TresSugar

Relationship Protocol: Whose Family Are You Closest To?

DearSugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 09:00:00 PDT

Although I do know some couples who are distant from both their sets of parents, most couples I know are close with at least one person’s family. Whether it’s a matter of distance or similar personalities, sometimes it’s just natural for a couple to be more tightly knit with one person’s family over the other's. As a couple, whose family are you the closest to? Or do you find that it’s completely equal?

Source

Dear Poll: Does Your Best Friend Live Nearby?

DearSugar — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 13:00:00 PDT

Long-distance relationships are tough, but so are long-distance friendships! If you're lucky enough to have your best friend living in the same town, you probably get to see her pretty regularly. But it can be tough - and potentially expensive - when BFFs live halfway across the country or world. What's your situation?

Source

You Asked: Is He My Dream Guy After All?

DearSugar — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 06:00:00 PDT

Dear Sugar,

I have been in a relationship for almost a year. On paper, he's my dream man, and until recently, things have been great. At times, I'm even jealous of myself. However, things haven't been so wonderful lately. We fight a lot, he's become quite jealous and demanding, and I feel completely dependent on him. He's threatened to break up with me a few times while we were fighting, and I cry uncontrollably because I can't imagine myself without him. I love him, a lot. I've had some insecurity issues, so I frequently fear that he's going to leave me. I've convinced myself that he's just losing interest and I feel needy and somewhat helpless lately, like I need to walk on eggshells to not upset him. He would never hurt me physically, but emotionally, he already has.

I know I shouldn't feel so dependent on someone else, especially the way things have been, but I can't help how much I love him. He's told me before that he was unhappy - and it had nothing to do with me, it was just life in general. But I've always thought that if you love someone and they love you, you could make each other happy no matter what. I brought up counseling, but he doesn't want it. I know this has probably become somewhat of an unhealthy relationship, but I can't bring myself to leave him. I know we are both needy, but are we too needy to help each other? How can I make this work? - Will to Do Anything Angela

To see DearSugar's answer

Dear Will to Do Anything Angela,

It's no wonder you're constantly thinking your boyfriend's going to leave you - if he's constantly threatening to, who wouldn't fear that? The thing with love is that it can be blinding, but at the end of the day, Angela, if he's not making you happy and if you're afraid to be yourself around him, this relationship isn't going to make it. You're absolutely right, being dependent on someone isn't the best situation to be in, so perhaps you should distance yourself for a while. Since he's against going to therapy, he might just need a little space to think. Being needy and holding onto something that isn't necessarily there anymore is very common; people stay in unhealthy relationships all the time, but those types of romances usually crash and burn.

Since you're holding on so tightly, something tells me that you have a fear of being alone. If you both choose to put forth the energy to make this work, I suggest you spend time with yourself and figure out what it is that makes you tick. Once you're secure with who you are, not only will you be a better partner in a relationship, but you'll also gain some much needed clarity to better understand this particular one. While I understand the desire to do whatever it takes, sometimes love just isn't enough.

Source

Website of the Day: Project EUH's Cursor Distance Site

GeekSugar — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 13:00:30 PDT

If you are looking for a quick and funny useless website fix, check out Project EUH's Distance site, which calculates the distance the cursor of visitors has traveled.

The calculations are based on the fact that the computer display had 72-pixels per inch and while not entirely "scientific" is clever and amusing.

It's about as practical as a site that allows you to enter your phone number and see what words and phrases it spells or a site that calculates how much you make hourly, weekly, monthly and annually based on your salary.

To learn how to post your favorite websites to our Website of the Day group,

I know that this long list looks scary, but trust me, once you get the hang of it, it'll be a snap the second time around.

First of all, join the Website of the Day group
Click the pink "Share" menu on the top left side of the page
Choose "Blog" and “Regular Post”
Give your story a “Title”
Fill in the “Body” with a link to your favorite website and the reasons why you love it
Click “Next"
Choose the audience for your story to “Website of the Day” in the drop down menu
Add keyword(s) (for example mine for this photo was "Website of the Day")
Change channel to “Technology and Gadgets”
Fill in tag field with relevant tags
Click “I’m done” to submit content

So join the Website of the Day group and share information about all your favorite sites! Yours just might end up on the geeksugar homepage!

