Dennis Harting asked:


It is always interesting to watch how society attempts to make people conform. Social conditioning is one of the most powerful motivators we encounter. The fact that most of it occurs without our knowledge is what makes it so effective. People will fight to defend their beliefs without even being aware of where those ideas came from. Unfortunately, the majority of us are nothing more than “products of our environment”. We rarely become something that we consciously chose. Rather, those who we spent the most time with influenced us into believing what we do.

When it comes to relationships and sex, society is clear on what it’s belief is. Heterosexual marriage is the accepted model. This is the best way to maintain order while ensuring the reproduction of the “village”. People who enter this state end up raising a family which carries the population forward. Also, married couples provide an overall stability to the community. They tend to settle down in an area while establishing some roots. The focus often shifts away from individual fulfillment to that of the family. It is a wonderful concept and appropriate in most situations.

However, there are a large number of people who are not designed for this lifestyle. Yet society fails to deliver the message that it is alright for one to find a lifestyle that is suitable to him or her. Many believe that if someone is not of this mold, then there must be something wrong. Yet, there are many different lifestyles for people to choose from. Of course, there is the choice of staying single. For a lot of people, this is the ideal way to live life. Some people are ********** or bisexual. Their preference strays a bit from the norm. Then there are those who prefer the “swinging” lifestyle. Monogamy is not something that works for them. These are just a few of the choices people can make when deciding what they want in life.

Part of living a rich life is making the choices that make you happy. Too many people allow others to make the decisions for them and wonder why they are not fulfilled. You are the only one who has to live your life. It is imperative that you select those things that coincide with your true nature.

Attempting to live a lifestyle that is not true to us will result in failure. We have heard of the man who leaves his wife for another man. He comes “out of the closet”. Afterwards, people wonder why he would do such a thing. The answer is that he simply was trying to live a lifestyle that did not fit him. Certainly he may not have known his sexual preference when he got married. Nevertheless, the pressures of our culture deter the investigation into what fits this individual. He was trained from a young age that he should get married and raise a family. That is the conditioning of society.

Naturally, this is not to imply that there is anything wrong with marriage or family. The point is that basically they are not for everyone. However, the judgments of others is another powerful weapon. People who fail to obey the cultural norm are belittled. For example, what is the opinion of people who engage in group ***. The majority of society looks down upon those people. They call them all kinds of names. Individuals who claim to be “open-minded” judge the daylights out of these people. Since they do not fit into the proper model, weapons are brought out in an attempt to make them conform. Naturally, violence is outlawed in the era so other tactics are utilized. The biggest is to let people know they “do not fit in”. This carries considerable pressure. We all want to be a part of something. Our humanness dictates this. Man (in the species sense) is a social animal. We are designed to interact with other people.

When seeking personal happiness, it is important that we choose a sexual/romantic situation that accommodates us. We need to give ourselves the freedom to make the proper choice. If being married and living in a monogamous relationship works for you, follow that path. However, if something else is more to your nature, it is best to follow that. A word of caution: it is often difficult to be true to your decision. There will be a number of people who will attempt to influence you. This will be done with the claim that they want you to be happy. Of course, they operate under the presumption that they know what is best for you. You are the only one who can make this decision.

Here’s is a common example. I once worked with a guy who knew that he was cut out for the swinger lifestyle. Throughout his dating career, he was in numerous long-term, monogamous relationships. He told me that he was not happy in those situations even though the women were wonderful. They were ideal candidates for married life. Unfortunately for them, he was not. After some research, he realized that another lifestyle fit him better. He consciously chose to pursue it. Until he met that “special” someone. She was ideal in all manners except that she was not interested in swinging. As you can guess, issues arose. We talked on a number of different occasions about this. In the end, he had to let her go. Neither of them would enjoy happiness engaging in the other’s lifestyle. Ultimately he did find someone who was pursuing the same interests as him. Today, they are very happy together.

In summary, be mindful of the choices you make with your life. Understand there was a lot of conditioning that influenced you. Society has a way of training us to behave in certain ways. Resist the temptation to go against your core. If another path sits better with you, follow it. Your happiness rests upon the decisions that you make. Even though those closest to you will have their opinions and judgments, they do not live your life. It is your responsibility to make live a rich and full life.



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Ade D’Almeida asked:


The Choice is Yours!

