Mind Yourself Missus

Break-up Break-down
I was going out with this guy and although it's been two months since we broke up I can't stop thinking about him. I know it sounds so sad but I can't help it! I've met other guys but all I ever do is think about him and compare them to my ex. He started going out with someone else a few days after we finished but it's still hasn't stopped me from wanting him! What can I do? It's really getting me down and I haven't been living life to the full since!
Charlie, Roscommon
It's not unusual to feel like this, especially if you weren't the one who wanted to break up in the first place. Everyone reacts completely differently to a break-up, and maybe it will take you a little while longer to come to terms with it. The signs are that he has moved on, and maybe that's part of the problem; you feel hurt because he didn't seem to give the break-up a second thought. It may seem obvious, but comparing new guys to him won't help. You're never going to find a guy exactly like him, but someone different might be even better. Keep your eyes and your options open and one day, when you're least expecting it, you'll find someone new and totally forget about your ex. Until then, keep yourself busy, so you don't have time to dwell on your break-up. It will gradually get easier.

Spot of Bother
I have spots on my nipples; are they something I should worry about?
Alesha, Dublin.
Although you may possibly have pimples (or spots), which are inflamed skin pores on the nipples, I think it's probably something different you are talking about. The areola (pigmented region surrounding the nipple) contains specialised muscle fibes that respond to stimulation to make the nipple erect. The areola also houses the Montgomery glands that may appear as tiny, raised bumps on the surface of the areola. These glands help lubricate the areola. The Montgomery glands can almost look like spots when they are raised or filled with the lubricant they are producing. So to come back to the spots you have noticed on your nipples, I am guessing they are the little lubricating glands called Montgomery Glands. They are normal and there is nothing to worry about it.

Too Much, Too Soon
I'm 13 and I've been with my boyfriend for around a year now. I love him so much and he feels the same cos and says he'll never leave me. The problem is, I'm starting to have doubts. I'm scared that things are way too serious, but I don't know how I could ever leave him. On top of that, he sometimes treats me really bad, and I feel like he doesn't respect me. Please help, I want to get out, but I'm not sure if I could live without him.
Mia, Cork
People sometimes confuse being controlled and manipulated with being loved and wanted. The mixed messages he gives you by saying he loves you, but also treating you badly, can be very confusing. Saying you love someone and will never leave them is very easy, but it's empty and meaningless if you treat the person badly and don't respect them. It may be a bit of a shock initially being without him if you have been in such a close relationship for so long, but maybe stepping outside the situation for a while will allow you to see it for what it is.

Period Predicament
I'm 13 and I started my period a year ago. It used to come every month, but now it has started coming every fortnight and it's really heavy some of the time. It also lasts for about a week. Is this normal? Please help!
Jenny, Laois
It can take many years for periods to settle down after they first start. It's quite common for girls to get a number of regular periods and then for them to stop for a few months or happen more frequently than monthly. When periods start they can be light or heavy. They can be mainly made up of bright red blood or a dark brown discharge. The dark brown discharge is just old blood. Every girl is different when it comes to her periods; how heavy they are, how frequent they are and how long it takes or them to settle into a pattern. Periods can also be affected by events in your life (positive or negative events) such as an increase in your stress levels (e.g. exam times), weight loss and even long haul flights. If you are still concerned you should talk to your mother as she may have experienced the same when her periods started. Another option would be to go and discuss your worries with your doctor or at a women's health centre.