Get in Gear: Polar Bike Computer

FitSugar — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:00:00 PDT

A computer for your bike? I know you may be thinking, "I ride my bike to get away from my computer!" Don't worry because a bike computer is just the name of a handy little device you can attach to your bike that gives you all kinds of cool info.

How do they work? A magnet is attached to your bike's front wheel (on a spoke), and a magnet pickup is attached to the fork (the bar that holds your wheel). With each tire revolution, the pickup is triggered. Based on the calibration you set for your bike (stats about your bike like tire size), the computer calculates the distance you've traveled, your speed, and other measures, depending on the sophistication of the computer.

I found one that's not too expensive called the Polar CS 100b Wireless Bike Computer ($85).

It's wireless, so you don't have to deal with securing wires around the fork of your bike. The mount attaches to your bike stem or your handlebars, and the computer attaches to the mount. It's simple to use and the large display is easy to read. Instantly, you can look down and find out how fast you are going, how long you've been riding, and how many miles you've biked.

This bike computer is water-resistant, so it can take rain and a few splashes if you are riding in puddles. It uses a CR2032 battery, which you can replace yourself. There's even a low battery indicator that'll tell you when you should replace it.

I'm a huge fan of keeping track of your workouts. It motivates you to workout and allows you to chart your progress. When I run, I use the Nike + Sports Kit for my iPod Nano, and when I bike, I use a basic bike computer like this one made by Polar.

NikePlus.com Motivates Me to Exercise

FitSugar — Thu, 12 Jul 2007 14:30:00 PDT

People exercise for different reasons, and everyone should be exercising regularly. That's easier said than done. You definitely have to have a few tricks up your sleeve to help you stay motivated. Here's one of mine.

I bought an iPod Nano ($150) and Nike + iPod Sports Kit ($30) and I use it every time I go for a run or walk. Basically you plug the receiver into your Nano, and attach the sensor to your left shoe. Nike makes special Nike + sneakers (of course), and the sensor fits snugly in the shoe under the foot bed. I like to wear whatever brand of sneaker I want, so I just use a RunAway ($7.99) - it's a waterproof capsule that holds your sensor and attaches to your laces.

Want to know how it works? Then

When you go for a run or walk, the sensor on your shoe monitors your time, speed, distance, and how many calories you've burned (just wish it had a heart rate monitor too). If you hit the center button on your Nano, you'll hear a voice tell you all that info (very cool). Then when you get home, just plug your Nano into your computer and all your data automatically gets sent to NikePlus.com. It keeps track of all your runs, so you can track your progress.

You can even set goals for yourself, like run 12 times in 4 weeks, or run 20 miles in 4 weeks. I set a goal to burn 1800 calories in 4 weeks and when I reached my goal I got a "Congratulations," and a little award in my virtual trophy case. It's kind of like those gold stars I put on my calendar - a little silly maybe, but very motivating.

The bottom line is you need to find what motivates you. Tracking my progress online really gets me on a regular exercise schedule, and because I can see my stats in stone, it motivates me to keep pushing my personal limits.

Help! My Ex Won't Leave Me Alone

DearSugar — Fri, 25 May 2007 06:00:00 PDT

Dear Sugar--

I've recently broke up with my fiance after a 2-year, long distance relationship. The truth is I was over him a long time ago since he was never there with me and the relationship was more like a burden to me. Anyways, he was devastated after we broke up because he had always been very dependent on me emotionally and it seemed as if I was his only friend.
Since the break up, he has been trying to become my friend. At first, I agreed to it because I felt guilty for breaking up with him. However, being friends with him hasn't worked out so well since he is still in love with me and has refused to accept the fact that we have no chance of getting back together. I am dating somebody else so I decided that it would be better for him if we didn't talk anymore so I try to not answer his emails and I blocked him from social networks that I am in. That didn't work and he continues to call, email, and contact me through an organization website that I am involved with. He is currently overseas right now so he can't really see me but I am scared that once he's back, he will try to see me and cause problems with my current boyfriend. What can I do to make this easier on all of us? --Over it Olivia

To see DEARSUGAR's answer

Dear Over it Olivia--

I am sorry you are feeling the pressure of an overbearing ex, it sounds as though he is having a hard time moving on, which is a completely normal reaction after being engaged for 2 years. With that said, have you been giving him any mixed signals or any indication that you would consider getting back together? Remaining friends with an ex, especially one who clearly still has feelings for you can make for a bumpy road ahead. Is he aware that you are dating someone else? Have you told him you want him to keep his distance or have you just been avoiding him altogether?