 

 

As a single person journeys along the pathway of life they have to continuously make choices which will ultimately lead them to, or affect their destiny. In this article I want to look at the lives of some single people and review their choice of lifestyle and its impact on their future. We will look at the choice, consequence and the cure for each lifestyle.

 

 

Lifestyle 1: One foot in one foot out

 

The Choice: James is a new Christian and truly loves God but also he truly loves some of the things he used to do. Before he became a Christian he particularly enjoyed ***. Now he cannot imagine how it is possible to have a relationship that is “God’s Way”!

 

The Consequence: He may be the father of many babies. He may get a Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) and he may experience feelings of guilt and frustration, as he is torn between lifestyles, trying to give up one for the other. The most dangerous Consequence of all is spiritual death.

 

The Cure:      2 Corinthians 5:17 – James needs to remember he is a new creature

                        Ephesians 4:22-24 – He needs to put off what is of the old man

 

In short: face the challenge, think it through, and make that change!

 

 

Lifestyle 2: Dress to Tease

 

The Choice: June loves wearing the latest fashions. She has gone beyond the boundary of the decent into the scanty. She has made up her mind – she will not be an old maid! Therefore she thinks the less she puts on, the more the chances of her being picked.

 

The Consequence: She will not be taken seriously, and if approached at all, it will be for the wrong reasons. She has made herself a prey for abuse and/or misuse by the wrong man.

 

The Cure:      1 Timothy 2:9a – June can get a few tips on dressing here

                        1 Peter 3:3 – She needs to find her true value

                        Proverbs 31:25 – The secret to dressing well

 

In short: dress well, add value to your life and you will be found by a Boaz!

 

Lifestyle 3: The Superficial

 

The Choice: Byron has chosen to focus on the superficial things of life. His second name is Bozo. He enjoys presenting himself as a man of substance but really he is shallow. In depth discussions scare him…after all he might be discovered.

 

The Consequence: A shallow relationship. An empty lifestyle. A superficial friendship.

 

The Cure:      Matthew 10:16 – Byron is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

                        1 Samuel 16:7 – Listen to the Lord, he knows the inside

                        James 1:8 – You do not want to join your future to instability!

 

In short: spot him/her… and run for your life!

 

Lifestyle 4: No Hope

 

The Choice: Jane did not actually choose to get to this point but because she allowed the cares of life to dictate her emotions, she has now lost hope. Due to no one having spoken to her in five years she can’t see the point in taking care of herself. Doing her hair or makeup is a no-go area. 

 

The Consequence: Whilst inner beauty is of great importance, outside appearance is often assessed first. Other consequences include depression and discouragement as the perpetuation of not being asked continues. Low self-esteem can also manifest as the desire to meet a person is not met.

 

The Cure:      Job 14:14 – Jane needs to keep on waiting patiently for there is an appointed time. If Job had his, she will have hers

            Romans 4:21 – God is not a man that He should lie, He is faithful to His word concerning her life

 

In short: focus on the now and develop self on the way to where you are going

 

Lifestyle 5: Commitment Phobic

 

The Choice: Maggie has not been able to close the door on a yesterday relationship. She meditates on it and thinks through it again and again. She does not want to try again for fear of another break up. She claims she is married to Jesus and wants all the ‘satans’ to leave her alone.

 

The Consequences: She is unable to commit to anyone and because of her fear of involvement many suitors have emotional scars for having dated her. She has become bitter and nothing can make her come out of her fortified tower.

 

The Cure:      Hebrews 12:15 – Free yourself of bitterness, it destroys you and those around

                        Ephesians 4:23 – Let yesterday die and allow your spirit to be renewed

 

In short: yesterday is in the grave, tomorrow is in the womb, so seize today and make it count.

 

Lifestyle 6: Steadfast

 

The Choice: Joseph is confident on the way to where he is going. He knows he has milestones on the journey and is following his targets one by one. He is a good friend to all, enjoys the atmosphere of worship and serves faithfully in Church. The commitment to God he shows in church is the same at home, where he prays and seeks to know God for himself.

 

The Consequences: As he walks with the Lord, at the appropriate time, he will see, be seen and propose to the perfect will of God for his life. He will have prepared for her arrival and she will be the Queen of his house, a support to him. Should any difficulty arise, they will both go to the manufacturer – the source who brought them together – God.

