Are You Emotionally Abused? Questions for Women in Heterosexual Relationships

Are You Emotionally Abused? Questions for Women in Heterosexual Relationships

Many women find that emotional abuse is difficult to name or even talk about. They often wonder if it is serious because you cannot see it, like bruises or broken bones. Emotionally abused women state that one of the biggest problems they face is that others seldom take it seriously. These questions will help you identify if you are being emotionally abused, and provide some ideas on what you can do about it.

What is your relationship like?

• Do you feel that something is wrong with your relationship, but you don't know how to describe it?
• Do you feel that your partner controls your life?
• Do you feel that your partner does not value your thoughts or feelings?
• Will your partner do anything to win an argument, such as put you down, threaten or intimidate you?
• Does your partner get angry and jealous if you talk to someone else? Are you accused of having affairs?
• Do you feel that you cannot do anything right in your partner's eyes?
• Do you get mixed messages, such as the reason you are abused is because he loves you?
• Are you told that no one else would want you, or that you are lucky your partner takes care of you?
• Do you have to account for every moment of your time?
• When you try to talk to your partner about problems, are you called names such as bitch or nag?
• Are you prevented from going to work or school, or from learning English?
• Does your partner threaten to withdraw your sponsorship or send you back to your country of origin?
• If you wish to spend money, does your partner make you account for every penny, or say you don't deserve anything?
• After an argument, does your partner insist that you have sex as a way to make up?
• Does he use the children against you in arguments? Does your partner threaten that you will never see the children again if you leave?
• Does your partner blame you for everything that goes wrong?

How are you affected?

• Are you unable or afraid to make decisions for yourself?
• Do you do anything you can to please your partner or not upset him?
• Do you make excuses for your partner's behaviour?
• Are you forgetful, confused or unable to concentrate?
• Have you noticed changes in your eating, sleeping, alcohol or drug use?
• Have you lost interest or energy to do the things you used to?
• Do you feel sick, anxious, tired or depressed a lot of the time?
• Have you lost contact with your friends, family or neighbours?
• Have you lost self-confidence and feel afraid that you could not make it alone?

What can you do about it?

• Realize that emotional abuse is a serious problem and you can get help.
• Recognize that emotional abuse is as bad or worse than physical abuse.
• Take your own safety and the safety of your children seriously.
• Know that emotional abuse can lead to physical violence or death.
• Know that you are not to blame for your partner's abusive behaviour.
• Find people to talk to that can support you. Consider going for counselling.
• Do not give up if community professionals are not helpful. Keep looking for someone that will listen to you and take emotional abuse seriously.
• Recognize that you have the right to make your own decisions, in your own time, and that dealing with any form of abuse may take time.
• Trust yourself and your own experiences. Believe in your own strengths. Remember that you are your own best source of knowledge and strength, and that you already have the tools you need to survive.

Where can you turn to?

• Women's help lines are for you too. Find the number in the front of your phone book.
• Shelters do accept women who are emotionally abused and have not been physically abused. The help line can refer you to the one nearest you. Use the Bell Relay Service if they do not have a TTY. If you have a disability, ask where there is an accessible shelter in your area.
• If you have been threatened with harm or death, or are being stalked (followed and harassed) by your partner or ex-partner, you can call the police. Dial 911, or if you are in a rural area, find out the emergency number.

Source: http://www.womanabuseprevention.com/html/emotional_abuse.html

(I highlighted what applies to me)

SIGNS OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP

To determine whether your relationship is abusive, answer the questions in the table below. The more "yes" answers, the more likely it is that you're in an abusive relationship.

SIGNS OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
Your Inner Thoughts and Feelings	Your Partner's Belittling Behavior
Do you: feel afraid of your partner much of the time? avoid certain topics out of fear of angering your partner? feel that you can't do anything right for your partner? believe that you deserve to be hurt or mistreated? wonder if you're the one who is crazy? feel emotionally numb or helpless?	Does your partner: humiliate, criticize, or yell at you? treat you so badly that you're embarrassed for your friends or family to see? ignore or put down your opinions or accomplishments? blame you for his own abusive behavior? see you as property or a sex object, rather than as a person?
Your Partner's Violent Behavior or Threats	Your Partner's Controlling Behavior
Does your partner: have a bad and unpredictable temper? hurt you, or threaten to hurt or kill you? threaten to take your children away or harm them? threaten to commit suicide if you leave? force you to have sex? destroy your belongings?	Does your partner: act excessively jealous and possessive? control where you go or what you do? keep you from seeing your friends or family? limit your access to money, the phone, or the car? constantly check up on you?

