5 Things You Don't Know About Car Insurance
by Chad Fisher
Many car insurance policies offer coverage that you may not know about. There are also things that are not covered by standard insurance policies. It is important that you understand what your rights are before you are involved in an accident and need to file a claim. The following five facts are not widely known by most individuals who purchase auto insurance.
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1. Your Car is Covered, but Your Belongings Are Not
Did you know that all the personal possessions you carry in your vehicle are not covered under your car insurance policy? That's right, even the most comprehensive car insurance policy will not reimburse you for items that are stolen or damaged while in your car. You will be compensated for any damage that is done to your vehicle, but your possessions are not considered part of the vehicle's value. The best idea is to refrain from carrying extremely valuable items with you when you are driving.
However, if you are like most people in today's age, your cell phone, laptop, and GPS unit are considered essentials. The trauma of losing these items is bad enough. In today's economy, chances are the average person does not have the money on hand to run out and purchase new ones. Therefore, it is important to make sure you have your items insured. In order to insure the items you carry with you, it is necessary to purchase a rider on your home insurance policy. Always keep receipts and make sure you have photos or video of your items to prove their condition before they were damaged or stolen.
2. You May be Eligible for a Diminished Value Claim
When you purchase a vehicle today, it has become standard to receive a car history report. That's great for the buyer, but not so great for the seller if your vehicle was in an accident and you never received compensation for the diminished value of your vehicle. When you go to trade your vehicle in you will not receive as much for it. Even if your car was repaired by a good quality auto body shop, the resale value will be reduced simply because it was in a collision. Most buyers will not purchase a vehicle that has been in an accident unless they receive a discounted price. Your insurance company must reimburse you for your damages. They will not automatically send you a check for your diminished value. You must file this claim in addition to your regular claim and prove your vehicle has received a loss in value due to the accident.
This is a lot easier to do on a newer car but not impossible to do on an older car. Diminished value claims are generally offered to the person who received damage from the insurance company of the person who is found at fault in the accident. Insurance companies rarely offer diminished value payments when they are reimbursing the primary driver insured on the policy.
[7 Ways to Save Money on Car Insurance]
3. Coverage for Your Pet's Injuries
Everyone understands that their car insurance covers medical bills for the driver and passengers involved in a car accident. If you are driving with a pet in the car, you should check with your insurance company about whether or not your pet's injuries are covered, too. Some insurance companies will pay up to $1,000 for veterinarian bills for you injured pet or the pet of a family member that lives with you. The coverage is not available in all states or through all insurance companies so make sure to perform a thorough auto insurance comparison up front if you have family pets. If you travel with your pets often, it is a good idea to find out if your policy will provide reimbursement for an animal's injuries.
4. Save Money by Paying a Lump Sum
Most insurance companies offer discounts to customers who are willing to pay for their policies in one or two lump sums over a year. Spreading your payments out month to month may seem less expensive than spending hundreds of dollars once a year, but the policy price is generally higher when it is spread out over twelve months. Even paying for your policy every six months is less expensive than paying for it every single month. Talk to your agent about the fees that are attached with a monthly payment so that you will be aware of the savings involved in paying annually or semi-annually.
5. Taxes and Fees Covered by Your Car Insurance
The tax and registration fees on your vehicle may be covered by your insurance company if your vehicle is declared a total loss. In some states, the car insurance company must pay for the taxes and fees up front and in other states, the insurance company provides reimbursement after the settlement. Some states only require the insurance company to reimburse you for the tax and registration if a new vehicle is purchased within a specific amount of time after an accident. If you are being reimbursed by the other party's insurance company, they might not be required to pay you for the cost of tax and registration.
The bottom line is that you should read your car insurance policy thoroughly so that you are aware of the things that are covered and the things that are not. Many minor details can make a huge difference when you need to file a claim after a collision. For example, if you loan your car to a friend and he or she is involved in an accident, your car insurance will pay for the damages regardless of your friend's insurance situation. Little things like that can increase your insurance costs, which means you should be aware of them when you purchase a new policy.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Can an Aspirin a Day Do More Harm Than Good?
Can an Aspirin a Day Do More Harm Than Good?
Experts are re-evaluating who should swallow a daily dose.
by: Emily Anthes | from: AARP Bulletin | April 30, 2010
Some 43 million Americans do it every day: take a tiny aspirin to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. In fact, doctors have been routinely recommending the practice to older adults for years. But recently, experts have been questioning the aspirin-a-day regimen, concerned that this everyday miracle drug can pose serious risks, including bleeding in the brain and stomach.
The aspirin-a-day controversy erupted publicly in March when a 10-year study of nearly 30,000 adults ages 50 to 75 without known heart disease found that a daily aspirin didn’t offer any discernible protection. The group taking aspirin had cardiovascular disease at the same rate as those taking a placebo. Moreover, the study—published in the Journal of the American Medical Association—reported that taking a daily aspirin (100 mg) almost doubled the risk of dangerous internal bleeding.
And last year the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force—a panel of medical experts—issued new guidelines for patients, recommending only those at risk for heart attacks or strokes should take a daily aspirin. Risk factors include having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, as well as being overweight.
