Cynthia Lawrence

But just when I thought I’d finally conquered the next hurdle of Corey starting pre-school, I was faced with yet a new one. Other mothers.

Don’t: Overindulge at the free bar. Open bars can be a recipe for disaster if abused.

2. We are not used to sharing. Growing up, I was aware of how fortunate I was. I had my own bedroom with my own things, and the added bonus of knowing that all the gifts under the Christmas tree were all mine! So the concept of sharing my space or possessions was a big deal.

The player — His shady behavior raises suspicions, and he never seems to elaborate on what he’s been doing. His phone constantly bleeps which he deliberately ignores (“must be the mother again…”) before switching it off.

Before we’ve even had time to digest the festive season (and the last of the mulled wine), the overwhelming abundance of red hearts, teddy bears, and all things contrived come out to taunt us. They’re everywhere. From the zillion greeting cards, custom chocolates, gift ideas, sex toys, you name it — all in the name of a dude called Cupid.

Growing up, I'd been taught to never think, breathe, or even utter this F-word.

I guess we are all guilty of gender-typing to some degree. It’s ingrained deep in our subconscious and culture. Everywhere we go: shopping malls, in the media, play groups, schools, public bathrooms — and the list goes on. But is it possible to shift the dialogue when it comes to teaching masculinity to boys?

7. Don’t give yourself a Brazilian wax with a razor. It doesn't look sexy at all and more importantly, you could do some serious damage to your lady parts. Ouch! Seek professional help. Or skip it entirely.

It's so easy to sit and pass judgment on why friends or family stay “trapped” in unhappy relationships. We often wonder why she hasn’t left him/her, why can't she see that she could do much better, why can't she value her self-worth, etc.

But while it may seem like the logical thing to do, for many, it’s not so simple in reality. Many complex factors come to play, and people “stick it out” for all kinds of reasons, often at a personal price.

You suddenly spot someone from across the room, on a train to work, or a gas station, and your heart instantly skips a beat, palms get sweaty and you just know that person is ‘the one’, (without even muttering a word to them.) Rubbish! You simply fancy the pants off that person and know they are “the one” who you wouldn’t mind taking to bed in a hurry! Lust is the basis for instant physical attraction, not love