Source: http://www.helpguide.org/mental/domestic_violence_abuse_types_signs_causes_effects.htm

POS

DAM THING WON'T LET ME SIGN IN WITHOUT RESETTING PASSWORD!!

WTH??

Stupid Blogger won't let me sign in!

I have to request password to get on!

Thank you

Thank you for spreading rumors about me.

It made it easier for me to tell dad about the divorce.

More on dad

I could've sworn that I updated this more recently than that.

Dad went home on the 31st. He's weaker but doing OK.

Update on dad

Let's see, the last update was before the 4th.

After dad's fall, they admitted him to the hospital, couldn't find any medical reason to keep him there so the released him Monday night, July 2nd. He got home @ 8:00 p.m.

By 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, I had to call 911 AGAIN!!!! The visiting nurse came in @9 a.m. & he just sort-of collapsed coming out of the bathroom--yes, again but not a bad fall this time and at least she was there to help him. She got him back to his chair and he seemed ok. Then around 1 p.m. the physical therapist came and he could barely move. She got him to his bed which is less than 10 feet away from the chair, but he couldn't do anything. Then @4, his CMT came and she can usually get him up but she couldn't budge him. He just kept falling asleep.

So mom called me to come over & hubby kids & I went. Steve (BIL) was there when I got in and dad was just sort of grunting. His right side was constricted and his left side was twitching wildly. So I called 911 again. He just kept saying he was dying--which he's never said.

They took him to the ER and we got there right away and he was just lying on the gurney--hadn't even been checked yet!!! The nurse came the the doctor--who was cute but useless--and they couldn't find anything wrong but they sent him down for an x-ray or ultrasound and when he got back, he looked like he was sleeping, just snoring away.

I wanted to wake him up but hubby kept saying to let him sleep! But I wasn't going to do that! So I just kept yelling & shaking him but he wouldn't wake up! I opened his eyelids and his eyes were rolled up and his pupils were fixed. So we got the nurse and she checked the got the dr and he checked. Dr said that this wasn't good--WELL DUH!! Then he just starts talking like that's it, he's dead. Asked about living will, etc.

I sat down next to dad and held his right hand and rubbed his arm and just kept talking to him. I sat there for over an hour,just talking and calling him. Mom was sitting in a chairm just in shock, very out of it and my sister was sitting next to her, crying. My BIL was trying to get her to talk to him in case he was going, but she just couldn't. :(

So she wanted to go outside & I went with her. It was pouring rain but we were in a covered alcove where the ambulances come. We were there for @10 minutes when hubby came running out saying that he was awake!!

So they sent him to the ECC, which is one step below the ICU. He was there for 2 days, then they transferred him to a regular room. After numerous tests and STILL no explanation, they transferred him to Marianjoy Rehabilitation hospital on the 10th.

This place is phenominal! They already have him up & eating and are working him daily, which is great since he was flat on his back for 3 days while he was in the hospital. Our dr says that she doesn't expect that he'll recover to where he was before all of this happened, but she does see him coming home with help.

Back to Friday June 29th, mom & I were visiting so she asked him why he thought he was dying. He said that he saw his parents and started naming other old friends who've passed. Then he said that he heard me calling him and that if it wasn't for me, he'd have been gone!

He has since told me that several times. :D He called me 5 times to wish me a happy birthday on Monday--sang to me. :D And just keeps telling me that he heard me calling him.

So when he got to Marianjoy, he asked where I wanted to go to my bday dinner. I said I wanted to go to the club & we'll all go when he gets out. :)

Today was a beautiful day when mom, Ariel & I visited--Aaron was at Sylvan--so we wheeled him out to their enabling garden. Was very very, but lots of wasps. There was a beautiful butterfly following us while we were outside, then landed on dad's leg as Ariel was maneuvering the wheel chair around to go back to his room.

He's in good spirits. :D So much so that he wants to attend a gold outing at Cog Hill on Friday! No, not to golf! Just to visit. They said that he should be able to attend, as long as he's able.

So I think I can finally relax a little.

Dad

Dad fell this morning while trying to get to the bathroom. We were going to their house anyway to pick up my mom to go to the DMV.