The panel also recommended that people over 80 not take aspirin at all because of bleeding risk.
For the first time, the panel also broke down its advice by gender, recommending against daily aspirin use in women under 55 and men under 45.
Is it right for you?
So, should you take a daily aspirin or not? The answer is not quite as simple as doctors previously thought. Aspirin, they say, can still be a lifesaving drug, but it’s not for everyone.
For reasons researchers don’t fully understand, aspirin seems to provide different benefits for men and women.
In men, aspirin can prevent heart attacks but seems to have no effect on strokes, says Michael LeFevre, M.D., a member of the task force that wrote the new guidelines and a professor of family medicine at the University of Missouri. Conversely, he says, aspirin appears to help women avoid strokes but not heart attacks.
The new recommendations suggest that aspirin will be most beneficial to:
men between 45 and 79 who have a high risk for heart attacks;
women between 55 and 79 who are at high risk for strokes.
Drawbacks
Aspirin, which has been around for more than 100 years, is a cheap, easy, effective way to control pain and inflammation. In 1989, when a major study revealed that a small dose could reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by preventing blood clots, doctors began recommending that their older patients take a low dose of aspirin, 81 mg, every day.
“Aspirin is a lifesaving medicine in patients with established cardiovascular disease,” says Jeffrey Berger, M.D., a cardiologist at New York University who has studied the use of aspirin. But, he warns, it does come with some real drawbacks.
Aspirin has been linked with chronic ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and earlier this year scientists reported that people who took aspirin regularly were more likely to suffer from hearing loss.
Dangerous bleeding
The drug’s ability to prevent blood clots is also a double-edged sword. The body’s ability to stop bleeding is what prevents a small cut, for instance, from causing uncontrollable bleeding. While aspirin might keep clots from blocking blood flow to our hearts and brains, it also makes it more likely that we might develop serious internal bleeds, particularly in the stomach. “That’s not a trivial side effect,” says LeFevre. “We’re talking about people who get hospitalized” and may end up in the intensive care unit, he adds.
Some patients are more likely to suffer these complications than others; a recent review of the research reveals that men are twice as likely to experience bleeds as women, and the risk also increases with age. Researchers estimate the risk of internal bleeding for those who take aspirin is two to four times greater than for those who don’t take aspirin at all, depending on factors such as age and overall health.
Even though people are more likely to bleed as they get older, researchers don’t think aspirin causes the risk of bleeding to build up over time. “In fact, it’s likely that if one is to bleed, their risk of bleeding is seen early on,” Berger says.
Taking ibuprofen and naproxen—common pain relievers such as Advil and Aleve—also can make bleeding more likely. Unfortunately, this kind of severe bleeding doesn’t usually come with obvious warning signs, but sudden gastrointestinal pain can be a tip-off. The bleeding is often caused by inflammation of the stomach lining or an aspirin-induced ulcer and can result in vomiting blood or blood in the stool.
The traditional point of view, LeFevre says, was: “Aspirin is a pretty benign thing. Why doesn’t everybody take one? Aspirin, as it turns out, is not harmless.”
Strokes vs. heart attacks
Many of the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes—including age, diabetes and smoking—overlap, but there are slight differences. High total cholesterol and high levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, for instance, are important predictors of heart attacks.
The most important risk factors for strokes include high blood pressure, certain kinds of irregular heartbeats (known as atrial fibrillation) and a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy in which some of the heart muscle thickens.
Experts agree that women who have already had strokes and men who have already had heart attacks should absolutely be taking aspirin. “You have to make sure that people with a history of heart attack or stroke do not stop their aspirin, because it could be a deadly mistake,” says NYU’s Berger.
Clearly, the benefits of aspirin have to be weighed against the possibility of bleeding, and that’s a conversation that experts say every patient needs to have with his or her doctor.
“This decision has to be made one person at a time,” LeFevre says. “There is no one blanket recommendation for everybody.”
Emily Anthes writes about health and science and lives in Brooklyn.
Experts are re-evaluating who should swallow a daily dose.
by: Emily Anthes | from: AARP Bulletin | April 30, 2010
Some 43 million Americans do it every day: take a tiny aspirin to help prevent heart attacks and strokes. In fact, doctors have been routinely recommending the practice to older adults for years. But recently, experts have been questioning the aspirin-a-day regimen, concerned that this everyday miracle drug can pose serious risks, including bleeding in the brain and stomach.
The aspirin-a-day controversy erupted publicly in March when a 10-year study of nearly 30,000 adults ages 50 to 75 without known heart disease found that a daily aspirin didn’t offer any discernible protection. The group taking aspirin had cardiovascular disease at the same rate as those taking a placebo. Moreover, the study—published in the Journal of the American Medical Association—reported that taking a daily aspirin (100 mg) almost doubled the risk of dangerous internal bleeding.
And last year the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force—a panel of medical experts—issued new guidelines for patients, recommending only those at risk for heart attacks or strokes should take a daily aspirin. Risk factors include having high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, as well as being overweight.
The panel also recommended that people over 80 not take aspirin at all because of bleeding risk.
For the first time, the panel also broke down its advice by gender, recommending against daily aspirin use in women under 55 and men under 45.