 

The Cure?      None prescribed, this is where we all desire to be.

 

In short: With God as the third person in their relationship, they will live happily ever after!

 

So now shall we say:   The Choice is yours!

                                    To rejoice or to cry

                                    To lift your head up or to bow

                                    To live or to just exist

                                    To live a dream or to live a lie

                                    Seize the day, choose God’s way



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peterhutch asked:


The term lifestyle was originally coined by Austrian psychologist Alfred Adler in 1929. The current broader sense of the word dates from 1961. In sociology, a lifestyle is the way a person lives. A lifestyle is a characteristic bundle of behaviors that makes sense to both others and oneself in a given time and place, including social relations,consumption, entertainment, and dress. The behaviors and practices within lifestyles are a mixture of habits, conventional ways of doing things, and reasoned actions. A lifestyle typically also reflects an individual’s attitudes, values or worldview.

Having a specific “lifestyle” means engaging in a characteristic bundle of behaviors that makes sense to both others and the self in different times and places. Therefore, a lifestyle can be used to forge a sense of self identity and to create cultural symbols for the way a person is. The behaviors and practices within lifestyles are a mixture of habits, conventional ways of doing things, and reasoned actions.

At Lifestyles, our exercise specialists are certified by the American Council on Exercise as Personal Trainers. They provide professional supervision of all fitness activities and services, and design individualized programs for people of all ages with diverse fitness goals: healthy adults, post-cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation patients, deconditioned and unconditioned adults, and adolescents desiring high-intensity sports conditioning programs. Lifestyles is dedicated to health, nutrition and the betterment of your life. We research, develop and manufacture the highest quality natural health, nutrition and body care products and make them available through thousands of Independent Distributors worldwide.

Lifestyles keeps you informed about the latest in health and nutrition, encourages personal and family growth, community contribution, and can even provide financial security for those interested in their own part-time or full-time business. As a Lifestyles Independent Distributor, you are a self-employed businessperson, working with Lifestyles but not for Lifestyles. Indian lifestyles clearly glorify the geography. The food, clothing and habits of an Indian differ in accordance to the place of origin.

UTI India Lifestyle Fund (UTI-ILF) is a 3-Yr close-ended fund with an automatic conversion into an open-ended scheme at the end of the stipulated tenure. The fund seeks to capitalise on the opportunities emerging from the changing Indian demographics, lifestyles and rising consumption pattern. By limiting itself to lifestyle-related sectors, the fund stands to lose out on investment opportunities in other sectors/themes like infrastructure, banking, finance (particularly industrial finance) and software. Although, the fund does have a provision to invest a portion of assets in such sectors, the bulk of its investments will be in lifestyle-related sectors.

In public health, “lifestyle” generally means a pattern of individual practices and personal behavioral choices that are related to elevated or reduced health risk. Since the mid-1970s, there has been a growing recognition of the significant contribution of personal behavior choices to health risk—in the United States thirty-eight percent of deaths in 1990 were attributed to tobacco, diet and activity patterns, and alcohol. Equally important, illnesses attributable to lifestyle choices play a role in reducing health-related quality of life and in creating health disparities among different segments of the population.



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David Kamau asked:

There are many myths and misconceptions around swing lifestyles (or simply “swinging”). Just what is swinging about and who are the so so-called swingers?

Swinging can be defined as the act of sharing yourself and your spouse with another couple, or other couples, with the full knowledge of all involved. It is the participants of this lifestyle who are referred to as swingers.

There quite a few myths and misconception about swinging and swingers. One common misconception is that swinging is the definition of swinging as “wife swapping.” This definition is inaccurate in that it does not explain to explain the full range of sexual activities that swinging encompasses. It also gives the impression of a male-favored activity, which too is inaccurate as swinging involves full participation of both partners.

Another common misconception is that swingers are older couples who are bordering on being *********. The swing lifestyle is composed of people of all ages, including ordinary next-door types who exemplify marital happiness.

In fact, one of the requirements for people seeking to join a swinger’s group or party is that the couple must be reasonably happy in their marriage. The reason for this is that swinging should not be used as an escape from or alternative to an unhappy relationship.

Most people find it inconceivable that one would allow his/her partner to have casual *** with another person, stranger or not. But to swingers, this is an acceptable form of social recreation.