When we got there, he was laying on the floor. So the four of us tried to move him to the stairs. He was like dead weight. Somehow we got him to the stairs but he couldn't get himself up. He was not acting like himself. After 45 minutes of trying, I called 911 and asked for paramedics.

Long story short, he's been admitted. They think it's an infection in his lungs since there were spots on his chest x-ray.

He's so out of it. Kept asking where he was.

I doubt he'll ever be coming back home, short of a miracle.

Is Your Love Style Passionate or Compassionate?

You Are 74% Passionate, 26% Compassionate

You are very passionate, especially when it comes to love. In fact, it's sometimes difficult for you to tell between love and lust. You jump in head first, and figure things out later... usually when it's all over!

Is Your Love Style Passionate or Compassionate?

Where's Insomnia Theatre?

I hate not being able to sleep!

Bored?

Dear Betsy,

Feeling bored? If so, that could mean that your brain is "hungry." Did you know that you can "feed" and keep your brain in shape, just like you can with your body? I've just been reading about what seems to be a growing movement to encourage people to do mental aerobics, or exercise for the brain.

Just like the body, your brain needs stimulation, or exercise, to keep its cells active and efficient. It's rather like the old saying, "use it or lose it." And it isn't only elderly people who may be concerned about such things as memory loss. According to Dr. Gary Small, the director of the Center on Ageing at the University of California, brain "ageing" can occur in people in their twenties or thirties. Evidently genetics plays a part in brain ageing, but only by about a third. The other two-thirds has to do with our environment and lifestyle choices.

The next time you're feeling bored or perhaps less than alert, why not try a little mental exercise to sharpen up those brain cells? I've started to collect some exercises, and here are just a few suggestions:

Try counting backwards from 100 to zero as fast as you can.
Pick a letter from the alphabet and name 20 words that start with it as quickly as you can.
Recite the names of all the teachers you've ever had.
Switch to the other hand to do tasks. For example, if you are right-handed, use your left hand, and vice versa.

And one of my favorites is – wiggle your toes! This is a good way to "wake up" your brain in the morning. While you're still in bed, slowly begin to move your toes, wiggling, scrunching and stretching them. Move them up and down, and then try just moving your big toes. This actually activates nerves that stimulate your brain. You can also do this if you've been sitting a while; it will help you become more alert.

So, Betsy, put your mind to it!

Until next week,

P.S. Betsy, we hope that you are enjoying your Biorhythm readings. Remember that you can check them daily to monitor your emotional, intellectual and physical rhythms. They can come in handy.

Mother's Day

My Mother's Day gift to myself: I asked for a "trial" separation.

And you know what? My BP dropped!!

I felt relieved.

Mantra

What's your mantra? If you don't have one, maybe you'd like to consider making up one of your own. A mantra is just a word or a phrase that you repeat several times aloud or in your mind that helps bring a sense of calm and peace to you. "Mantra" literally means "to free from the mind," and that's what it does – repeating a mantra helps banish all those many anxious thoughts or stressful feelings we seem to acquire throughout the day and clears the mind.

When you repeat a mantra, it has been shown to have a direct impact on the body and emotions. In studies done of people who repeated their mantras daily, it was found that they had reduced their stress levels and anxiety and increased their sense of well-being. So you could think of a mantra as your "comfort" words.

While a mantra can be a prayer, like saying the "Hail Mary" used on a rosary or the "om-mani-padme-om" in Buddhism, a mantra can also be a personal motto, or a phrase that inspires you or that expresses something you believe in. It could be something like "go with the flow," "all is well," "take it easy," or "love surrounds me." It's important that whatever you choose is something personal that has meaning for you.

Saying your mantra daily could even help your heart. According to a study in a British medical journal, when people recited their mantras, their breathing became more regular and synchronized with their heart rhythms. This stable respiratory rate is beneficial for long-term heart health.

You can say your mantra at any time throughout the day, for as long or short a time as you wish. You can "think" your mantra while waiting somewhere or riding public transportation, or devote some time at home to say it aloud as a form of meditation when you can sit comfortably.

So, Betsy, why not give it a try? Create your own little oasis of peace throughout the day, and you'll be the better for it.

~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-~-*-

My mantra?

All men are assholes and as soon as you forget it, they'll remind you.