Is it right for you?
So, should you take a daily aspirin or not? The answer is not quite as simple as doctors previously thought. Aspirin, they say, can still be a lifesaving drug, but it’s not for everyone.
For reasons researchers don’t fully understand, aspirin seems to provide different benefits for men and women.
In men, aspirin can prevent heart attacks but seems to have no effect on strokes, says Michael LeFevre, M.D., a member of the task force that wrote the new guidelines and a professor of family medicine at the University of Missouri. Conversely, he says, aspirin appears to help women avoid strokes but not heart attacks.
The new recommendations suggest that aspirin will be most beneficial to:
men between 45 and 79 who have a high risk for heart attacks;
women between 55 and 79 who are at high risk for strokes.
Drawbacks
Aspirin, which has been around for more than 100 years, is a cheap, easy, effective way to control pain and inflammation. In 1989, when a major study revealed that a small dose could reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack by preventing blood clots, doctors began recommending that their older patients take a low dose of aspirin, 81 mg, every day.
“Aspirin is a lifesaving medicine in patients with established cardiovascular disease,” says Jeffrey Berger, M.D., a cardiologist at New York University who has studied the use of aspirin. But, he warns, it does come with some real drawbacks.
Aspirin has been linked with chronic ringing in the ears (tinnitus), and earlier this year scientists reported that people who took aspirin regularly were more likely to suffer from hearing loss.
Dangerous bleeding
The drug’s ability to prevent blood clots is also a double-edged sword. The body’s ability to stop bleeding is what prevents a small cut, for instance, from causing uncontrollable bleeding. While aspirin might keep clots from blocking blood flow to our hearts and brains, it also makes it more likely that we might develop serious internal bleeds, particularly in the stomach. “That’s not a trivial side effect,” says LeFevre. “We’re talking about people who get hospitalized” and may end up in the intensive care unit, he adds.
Some patients are more likely to suffer these complications than others; a recent review of the research reveals that men are twice as likely to experience bleeds as women, and the risk also increases with age. Researchers estimate the risk of internal bleeding for those who take aspirin is two to four times greater than for those who don’t take aspirin at all, depending on factors such as age and overall health.
Even though people are more likely to bleed as they get older, researchers don’t think aspirin causes the risk of bleeding to build up over time. “In fact, it’s likely that if one is to bleed, their risk of bleeding is seen early on,” Berger says.
Taking ibuprofen and naproxen—common pain relievers such as Advil and Aleve—also can make bleeding more likely. Unfortunately, this kind of severe bleeding doesn’t usually come with obvious warning signs, but sudden gastrointestinal pain can be a tip-off. The bleeding is often caused by inflammation of the stomach lining or an aspirin-induced ulcer and can result in vomiting blood or blood in the stool.
The traditional point of view, LeFevre says, was: “Aspirin is a pretty benign thing. Why doesn’t everybody take one? Aspirin, as it turns out, is not harmless.”
Strokes vs. heart attacks
Many of the risk factors for heart attacks and strokes—including age, diabetes and smoking—overlap, but there are slight differences. High total cholesterol and high levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol, for instance, are important predictors of heart attacks.
The most important risk factors for strokes include high blood pressure, certain kinds of irregular heartbeats (known as atrial fibrillation) and a condition known as left ventricular hypertrophy in which some of the heart muscle thickens.
Experts agree that women who have already had strokes and men who have already had heart attacks should absolutely be taking aspirin. “You have to make sure that people with a history of heart attack or stroke do not stop their aspirin, because it could be a deadly mistake,” says NYU’s Berger.
Clearly, the benefits of aspirin have to be weighed against the possibility of bleeding, and that’s a conversation that experts say every patient needs to have with his or her doctor.
“This decision has to be made one person at a time,” LeFevre says. “There is no one blanket recommendation for everybody.”
Emily Anthes writes about health and science and lives in Brooklyn.
George Washington's Reelection
In 1792, George Washington was elected unanimously to a second term. Only 13,332 votes were cast – a record low turnout of 6.3%.
The 7 Most Common Relationship Problems
This article has been written by a member of the LifeScript user community or a user from one of our partners. It has not been reviewed by the LifeScript editorial staff for accuracy.
The 7 Most Common Relationship Problems
Recognizing Common Issues And Overcoming Them
By Tamara Warta
Even the best of couples run into relationship problems once in awhile.
Conflict is part of the human tapestry that we all deal with at one time or another, and while it can be difficult, many of our common qualms and complaints can be resolved if both parties are willing to work at them. In many cases, the first step is learning about common issues others deal with; this helps couples to realize that they are not alone or isolated in their pain and worry. Knowing what to expect in a relationship, from enjoying good days to getting through the bad, is the best way to ensure you are in a quality relationship that will last for the long haul.
Discuss Potential Conflict Beforehand
Most couples argue about sex, money and children, and yet all of these topics are easy conversations to have before you say “I do.” If you aren’t already engaged, but find yourself in the middle of a relationship that seems to be moving forward positively, do not be afraid to bring up these issues. The heavy-hitter questions will determine the path of your life and future together.