Swing lifestyles and activities are as broad and varied as are swingers. They include:

1. Soft swinging: Also known as soft swap, this is doing everything with another person except sexual ***********. Usually they will stop at the last minute and switch back to their original partner. At this point they might choose to have *** with their own partner in front of the other people. Most first-time swingers begin this way.

2. Open swinging: This is when the couples swap (know as full swap) and actually have sexual *********** in the same room or on the same bed. This includes threesomes, orgies, exhibitionism, voyeurism and anything in between.

3. Closed swinging: Usually a full swap, but sexual *********** takes place in separate rooms. This is for those who feel the need for more freedom or don’t like interruptions. This type of swing is mainly practiced by the more experienced couples, as a higher degree of trust is essential.

Why do they do it? Why would anyone want to be a swinger? Well, the reasons are as varied as the couples themselves.

One reason is the need to explore sexual fantasies without having to “cheat” on one’s partner. Maybe they just want variety in their *** lives, or good old fun. The couple may have married too young and never had a chance to “sow their wild oats.” And so on.

Does this mean that the couples never feel any jealousy? This is the biggest hurdle to overcome, especially in the beginning. Not all couples go through with it. A number of those who stick with it say that jealousy actually makes them even more sexually charged up, as well as creates deeper interest in their mates.

Some swingers claim that it is the actual giving or “letting go” in order to make the partner happy that is the essence of this lifestyle.

Obviously, not all couples can be swingers (this writer is not one) and this article is not about asking you to become one. As with anything else, swing lifestyles do carry certain liabilities and risks, which are subject of another article.

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Brad Howard asked:


With the percentage of overweight people increasing throughout the world, one has to think that their have to be more variables in play than just “fast food”. The world is hustling and with the advent of computers and the internet, the hustling is more informational and mental than physical. So, if the majority of us are trying to lose weight in some form or another, the main question we need to ask ourselves is “Are we addicted to our lifestyles?”

Bad Habits or Lifestyle Addition

If you are reading this right now, there is a huge chance that you are overweight. After all, studies show that 64.5% of Americans fall into the overweight category. (F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies are Failing in America, 2005)

Here are a few questions you need to ask yourself:

• Have you been trying to lose weight but seem to keep falling into the same rut?

• Do you constantly tell yourself that you need to lose weight but just can’t get around to it?

• Have you thought about losing weight, but keep telling yourself that it’s not a big deal?

• Do you ever lie to yourself and think that people should love you for you and not because of how big you are?

The funny thing is that no one saying yes to only a few of these questions. It’s either all or none. If you’ve said yes, congratulations: you’re addicted to your lifestyle!

Lifestyle addiction explained

Have you ever seen a drug addict or are you familiar with a person with an alcohol problem? Have you seen their struggles?

These people have huge problems getting away from those drugs. They need support networks and strong councelling just to make it through the day.

Now, of course, these are very strong physical dependencies. A lifestyle addiction would be classified as a psychological dependency. If would compare to “needing” your husband or wife when they leave you.

You know that you shouldn’t care and that you should just let go…but you can’t…and you can’t figure out why. Losing weight can, and often does, fall into this same category. Let’s say that you’ve been on an exercise and diet plan for 3 days but you break your plan on the third day. A drug addict would call that a relapse, right? You can see where I am going with this.

The Justification of a Lifestyle Addition

Let’s classify an addiction using these assumptions:

• An addiction is something that you don’t see as a problem, yet you get angry when someone else says it is (Doc says, “Hey Bob, you need to drop 20 pounds.)

• An addiction is a “rut” that you can’t get out of (I just don’t have time)

• An addiction is something that harms you in the long run, but is satisfying in the short run (Oh, that chocolate cake looks so good)

• An addiction is a problem that you can’t change because of “willpower”. (I just can’t seen to get motivated)

• An addiction is something that’s “too tough” to change (Twenty pounds, I’ll NEVER be able to lose that much)

Face it. If you need to lose weight, but just can’t take the time to get around to it, you are addicted to your lifestyle. It’s an ugly way to look at it. After all, who wants to be grouped in the same group as ***** addicts, alcoholics, psycho boyfriends, and the such.

No one. But the premise is still the same. The ugly truth is still here no matter whose glasses you look at the world through.

Losing weight is a serious matter and it is about time you look at it that way. The shear fact that you might be having trouble doing it just reinforces this even more. Look, it’s your life and your journey.