Nice idea

Dear Betsy,

Generally, I don't believe in the idea of a "quick fix" or instant gratification, but I have to say I was intrigued when I ran across an article about "7 Ways to Make Yourself Happier in the Next Hour." The author spent a year testing out the various theories of current scientific studies on happiness, and came up with seven points. Each of them can help lift your mood and give you a sense of accomplishment. I wanted to share them with you, Betsy, so you can try them out for yourself.

The idea is to try to do as many of them as you can in an hour.

Boost your energy by getting up and moving around. Taking a brisk ten-minute walk is best, because when you are moving faster, your metabolism speeds up and the activity is good for your focus and mood and helps you retain information.

Reach out to friends. Arrange a lunch date or send an email to someone you haven't seen for a while. Socializing boosts moods and having close bonds with others is one of the keys to happiness.

Get an old task out of the way. If you've been procrastinating about a chore, tackle it now. Like making that doctor or dental appointment, or arranging to get broken equipment fixed. You'll feel a sense of relief and a burst of energy.

Create a calmer environment. Just clearing some space around you, or getting things in order will give you a sense of serenity.

Plan some future fun. Decide to get to that new movie, or order a book you've been wanting to read, or plan an activity with friends or family. Having fun on a regular basis is necessary to happiness, and anticipation is a part of that.

Do a good deed. Something as simple as holding a door for someone or offering praise can help, because the adage "do good, feel good" really works.

Act happy. Smile! Just going through the motion of happiness lifts your spirits and makes you more approachable.

So, Betsy, why not give it a try – and get happy!

Smile

Smile! Did you ever have a stranger come up to you and say that? Well, I did. I was waiting in line at the bank the other day, and someone said that to me. She also added, "Things can't be that bad, can they?" Now, I wasn't feeling bad about anything – just thinking something through. But I guess I must have had a serious expression on my face.

Now, I don't think anyone can go around smiling all the time, but I've discovered that smiling can do quite a lot for you. First, it makes you more attractive. People are more drawn to others who smile, and smiling can be contagious. It also uses quite a few muscles in the face and makes you look younger. I'm all for that! Who needs a face lift when they can smile instead?

When you're stressed, you can look tired or worn down. And there again, smiling not only makes you look better, but the simple act of smiling can actually help relieve stress and lower your blood pressure. It can also boost your immune system to work better, probably because you are more relaxed. This in turn helps your body release good things like endorphins, natural painkillers, and serotonin, all of which make you feel better and raise your spirits.

Smiling can even help you be more successful. When you smile, you appear confident, and it's only natural that people react to that. When a quick smile can help boost your energy, your looks, and your confidence, there are so many reasons to smile. Why not do a smile "check" throughout the day? It will help keep your mood and energy up, where they belong.

So, Betsy, say "cheese"!

Sorry I've not written lately

Haven't felt like writing. Bubba died on the 22nd, after having been taken to the ER @ 9 p.m. Poor guy went downhill so quickly!

Then we took the kids to Sprifield to see the Simpsons for spring break. So we've not been here much. Biscuit missed me so badly! Poor dog. I know he thought he was abandonned since the cat and I were both gone.


So the kids go back to school tomorrow and reality will set in again.

xyflar

xyflar

I H8 Flare-ups

I just want to be over all of this pain and misery...

Weekly prediction

Full Moon, Feb 2nd, 00:45 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

Have you noticed the multitude of articles, books, and other information about dealing with stress that seem to be out there these days? It just struck me the other day, when I was paging through a magazine in a waiting room. While they seem to have good suggestions to offer, like getting some exercise, watching your diet, relaxation techniques, and so on, I think they're missing out on another area that could be of help.

Betsy, you've probably heard the phrase about picking up on other people's "vibes." Well, that description is pretty accurate, because actually we are all composed of energy, and each of us emits our very own "force field." Likewise, thoughts and words are forms of energy as well. And when we suffer from stress, often it's because of the pressure of negative thoughts we may have or that we "pick up" from others.

Just like dirt that can accumulate on the body, this negative energy can accumulate as well. What I've found to be very helpful is to do what I call an "energy cleansing." This is a simple visualization that you can perform whenever you wish, but it's especially useful at the end of the day.

Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Imagine that a golden shower of light is descending on you, starting from the top of your head. Visualize it moving downwards through all the parts of your body, cleaning any dark spots that may be there. See it pushing this "sludge" of dark negative energy out of your body down through the soles of your feet into the ground. Keep visualizing this golden light doing its clearing action until there is only the light left in your body. Open your eyes and sit for a few minutes, enjoying the sense of calm and peace.