Perhaps you have always dreamed of having a large family, but aren’t sure where he stands on children and a family dog. It’s better to get a clear-cut answer before you sign that marriage certificate.
Sex is a touchy subject, but again, trust is found in a relationship where couples are able to communicate openly about their needs and wants. The last common relationship pitfall --money—comes into the picture usually after one half of a couple receives a substantial promotion or starts earning significantly more than the other.
This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.
Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.
Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.
Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.
When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.
If you anticipate a late night at the office or want to go out for a drink after a big meeting, then be sure to call your spouse and let him/her know what is going on. Don’t leave room for the anxious mind to wander.
Following through on your word is another great key toward a trust-filled relationship. Commitment is invaluable in any dynamic between two people, and it has never been more important than it is with your spouse.
Stay Conscientious and Avoid Relationship Issues
Work hard to be honest in all circumstances. We all slip up occasionally with the little white lie, but pride yourself in being a truthful person overall, and you will find your partner readily begins to trust you. If you are dating someone who is struggling to get over trust issues from the past, honesty is the best way to begin sealing up those wounds.
If you do find yourself in an argument, fight fairly. Bringing skeletons out of a 10-year-old closet for the sake of winning a squabble is not only immature, but it can also be irreversible and damaging. Let bygones be bygones and respect your significant other’s desire to move on past issues that have not been a problem for years.
Being a good listener and showing your partner that you care in other ways outside of the conversation can also be a great way to show your spouse that you care. This can include doing extra housework, buying a small gift on an otherwise ordinary day, or calling in the afternoon to say “I love you.”
Sex: The Touchy Relationship Issue
As mentioned above, your sexual relationship can play a big role in your happiness.
Physical intimacy is one of the most intense expressions of love, and so it’s important to be able to express to your partner what you desire. It is equally vital you listen to his fantasies or preferences, as this is the only way you will find a healthy balance between what you both want.
Many couples feel alienated and alone with their sexual conflicts, as it isn’t a conversation that always comes up over coffee with the girlfriends. Spend some time talking to a family therapist if you feel your sex life is turning into a roadblock in your relationship. Sometimes all it takes is discovering you are not alone and your fears and annoyances are quite common.
Communication Problems in Relationships
If you have been with your spouse for years, you may find your communication has begun to wane. Don’t take advantage of ordinary days by skipping the morning chat session your partner may crave. While most men are fine sitting in front of the football game with you in the same room silently keeping them company, many women desire the rewarding feel of a good conversation. Feel free to express this to your spouse, and don’t be afraid to insist on turning off the TV once in awhile!
Communication is all you have when an issue or conflict arises, so practice good interaction while the going is good.
Fighting Over Finances
Do you shop too much? Be honest. While some couples fight over salaries, many more find themselves arguing over how money is spent. If you were a mall regular before you took those marriage vows, check in with your spouse from time to time to see if your spending sprees are still acceptable.
Couples should equally share the load of financial stress, and if one is constantly earning while the other is continually spending, issues will start to crop up and quickly spiral out of control.
Consider setting a monthly budget to avoid this common relationship stressor. Sticking to it may be a struggle, but a healthy relationship is an excellent pay off.
Keep Clicking Through the Years
The common interests that once made you click as a couple may begin to fade away with time and age. It is vital for partners to continually discover new ways to stop relationship issues before they start by finding common denominators. Make it a goal once a year to try a new activity or get more involved in some other life arena such as church or a local volunteer group. Staying active as a couple will keep you more engaged in each other’s lives, leaving little room for a risky relationship problem such as a lack of trust or growing disinterest.
A committed heart and the willingness to be a little creative is all you need to keep your relationship rich and strong all the days of your life.
Are You Headed For A Divorce?
You may be worried that you or your spouse is getting ready to file for a divorce. This can be a scary time where you question whether your marriage is over and try to determine what went wrong. Whether you are already preparing to take the divorce plunge, or you are worried about life after divorce, take this quiz. Find out if you and your spouse are headed for a divorce.
This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.
Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.
Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.
Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.
When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.
Even the best of couples run into relationship problems once in awhile. Conflict is part of the human tapestry that we all deal with at one time or another, and while it can be difficult, many of our common qualms and complaints can be resolved if both parties are willing to work at them. In many cases, the first step is learning about common issues others deal with; this helps couples to realize that they are not alone or isolated in their pain and worry. Knowing what to expect in a relationship, from enjoying good days to getting through the bad, is the best way to ensure you are in a quality relationship that will last for the long haul.
Discuss Potential Conflict Beforehand
Most couples argue about sex, money and children, and yet all of these topics are easy conversations to have before you say “I do.” If you aren’t already engaged, but find yourself in the middle of a relationship that seems to be moving forward positively, do not be afraid to bring up these issues. The heavy-hitter questions will determine the path of your life and future together.
Perhaps you have always dreamed of having a large family, but aren’t sure where he stands on children and a family dog. It’s better to get a clear-cut answer before you sign that marriage certificate. Sex is a touchy subject, but again, trust is found in a relationship where couples are able to communicate openly about their needs and wants. The last common relationship pitfall --money—comes into the picture usually after one half of a couple receives a substantial promotion or starts earning significantly more than the other.
This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.
Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.
Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.
Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.
When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.
If you anticipate a late night at the office or want to go out for a drink after a big meeting, then be sure to call your spouse and let him/her know what is going on. Don’t leave room for the anxious mind to wander.
Following through on your word is another great key toward a trust-filled relationship. Commitment is invaluable in any dynamic between two people, and it has never been more important than it is with your spouse.
Stay Conscientious and Avoid Relationship Issues
Work hard to be honest in all circumstances. We all slip up occasionally with the little white lie, but pride yourself in being a truthful person overall, and you will find your partner readily begins to trust you. If you are dating someone who is struggling to get over trust issues from the past, honesty is the best way to begin sealing up those wounds.
If you do find yourself in an argument, fight fairly. Bringing skeletons out of a 10-year-old closet for the sake of winning a squabble is not only immature, but it can also be irreversible and damaging. Let bygones be bygones and respect your significant other’s desire to move on past issues that have not been a problem for years.
Being a good listener and showing your partner that you care in other ways outside of the conversation can also be a great way to show your spouse that you care. This can include doing extra housework, buying a small gift on an otherwise ordinary day, or calling in the afternoon to say “I love you.”
The 7 Most Common Relationship Problems
Recognizing Common Issues And Overcoming Them
By Tamara Warta
Even the best of couples run into relationship problems once in awhile.
Conflict is part of the human tapestry that we all deal with at one time or another, and while it can be difficult, many of our common qualms and complaints can be resolved if both parties are willing to work at them. In many cases, the first step is learning about common issues others deal with; this helps couples to realize that they are not alone or isolated in their pain and worry. Knowing what to expect in a relationship, from enjoying good days to getting through the bad, is the best way to ensure you are in a quality relationship that will last for the long haul.
Discuss Potential Conflict Beforehand
Most couples argue about sex, money and children, and yet all of these topics are easy conversations to have before you say “I do.” If you aren’t already engaged, but find yourself in the middle of a relationship that seems to be moving forward positively, do not be afraid to bring up these issues. The heavy-hitter questions will determine the path of your life and future together.
Perhaps you have always dreamed of having a large family, but aren’t sure where he stands on children and a family dog. It’s better to get a clear-cut answer before you sign that marriage certificate.
Sex is a touchy subject, but again, trust is found in a relationship where couples are able to communicate openly about their needs and wants. The last common relationship pitfall --money—comes into the picture usually after one half of a couple receives a substantial promotion or starts earning significantly more than the other.
This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.
Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.
Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.
Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.
When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.
If you anticipate a late night at the office or want to go out for a drink after a big meeting, then be sure to call your spouse and let him/her know what is going on. Don’t leave room for the anxious mind to wander.
Following through on your word is another great key toward a trust-filled relationship. Commitment is invaluable in any dynamic between two people, and it has never been more important than it is with your spouse.
Stay Conscientious and Avoid Relationship Issues
Work hard to be honest in all circumstances. We all slip up occasionally with the little white lie, but pride yourself in being a truthful person overall, and you will find your partner readily begins to trust you. If you are dating someone who is struggling to get over trust issues from the past, honesty is the best way to begin sealing up those wounds.
If you do find yourself in an argument, fight fairly. Bringing skeletons out of a 10-year-old closet for the sake of winning a squabble is not only immature, but it can also be irreversible and damaging. Let bygones be bygones and respect your significant other’s desire to move on past issues that have not been a problem for years.
Being a good listener and showing your partner that you care in other ways outside of the conversation can also be a great way to show your spouse that you care. This can include doing extra housework, buying a small gift on an otherwise ordinary day, or calling in the afternoon to say “I love you.”
Sex: The Touchy Relationship Issue
As mentioned above, your sexual relationship can play a big role in your happiness.
Physical intimacy is one of the most intense expressions of love, and so it’s important to be able to express to your partner what you desire. It is equally vital you listen to his fantasies or preferences, as this is the only way you will find a healthy balance between what you both want.
Many couples feel alienated and alone with their sexual conflicts, as it isn’t a conversation that always comes up over coffee with the girlfriends. Spend some time talking to a family therapist if you feel your sex life is turning into a roadblock in your relationship. Sometimes all it takes is discovering you are not alone and your fears and annoyances are quite common.
Communication Problems in Relationships
If you have been with your spouse for years, you may find your communication has begun to wane. Don’t take advantage of ordinary days by skipping the morning chat session your partner may crave. While most men are fine sitting in front of the football game with you in the same room silently keeping them company, many women desire the rewarding feel of a good conversation. Feel free to express this to your spouse, and don’t be afraid to insist on turning off the TV once in awhile!
Communication is all you have when an issue or conflict arises, so practice good interaction while the going is good.
Fighting Over Finances
Do you shop too much? Be honest. While some couples fight over salaries, many more find themselves arguing over how money is spent. If you were a mall regular before you took those marriage vows, check in with your spouse from time to time to see if your spending sprees are still acceptable.
Couples should equally share the load of financial stress, and if one is constantly earning while the other is continually spending, issues will start to crop up and quickly spiral out of control.
Consider setting a monthly budget to avoid this common relationship stressor. Sticking to it may be a struggle, but a healthy relationship is an excellent pay off.
