promoting relaxation. It this regard, it is also advisable (where practical) to schedule events you expect will be stressful—that big family reunion, for example—for the week after your period. And because many women seem to be more sensitive in the weeks before their menstrual period, relaxation experts suggest setting aside personal time to unwind, let out pent-up emotions, and focus on things that will nourish your spirit.

You may also want to try evening primrose oil, a plant oil that contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is an omega-6 essential fatty acid. Gamma-linolenic acid is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that regulate pain and inflammation in the body. Other natural remedies commonly used for PMS: ginkgo, vitamin E, royal jelly, dandelion, wild yam, oligomeric proanthocyanidins(OPCs), uva ursi, St. John's wort, progesterone cream as well as Proteolytic Systemic Enzymes.

Historic Houses In and Around Sussex

Posted by AME on , under |



A lot of people go to Sussex to see the vineyards, but there's more to the area that that. You can also examine many of the historic houses that the area has to offer. You'll want to visit Great Dixter House and Gardens, Sissinghurst Castle and Gardens, and Bate-mans if you're looking for history. Architects, authors, and many other famous people had homes in Sussex at one time or another, and many of those homes are still there. Some have been turned into bed and breakfast type establishments, some have been preserved as small museums, and some are still around and still being lived in. In and around Sussex, though, there are a lot of these historic homes, and if you like history and architecture you'll want to take a look at these homes and enjoy learning about them and the people who used to live in them. Rudyard Kipling had a home in Sussex, as did many other people whose names would be recognized quite easily. When you go to Sussex to see these homes, though, be sure to pay attention to the time of year and weather conditions that are to be expected. You don't want to go looking around at these sites when it's raining on you or the weather is very cold, so you'll have to plan accordingly.

If you do go to Sussex in the off season, though, you'll find that the prices that you'll be seeing are better than they would be if you went when the weather was perfect and all of the tourists were there. You should consider weather, prices, and crowds in your holiday planning, but these things will matter more to some people than they do to others, so don't let others' perceptions of when you should plan your trip stop you from going to see the historic Sussex homes when you want to. You can take your family or a group of friends, and Sussex overall is friendly to tourists and to families with children, so don't worry about bringing a large group of people or taking the baby along. Everyone in your group will enjoy seeing the historic houses in and around Sussex, so you don't need to be concerned that they'll get bored or that they won't have anything to do. Everyone can find something about Sussex that they love, from the historic houses to the vineyards to the great accommodations to the wonderful food and kind, caring people.

Why Advice Giving Is Not Advisable

Posted by AME on , under |



Often in our interactions with family and friends, problems being encountered would inevitably be brought up. Inevitably too, in trying to be helpful, we often react by giving advice on how to solve the problem.

However, this is generally not recommended, for the following reasons:

We assume we know what the problem is and forget to be a listener, to find out enough details about the problem and the other person's point of view.

We forget to extend empathy to the woes of the other person.

We get 'credit' for being the one to give the advice since the advice is likely to be something that the adviser has done or others have done that was successful. So if the listener does not succeed or had done it before but it was not successful, the implication is that it is not because the advice was not good, but the listener has not applied it well. This tends to make the advisee feel stupid and incompetent.

When we give advice, we're talking 'down' to the other person as we become the 'expert'. We're so eager to talk and show our knowledge and 'wisdom' that we do not interact at an 'equal' level with the other person. We take on the position of 'expert' and might tend to forget that the other person also has knowledge to share with us.

We are giving the message that we think the person cannot work out the solution himself. This is disempowering for the other person.

We belittle the efforts that have been taken by the person. We become the evaluator of what the person has done rather than helping him/her to self-evaluate.

Example of Advice Giving:

A: Jolyn and I are having problems. We have been having more quarrels lately.

B: Hmm… I'm always thought both of you were not suitable for each other. (B is getting credit for his prediction. B is not asking questions to find out more about A's problems)

A: Well, we were getting along pretty well. But I've been very busy with work recently and haven't had time to go out with her. She feels I'm spending too much time on work.

B: It shows she does not understand you (B is assuming he knows what the problem is). Maybe you should break up with her (advice giving, implying A cannot work out a solution). It could be a blessing in disguise.

A: I'd be miserable. Don't know what I'd do without her.

B: You'll get over it (B is not extending empathy to A). I did too when I broke up with Doris 2 years ago. (B is giving himself credit)

A: I sent her roses to make up but it doesn't seem to work.

B: I don't think that will work with her (evaluating what A has done). Since she wants time with you, just put aside your work and make time for her.

A: I have deadlines to meet.

B: Well, you have to decide what you want (this is not likely to be helpful to A's dilemma and might make him feel stupid and incompetent instead.)

Using Questions in conversations is generally more helpful as it helps the other person think through the issues that they have. Example is this conversation below:

A: Jolyn and I are having problems. We have been having more quarrels lately.

B: I'm sorry to hear that (extending empathy). Would you like to tell me more about it? (being a listener, to find out details of problem)

A: I've been really busy with my work and haven't had time to go out with her. She feels I'm spending too much time on work.

B: Has it always been this way with your work?

A: No, it's these recent two months because of a big project. Deadlines to meet and other work pressures….

B: Must be tough on you…. (extending empathy to A and indirectly giving credit to A for holding up)

A: Yah… but I do need to make time for Jolyn… I have been working too hard. I should ease up a bit (self evaluation). I think I'll send her some flowers after wards and then call her for a dinner date tomorrow. (coming up with his own solutions)

B: All the best …