Your ex deserves your complete honesty. While I am sure being friends made you feel less guilty at first, you're right to cut off all ties with him. The only way he will move on is if he truly feels you are not a part of his life anymore. Since you had a long distance relationship, talking on the phone and e-mailing as "friends" isn't all that different than how you communicated as an engaged couple.

I wouldn't worry about the future until there is something to worry about. If he does come back to cause trouble with you and your new boyfriend, you're just going to have to be firm with him, tell him to back off, and hope he respects the fact that you have moved on with your life. Hopefully after he sees you have, he will be able to do the same. Good luck to you.

Source

Spring Running Tip: Set a Goal

FitSugar — Wed, 21 Mar 2007 03:30:00 PDT

Maybe you're new to running, or maybe you've been running for years. Whatever your experience is, everyone can benefit from setting a goal. Here are some ideas for personal goals you can set for yourself. I recommend that you make them reasonable. They should be challenging enough to make you work hard, but not so difficult that they'll never be achieved.

Run a specific distance - Maybe you have a goal that every time you run, you go for 1 mile, or 3 miles, or 10 miles. However far you choose to run, start off with a doable distance and then gradually work your way up.

Run for a specific amount of time - If you are just starting out, set a goal of let's say 5 minutes. As you run more often, and build up your endurance, you can increase the amount of time.
Run at a certain pace or run faster) - For some people, their speed is important to them. You can challenge yourself to run faster at a constant rate.
Run to burn calories - If you're running to lose weight, you may want to measure how many calories you're burning each time. You can set a goal, so that each time you run, you burn X amount of calories. The Nike + iPod that works with an iPod Nano will tell you how many calories you've burned. Some pedometers will also give that kind of info, as do heart rate monitors.
Run to raise your target heart rate - Maybe you're running to improve your heart health and circulation. You may want to purchase a heart rate monitor to measure how hard your heart is pumping.

Want to see the other goals? Then

Run more often - If you have a running regimen that involves running once a week, you may want to run more frequently, and increase your running to twice or four times a week. Make sure you can fit it into your work or family schedule.
Train for a race - This year I'm setting the goal to sign up for a 5K. There are tons of races, half-marathons and marathons out there - just check the races in your area to find one that's right for you.

Fit's Tips: Once you set a goal, and then accomplish it, make sure you celebrate in some healthy way. Buy yourself a new sports bra or new music to run to. You'll feel much better about treating yourself in a way that supports your active lifestyle.

Map My Run

FitSugar — Fri, 15 Dec 2006 03:30:00 PST

Do you run in a city (or anywhere in the USA) but have no idea how far you're actually going on your exact route? If you're like me you just assume it's a mile or so.

MapMyRun.com is a cool online tool that enables you to type in your starting address and map out your run from start, through every twist and turn, to finish. The whole thing is a little difficult to use but once you figure it out, it's great.

I found out that my usual run home from work is 1.83 miles and that my walk to the grocery store is about .68 miles (there and back).

Check it out! How far are you actually running (or walking)? Let me know below!

Jennifer Lopez Takes the Stage With Marc Then Parties With Casper

Katie Henry — Sun, 27 May 2012 17:50:52 PDT

Sin City got a double dose of celebrity last night when Jennifer Lopez and Marc Anthony took the stage together at Mandalay Bay. The pair reunited in Las Vegas for a live showcase of the acts they discovered while taping their reality show, ¡Q'Viva! The Chosen. J Lo and Marc were all smiles and shared a loving embrace, though they performed separately in front of the sold out crowd.

Later in the evening J Lo moved the party to the Hyde nightclub inside the Bellagio. She was joined by Casper Smart to celebrated the launch of her latest single, "Goin' In." The couple kept a close distance inside the club and left hand-in-hand around 3AM. Casper and Jen are planning to spend the Summer together while she embarks on an international tour with Enrique Iglesias.