Keep Clicking Through the Years
The common interests that once made you click as a couple may begin to fade away with time and age. It is vital for partners to continually discover new ways to stop relationship issues before they start by finding common denominators. Make it a goal once a year to try a new activity or get more involved in some other life arena such as church or a local volunteer group. Staying active as a couple will keep you more engaged in each other’s lives, leaving little room for a risky relationship problem such as a lack of trust or growing disinterest.
A committed heart and the willingness to be a little creative is all you need to keep your relationship rich and strong all the days of your life.
Are You Headed For A Divorce?
You may be worried that you or your spouse is getting ready to file for a divorce. This can be a scary time where you question whether your marriage is over and try to determine what went wrong. Whether you are already preparing to take the divorce plunge, or you are worried about life after divorce, take this quiz. Find out if you and your spouse are headed for a divorce.
This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.
Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.
Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.
Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.
When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.
Even the best of couples run into relationship problems once in awhile. Conflict is part of the human tapestry that we all deal with at one time or another, and while it can be difficult, many of our common qualms and complaints can be resolved if both parties are willing to work at them. In many cases, the first step is learning about common issues others deal with; this helps couples to realize that they are not alone or isolated in their pain and worry. Knowing what to expect in a relationship, from enjoying good days to getting through the bad, is the best way to ensure you are in a quality relationship that will last for the long haul.
Discuss Potential Conflict Beforehand
Most couples argue about sex, money and children, and yet all of these topics are easy conversations to have before you say “I do.” If you aren’t already engaged, but find yourself in the middle of a relationship that seems to be moving forward positively, do not be afraid to bring up these issues. The heavy-hitter questions will determine the path of your life and future together.
Perhaps you have always dreamed of having a large family, but aren’t sure where he stands on children and a family dog. It’s better to get a clear-cut answer before you sign that marriage certificate. Sex is a touchy subject, but again, trust is found in a relationship where couples are able to communicate openly about their needs and wants. The last common relationship pitfall --money—comes into the picture usually after one half of a couple receives a substantial promotion or starts earning significantly more than the other.
This can be an exceptionally difficult issue for men to deal with, as many pride themselves on being the family bread winner. Keep the lines of communication open and be sure to encourage your partner to discover other ways outside of the financial realm to positively contribute to your relationship and your life.
Discussing these issues does not guarantee a worry-free marriage, however getting them out in the open does make for easier negotiating and compromising further down the road.
Relationship Enemy Number One: Trust Issues
Trust truly makes or breaks a relationship. In fact, many relational psychologists will agree that without trust, a marriage is futile. If one partner is being dishonest, he or she does not have the significant other’s best interests at heart, and this can lead to suspicion, arguments and in some cases, divorce.
Some couples discover that having a designated discussion once in awhile to increase the amount of trust in their relationship will make a big difference. This is exceptionally true if one half has been unfaithful in the past. Going into such a discussion, you should make sure you are not only a trustworthy person yourself, but that you have the ability to trust others. You may have the most faithful spouse in the world, but if you feel guarded and suspicious from past circumstances not stemming from your current relationship, you will have a difficult time taking care of current business.
When working on the development of trust, couples should be consistent in their speech and action. Knowing what to expect from each other’s character will help lay a trustworthy foundation. Even after marriage, remember the importance of being timely.
If you anticipate a late night at the office or want to go out for a drink after a big meeting, then be sure to call your spouse and let him/her know what is going on. Don’t leave room for the anxious mind to wander.
Following through on your word is another great key toward a trust-filled relationship. Commitment is invaluable in any dynamic between two people, and it has never been more important than it is with your spouse.
Stay Conscientious and Avoid Relationship Issues
Work hard to be honest in all circumstances. We all slip up occasionally with the little white lie, but pride yourself in being a truthful person overall, and you will find your partner readily begins to trust you. If you are dating someone who is struggling to get over trust issues from the past, honesty is the best way to begin sealing up those wounds.
If you do find yourself in an argument, fight fairly. Bringing skeletons out of a 10-year-old closet for the sake of winning a squabble is not only immature, but it can also be irreversible and damaging. Let bygones be bygones and respect your significant other’s desire to move on past issues that have not been a problem for years.
Being a good listener and showing your partner that you care in other ways outside of the conversation can also be a great way to show your spouse that you care. This can include doing extra housework, buying a small gift on an otherwise ordinary day, or calling in the afternoon to say “I love you.”
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Seven stupid things people do that ruin plumbing.
Seven stupid things people do that ruin plumbing.
If you’re looking for a career change and want something with rock-solid security, you might consider becoming a plumber who makes house calls. This advice is based on two truths: 1) People will always need plumbing — or more specifically, plumbing that works — and, 2) people will always do stupid things that stop their plumbing from working.
Keep in mind that the service side of plumbing often requires a strong stomach and the will to suppress amusement with other peoples’ self-imposed misfortune. But rest assured that the two truths mentioned above will always keep you in business.
The items below are just a small sampling of what you might expect on an ordinary day in the field.