So, Betsy, why not try this little exercise the next time you're feeling stressed? I hope it will help.

Until next week,

Venus now in Pisces means romance is in the air, but so is deception. You can enjoy a little flirtation, but make sure you know exactly where to draw the line, Betsy, or else things could get messy. On Friday the 2nd, communications planet Mercury also moves into Pisces, making it very difficult to separate fact from fiction. This is also the day of the Full Moon in Leo, so don't let anyone bamboozle you -- even if he or she throws a spectacular and colorful tantrum. Saturday the 3rd is a day of imagination and innovation.

Weekly prediction

First Quarter Moon, Jan. 25th, 6:03 PM EST

Dear Betsy,

I went to visit a friend in the hospital the other day, and I happened to go into the florist shop they had there. I don't know what it is about such places, but as soon as I entered, I felt very calm and soothed. Just being in the presence of so many flowers and green plants was refreshing. So I bought a plant for my friend, and she was delighted to have something natural to look at in her sterile room.

Since then, I've run across research that indicates that the presence of houseplants and flowers can have a beneficial effect on our physical and emotional well-being. Certainly, plants are used in the Chinese art of Feng Shui as bringers of living energy. And scientifically, it is known that houseplants help remove harmful chemicals from the air, absorb noise, lessen dust, and increase moisture in the air.

But did you know, Betsy, that studies have shown that plants also help lower blood pressure, aid in concentration, and improve memory? And it has been found that having flowers in the home boosts your mood and energy level, and people report being happier and more enthusiastic at home and at work.

So there's certainly an incentive to share your living space with green plants and flowers. Even if you don't have a green thumb, there are many simple houseplants that are easy to care for. And you don't need an expensive floral arrangement, you can easily pick up a small bunch of flowers at your local market – whatever strikes your fancy at the time.

So I guess that old slogan about "flower power" is truer than we thought!

Until next week,

Be prepared for some mixed messages on Tuesday the 23rd, as someone you know could be acting a little strangely. You need to maintain a detached attitude as he or she veers from one course of action to another. From Tuesday through Wednesday, the Moon is in powerful and assertive Aries. If you need to lay it on the line to someone who has upset you, be careful not to go over the top. Take what you hear on Friday the 26th with a very large pinch of salt, as it may simply be fantasy.

Weekly prediction

New Moon, Jan. 18th, 11:02 PM EST

Dear Betsy,

Did you ever have one of those experiences where a minor incident leads to a major rethink? Well, that happened to me many years ago. One day, I noticed that my watch had stopped. I grumbled a bit, because I would have to take the time to make an extra trip to get a new watch battery. But I put it out of my mind, and got on with the business at hand.

Gradually, not having a watch, I began to notice that I wasn't always automatically checking the time every once in a while. I settled down into the flow of what I needed to do. It actually gave me a sense of freedom, not always being concerned with what the numbers of a clock said, and I also felt more productive. It gave me a real taste of what "living in the moment" really means. So from that point on, I haven't worn a watch since.

Of course, there are certain things you do need to know the time for, such as appointments or meetings. But I guess I learned the lesson I was meant to. How about you, Betsy? If you find yourself a "slave to the clock," why not try a similar experiment. See how long you can go without knowing the actual time and how that affects you and what you need to do. It could be a real eye-opener.

Until next week,

It may just be boring old Monday, but on the 15th Mercury joins Venus in Aquarius and the Moon moves close to fun planet Jupiter, signaling a sociable start to the week. In fact, you could be a little surprised at just how in demand you are! This week is good for practical matters as well. Not only does Mars move into Capricorn on the 16th, but on Thursday the 18th there is a New Moon in the same sign, which is an excellent time to make some positive plans for later in the year. On the 20th, the Sun enters Aquarius: expect a surprise or two!

Weekly prediction

Last Quarter Moon, Jan. 11th, 7:46 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

Because of all the good fortune surrounding you now, my good friend, I want to make sure you make this your time!

To do this easily, it helps to write your hopes and wishes down on a sheet of paper, making sure you are enthusiastic about each one and that they are specific. If you are not quite sure what kinds of goals you should be writing down, let me give you an example of what I am talking about…

Here are the dreams I wrote down for myself before I became a well-known psychic:

1. I want to buy my mother a grand house where she can entertain her family and friends and where she can watch the ocean.

