TresSugar

What Do You Think of Returning to a Childhood Vacation Spot?

TresSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 14:00:00 -0700

A friend told me last night that every year of her childhood, her family went to Toronto for vacation. For some reason, Toronto as a vacation spot surprised me, but then she said it was a city where her parents spent a lot of time before they had kids. They loved it and wanted their children to love it, too. "Well do you love it?" I asked, waiting for a no. "I do! I love Toronto."

And with that my entire concept of family vacations changed. Every Summer, except for one crazy one in Niagara Falls, my family went to the same beach in the same town on the same street. And while I have fond memories of my parents letting me eat/drink/have whatever I wanted for that one week, I also remember being restless and bored, wanting to explore while my parents wanted to relax. While I wouldn't turn down a (free) trip back today, I am not nostalgic for those beached days. I'd rather go to a city, like Toronto.

What about you?

Source: Flickr User Madmonk

Do Tell: How Has Divorce Impacted Your Life?

TresSugar — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 09:00:00 -0700

Last week when we discussed the assumption that a mother should get the children when a couple splits, a few of you mentioned your own experiences dealing with divorce.

I've known some people who were really troubled by their parents' breakup, and others who said it was the best thing that ever happened to their family. If your parents divorced, how did it affect you?

Would You Want to Be 17 Again?

DearSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 10:00:00 -0700

Zac Efron is all over the place these days promoting his new movie 17 Again. The title alone has got me thinking about my teenage years, and while I have no complaints about my past, I don't think I'd want to relive high school. The carefree lifestyle would be nice, but I could go without the drama and the uncertainty of being a teenager. That's just my opinion though, so do tell, would you ever want to be 17 again?

Source

Dear Poll: Did You Grow Up in an Affectionate Household?

DearSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

My family has always been affectionate both physically and verbally, so it wasn’t until high school that I realized not every family was like mine. Other families - although equally as loving - didn’t necessarily go around saying “I love you” every time someone left the house. Neither is better, but I do think the level of affection in the household you grew up in will have an effect on the adult home you make for yourself. So did you grow up in a family that was quick to show affection?

Source

Do Tell: What Activities Make You Feel Like a Kid Again?

DearSugar — Sun, 31 Aug 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Last weekend I had the pleasure of enjoying a quintessential Summer activity: swimming in a lake. I’m not going to lie; at first I was only brave enough to dip my big toe in, but after hanging out in the sun for a while, I finally took the plunge - and it was fun! The best part about being in the water was that it reminded me of how much I loved to swim as a kid, not for the health benefits, but just because of the sheer joy of being in water. Whether it’s slurping down a popsicle or playing boardgames with your family, do tell: What activities bring out the kid in you?

Source

Do Tell: What Did Summer Camp Mean to You?

DearSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 14:00:00 -0700

Depending on who you ask, Summer camp is either a wonderful, life-changing part of childhood or a horrifying, embarrassing experience to be avoided entirely. For many kids, attending sleep-away camp was a first taste of independence. You're tossed into an unfamiliar place and forced to make new friends while sampling all sorts of exotic activities - from horseback riding and campfires to dancing with boys and having your underwear run up a flagpole. If you grew up in the city, it may have been your first up close and personal encounter with the outdoors; if you were raised in a rural area, maybe it was the first time you met a kid from the big city.

Did you go to Summer camp as a kid? If so, do you have fond memories, or was it a horrible experience you never want to endure again? Did it help shape the person you are today? And if you didn't go away to camp, how did you feel about kids who did?

Source

Do Tell: Did You Have a Role Model?

DearSugar — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:00:00 -0700

When it comes to the nature versus nurture argument, the debate still wages, but as far as nurture goes, our parents seem to be the indicators for why we are the way we are. However, for many of us, our parents were not the only people that we looked up to.

For some people it's a teacher, an older friend, or even a television character! For me, it was my aunts. I have four and as a child, I worshiped them. Whether or not they were the best role models, I don't know, but they were the women who I wanted to be someday. So what about you? Do tell, did you have a role model growing up? If so, tell us about them!

Source

You Asked: How Can I Get Over My Adolecent Bullying?

DearSugar — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:00:00 -0700

Dear Sugar,

I was severely bullied for my last four years of elementary school. Ever since then, I've suffered from low self-esteem, loneliness, and unhappiness. I feel like an outsider, even today. I've made friends, but never any solid, long-lasting friendships. For a long time I pretended like it never happened and as a result, I started to binge drink and I let men take advantage of me. I think I loved the attention guys gave me. I've since stopped that self-destructive behavior, but I still can't seem to move on and get my life started. All I want is to put the past behind me but how can I do that?
- Stuck in the Past Patty

To see Dear Sugar' answer read more.

Dear Stuck in the Past Patty,

I'm sorry to hear that you're still feeling the residual effects of your childhood bullying, that can't be light baggage to carry through adulthood. Your childhood is the most vulnerable time of your life so have you ever spoken to a therapist, or confided in a family member or close friend about how your past is still affecting you? Pretending like it never happened won't make it go away, so I highly advise you to face your past head on. Are you by chance still in contact with any of these bullies? If not, would you feel comfortable contacting them and telling them how their actions affected you? It could be a great way to gain the closure you so clearly need.

We all know that making new friends is hard, but think about how many people are trying to do exactly the same thing. Put yourself out there, volunteer at your local community center, join a gym or a book club, or hang out at a local coffee shop. If you make yourself approachable, it's just a matter of time before you meet nice and welcoming new people to befriend. I'm glad to hear you've put an end to your destructive behavior, it means that you are making progress. In due time and with a lot of work, you'll be able to put your past behind you and move on with your life but remember, pushing your feelings under the rug won't make them go away so lean on those that love and care about you for support during this difficult time. Good luck.

Source

Dear Poll: Do You Sleep With Something?

DearSugar — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 15:00:00 -0800

As embarrassing as this might be to admit, I still sleep with a blanket - there, I said it, but guess what, according to the March issue of Glamour, I'm not alone! Twenty-seven percent of the women they surveyed owned up to still sleeping with a stuffed animal so now it's your turn to answer the question. Ladies, be honest, do you still sleep with something from your childhood?

Source

Do Tell: What Do You Miss Most About Childhood?

DearSugar — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 07:00:00 -0800

It's a New Year, which means none of us are getting any younger. Sure, it's fun to be an adult, but sometimes having adult responsibilities isn't all it's cracked up to be. I miss living at home rent-free, I miss summer vacations and I miss my mom packing my lunch box everyday. Since we can't turn back the clock, reminisce with me ladies and do tell, what do you miss most about your childhood?

Source