1. Leaving hoses connected during winter
This is a classic plumbing error that one must assume is caused most often by extreme laziness. Unlike holiday lights, hoses can cause damage when left out all year: They can lead to freezing of the sillcock (outdoor faucet) or its water supply pipe. It’s terrible for your hose, too.
2. Using too much drain cleaner
When used judiciously and as directed on the right kind of clog, drain cleaners can be effective and relatively safe for drains.
When used with abandon, they can corrode some drain materials, and they can actually make clogs worse. It’s also not very nice for the plumber who eventually comes out to clear that clog.
3. Pouring household chemicals into a septic system
If you’re used to living with a “private” sewage system, you probably know how to take care of it. But if you just bought a house with septic, or maybe you’re renting a rural cottage for the summer, you might not think twice about using chemicals like drain cleaner, chlorine bleach, paint, and even anti-bacterial soaps.
These chemicals kill the essential waste-eating bacteria in the septic tank, and you can guess the result. Also, be careful about grease (see below) what else you put into a septic system.
4. Screwing, nailing, or cutting into a wall with hidden plumbing pipes
Now we’re into the realm of “Oh, yeah. I did that once.” Do this with a screw, and you might hear a fine spray of water hitting the back of the drywall. Do it with a reciprocating saw, and you’re in for a gusher.
5. Pouring grease down the kitchen drain
If you’re in the habit of pouring bacon grease down the kitchen-sink drain, you might as well try to stuff the whole pig down there.
Grease is one of the best things for clogging drains. (So is all the soap we use in the bathroom, but that’s a harder habit to break.)
6. Abusing the garbage disposal
Even if you’re not drain grease in the sink, you might be one of those folks who thinks a food disposer (garbage disposal) is the equivalent of a space-fantasy ray gun. It’s not.
It’s a motor with a spinning wheel that has two metal teeth thingees, and it does very little to stop the following from clogging your drain: flour, rice, potato peels (and some other veggie peels), and many fibrous foods such as asparagus and chard.
7. Using the toilet as a trash can
We all know it’s stupid, and we all do it anyway. It’s as though, at the back of our minds, each of us believes that if we can just get it to flush away, it will be magically out of our lives forever.
As if, at the other end of the toilet, there is nothing but a black hole, a portal to a subterranean outer space that swallows up everything we discard and whisks it off into oblivion. Unfortunately, that oblivion is a 3-inch drain pipe that leads into another drain pipe, which is THE drain pipe to your entire house.
In other words, flushing one improper item down the toilet ultimately can stop up everything in the house. But we do it anyway. And the bottom line is, if it ain’t toilet paper (or you-know-what), it doesn’t belong there.
If you’re looking for a career change and want something with rock-solid security, you might consider becoming a plumber who makes house calls. This advice is based on two truths: 1) People will always need plumbing — or more specifically, plumbing that works — and, 2) people will always do stupid things that stop their plumbing from working.
Keep in mind that the service side of plumbing often requires a strong stomach and the will to suppress amusement with other peoples’ self-imposed misfortune. But rest assured that the two truths mentioned above will always keep you in business.
The items below are just a small sampling of what you might expect on an ordinary day in the field.
1. Leaving hoses connected during winter
This is a classic plumbing error that one must assume is caused most often by extreme laziness. Unlike holiday lights, hoses can cause damage when left out all year: They can lead to freezing of the sillcock (outdoor faucet) or its water supply pipe. It’s terrible for your hose, too.
2. Using too much drain cleaner
When used judiciously and as directed on the right kind of clog, drain cleaners can be effective and relatively safe for drains.
When used with abandon, they can corrode some drain materials, and they can actually make clogs worse. It’s also not very nice for the plumber who eventually comes out to clear that clog.
3. Pouring household chemicals into a septic system
If you’re used to living with a “private” sewage system, you probably know how to take care of it. But if you just bought a house with septic, or maybe you’re renting a rural cottage for the summer, you might not think twice about using chemicals like drain cleaner, chlorine bleach, paint, and even anti-bacterial soaps.
These chemicals kill the essential waste-eating bacteria in the septic tank, and you can guess the result. Also, be careful about grease (see below) what else you put into a septic system.
4. Screwing, nailing, or cutting into a wall with hidden plumbing pipes
Now we’re into the realm of “Oh, yeah. I did that once.” Do this with a screw, and you might hear a fine spray of water hitting the back of the drywall. Do it with a reciprocating saw, and you’re in for a gusher.
5. Pouring grease down the kitchen drain
If you’re in the habit of pouring bacon grease down the kitchen-sink drain, you might as well try to stuff the whole pig down there.
Grease is one of the best things for clogging drains. (So is all the soap we use in the bathroom, but that’s a harder habit to break.)
6. Abusing the garbage disposal
Even if you’re not drain grease in the sink, you might be one of those folks who thinks a food disposer (garbage disposal) is the equivalent of a space-fantasy ray gun. It’s not.
It’s a motor with a spinning wheel that has two metal teeth thingees, and it does very little to stop the following from clogging your drain: flour, rice, potato peels (and some other veggie peels), and many fibrous foods such as asparagus and chard.
7. Using the toilet as a trash can
We all know it’s stupid, and we all do it anyway. It’s as though, at the back of our minds, each of us believes that if we can just get it to flush away, it will be magically out of our lives forever.