Don’t lie to yourself anymore. If a doctor told you that you would die tomorrow if you didn’t get in at least 30 minutes of exercise today, would you go about your day and ignore the doctor (because he/she OBVIOUSLY doesn’t know what he/she is talking about) or would you immediately rearrange your day and find a way to get it done?

Think about all of the above definitions before you answer. I’d like to think you’d get off your **** and do something. After all…in this particular case…it’s do or die.

So…what are you going to do?



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Debbie King asked:

“I want to feeeeeel you.” This sentiment is something that, if you are a guy, you have said numerous times, and if you are a girl, you have heard a million times as an excuse for not using a condom during your most intimate encounters together. Having *** au naturale is and always will be the best, but when you want to prevent an unplanned pregnancy and avoid a definitely unwanted sexually transmitted disease, using condoms is the only way to go, or cum…

LifeStyles SKYN condoms are the first premium condoms made from Polyisoprene—a scientifically formulated, new non-latex material that really does feel like you are wearing nothing at all. This is great news for all of those **** cats, whether male or female, who are allergic to latex condoms. Now, there is no excuse for not wearing a condom, which is one of the most effective forms of birth control that also prevents sexually transmitted diseases. Made out of a non-latex material, these SKYN condoms are so thin that you really do feel like you are wearing only your birthday suit. You and your partner will be able to celebrate every sensation you want to feel during *********** because these condoms are ultra thin and have been scientifically proven to enhance the ****** experience.

If you know you are allergic to latex or you don’t want to take the chance since a fear of breaking out in your privates while in the throes of passion (can you imagine?) is just too unthinkable, these LifeStyles SKYN condoms may be just for you. They do not contain any natural rubber latex yet they are still totally effective. They feel super thin on and protect like all LifeStyles condoms.

As you know, LifeStyles is a name that you can trust when it comes to condoms. Even though condoms are designed for use with someone, each SKYN condom is tested individually to ensure maximum effectiveness for you and your partner. Put through an electronic test, SKYN condoms meet U.S. Safety & Reliability standards, every time, or they never make it to you. So, if you use them properly, LifeStyles SKYN condoms can be your most reliable form of protection. And they’ll feel oh so good while you are doing it.

So, with SKYN condoms, guys are totally taken care of—these condoms are super thin for an incredibly natural feel and made of a non-latex material for those with allergies. Some girls may think that condoms feel too dry to use every time they get it on. LifeStyles considered this too so they made SKYN condoms lubricated to satisfy the ladies, as well. The lubrication on SKYN condoms makes them extra smooth for thrusting—for him and her, so everyone can feel ecstatic with sexual pleasure.

LifeStyles claims that their ultra thin, polyisoprene non-latex SKYN condoms are the closest thing to wearing nothing. Try them out and you be the judge. We know you’ll love them.

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David Pattie asked:

Lifestyle is a way of way of life or style of living that reflects the attitudes and values of a person or group. Lifestyle generally means a pattern of individual practices and personal behavior and related to elevated or reduced health risk. In sociology, lifestyle means the way of a person lives. A lifestyle also reflects an individuals attitudes, values and worldwide. In day to day life, lifestyle has become blurred in among modern society.

A lifestyle is a characteristic bundle of behaviors that makes sense to both others and oneself in a given time and place, including social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. Lifestyle is a mixture of habits, conventional ways of doing things, and reasoned actions. Lifestyle was originally discovered by Austrian psychologist.

A lifestyle is a characteristic bundle of behaviors that makes sense to both others and oneself in a given time and place, including social relations, consumption, entertainment, and dress. A lifestyle typically also reflects an individual’s attitudes, values or worldwide. The lines between personal identity and the everyday doings that signal a particular lifestyle become blurred in modern society.

When lifestyle became popular a generation ago, a number of critics objected to it as voguish and superficial, perhaps because it appeared to elevate habits of consumption, dress, and recreation to categories in a system of social classification. Nonetheless, the word has proved durable and useful, if only because such categories do in fact figure importantly in the schemes that Americans commonly invoke when explaining social values and behavior.

Lifestyles are subject to change by the demands of marketing and technological innovation now a day. Advertisers and marketers provide target and match consumer aspirations with products, or to create aspirations relevant to new products for lifestyle.

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