2. I want to strengthen my powers so I can use my gifts to help people better their lives.

3. I want to write books that will show people how to take advantage of good fortune, so they can easily fulfill their dreams.

4. I want to travel the world.

When I started working on my dream of becoming a professional astrologer 30 years ago, I had no training, and no proven value. I was not a celebrity in the field as I am now, and I didn't have an instant entrée into the profession. However, I did have a dream. I had a dream of making a living doing the one thing I loved…and that was using my psychic power to help people. Step by step, I made my dream come true, and so can you.

My friend, as much as you may believe you have selected your dreams, Bethea and I both believe that your dreams select you. The Universe pushes you to use your special gifts and talents. So please, allow it to happen. Especially now. Give yourself up to your dreams and follow them wherever they take you. There is no doubt that you will enjoy the trip.

Until next week

You could make great headway at the start of the week with any chores or projects that have stalled. In fact, Tuesday the 9th is ideal for any kind of activity that requires concentration and care. Getting your ideas across to others will be a cinch. From Wednesday to Friday, the planets are arranged in a romantic formation and this is the time to cuddle up with your closest companion or suggest some time alone together. On Sunday, emotional honesty will result in understanding but not necessarily cooperation, unfortunately. Try again another day.

Weekly prediction

Full Moon, Jan. 3rd, 8:59 AM EST

Dear Betsy,

First of all, let me congratulate you as you continue moving forward creating the life of your dreams. It's exciting to know that you (someone who deserves every happiness) are on the road to success.

As you persist on this path be aware of the positive energy that is surrounding you now. You might only be able to catch glimpses of it, yet know that it is there supporting you. And it will grow stronger and stronger as we continue in our work together.

This week I want you to embrace this thought: Happiness is a journey, not a destination. Think about this for a moment. We've been taught that getting the job, the relationship, the house, or some other want will bring us happiness. What often happens, once a dream is achieved, is that the happiness we longed to feel is fleeting at best, and then we quickly find ourselves thinking, "What else can I get to make me happy?" This thinking doesn't serve us. After all, how many times have we read tragic stories about the rich and famous, people who have money galore and every material desire, but still happiness eludes them.

So, the answer is not to stop dreaming and achieving our heartfelt desires, but rather to experience happiness on a more consistent basis -- to enjoy the journey. Here's another secret how you can do this -- treat yourself to some small, harmless indulgence on a regular basis.

If you do this, you are saying "yes" to happiness right now, not tomorrow or the day after, or 10 years from now. You are also expanding the positive energy around you. When this happens, you begin attracting people, situations, and material wealth like a magnet right to your side.

When you have a happy and positive frame of mind, Betsy, you set in motion opportunities that will enable you to achieve the things you want most of all.

Until next week,

P.S. Betsy, we hope that your New Year's Tarot Reading gives you a glimpse into what 2007 has in store for you.

The 4 of Swords for Betsy

It suddenly came to me that someone that you haven't seen in years could turn up again. I consulted the Tarot cards to see what they would say about this, and the Four of Swords came up. Now this is an interesting card as it has a lot to tell us. It indicates that you may feel as if something has been missing from your life. Usually everything we need we can find within, but sometimes, a person that we know can provide us with something that we need, usually some kind of life lesson. The fact that I've drawn this card for you, Betsy, tells me that you are now ready to meet someone again who can teach you something pretty profound. It seems to me as if you've been at rest, in a sense, waiting for them to come back to you. This individual can bring new joy and zest for life. The two of you are sure to have much to talk about and catch up on. But this is not likely to be a trivial reunion. Even if it's not readily apparent right away, a deeper lesson is likely to come to you via this person from your past. So expect a phone call, a letter, or a possible random meeting on the street with someone that you used to know. It's not likely to be what you expect, but it's sure to make a positive impact on your life!

Happy New Year, Betsy! There is a languid and relaxing feel to the first day of the year and you'd better make the most of it, as January could be a little hectic. On Wednesday the 3rd, the Full Moon falls in Cancer, a sign that is above all emotional. There is a more than even chance that someone you know could fly off the handle in a big way. Don't take it personally. Venus moves into quirky Aquarius on the 4th and you might be surprised at what, or even who, you find attractive!