As if, at the other end of the toilet, there is nothing but a black hole, a portal to a subterranean outer space that swallows up everything we discard and whisks it off into oblivion. Unfortunately, that oblivion is a 3-inch drain pipe that leads into another drain pipe, which is THE drain pipe to your entire house.
In other words, flushing one improper item down the toilet ultimately can stop up everything in the house. But we do it anyway. And the bottom line is, if it ain’t toilet paper (or you-know-what), it doesn’t belong there.
Consumer Reports’ Most Reliable Cars
Consumer Reports’ Most Reliable Cars
GM makes big strides but has a long way to go
Newly recommended: Chevrolet Camaro (V8)While Honda and Toyota still dominate in reliability, General Motors has improved considerably in our latest predicted-reliability Ratings. Those are the findings of our 2010 Annual Auto Survey, based on subscribers' experiences with 1.3 million vehicles.
MORE AT CONSUMER REPORTS
» 2011 New Car Preview
» Complete Ratings for 200 cars and trucks
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on Yahoo!.While some GM nameplates had been among the least reliable brands in past years, they now rank above some major European competitors. But as a company, GM is still far from tops in reliability.
Across GM brands (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC), 69 percent of models had average or better reliability. Cadillac improved the most, rising seven places from last year's ranking. Chevrolet had its best showing in years; 83 percent of models had average or better scores in predicted reliability, up from 50 percent. Also noteworthy:
The major Asian brands are still doing well overall. All models from Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Scion, and Toyota have at least average predicted reliability.
Ford continues to be the most reliable American automaker. Ninety percent of Fords, including Lincoln models, have at least average reliability.
Chrysler remains the lowest-ranked manufacturer in our survey. We can recommend only one of its vehicles, the four wheel-drive Dodge Ram 1500.
While European reliability had been improving, momentum seems to have stalled. All Porsche and Volvo models are rated average or better. But Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are among the worst automakers overall.
The Porsche Boxster has the best predicted reliability in our survey, while the Audi A6 3.0T and Jaguar XF have the worst.
Detroit’s gains
General Motors and Ford have taken different paths to improving reliability. GM discontinued many of its below-average models, and some redesigns have scored well. Ford has been fine-tuning some older platforms, which gets around the bugs that often plague a new vehicle or major redesign.
Recent GM introductions, such as the Buick LaCrosse V6 (FWD), Cadillac SRX, and Chevrolet Camaro and Equinox, are proving reliable from the get-go. And some older models, such as the Chevrolet Avalanche, Corvette, and Suburban, have improved to average. Last year, all Cadillac models were below average. This year, about half its models rated at least average.
Below average reliability: Audi A6Ford's quality renaissance has been led by the midsized Fusion, which has been very reliable since its debut five years ago. Some new models from Ford have struggled out of the gate, but the hightrim Flex EcoBoost and Lincoln MKT sportutility vehicles rated above average in their first year.
Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep are saddled with dated vehicles that rate below average in reliability. But since Chrysler's acquisition by Fiat, many of its products will either be replaced or redesigned.
Asia still dominates
Despite recent safety recalls, Toyota models, including those from Scion and Lexus, remained among the most reliable and earned top scores in five vehicle categories. Only the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS and the new Lexus IS 250 convertible are below average. The redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius, hurt by antilock brake problems on early vehicles, scored only average. That is quite a drop from previous years. (We've reinstated our recommendations for eight Toyota models that had problems with sticking accelerator pedals.)
Honda and Acura are among the top four brands, with their models topping five vehicle categories. But problems with rear brake pads help drop the 4-cylinder Accord and Acura TSX to average.
Hyundai and Kia continued to do well, with only one model, the Kia Sedona minivan, rated below average. All six new models for 2010 had average or better reliability, an impressive first-year showing.
Nissan's mainstream models did fine. But the small Nissan Cube had a below average score in its first appearance in our survey. The Infiniti models were all average or better.
Subaru had a good record overall, with a top rating going to the four-cylinder Legacy sedan and the non-turbo version of the Forester SUV. The WRX was the only model that rated below average.
Europe's bumpy road
BMW had a bad year, with five of 11 models now scoring below average. Although the BMW M3 topped the sporty cars category, the 1, 3, and 5 Series models with the 3.0-liter, turbocharged engine had high problem rates related to the fuel system, among other issues.
Mercedes-Benz had the least reliable vehicles in three categories. Six of its 13 models were below average, and the GLK SUV was far below average this year. The redesigned E350 sedan was above average, but the new E-Class coupe, a wholly different car, was a disappointment.
Almost three-quarters of the Audi models we analyzed were below average. Volkswagen did better, with its Golf (formerly Rabbit) doing very well and the various Jetta models doing average or better.
Our reliability survey
Our data are based on an annual survey of subscribers to Consumer Reports and ConsumerReports.org and are not derived from road tests. A model needs at least 100 responses per model year for us to score it.
From the survey, we create a reliability history for each model over the course of 10years, 2001 to 2010. We use the data, in part, to forecast how well the 2011 models will hold up. We might predict reliability for a newly redesigned model, but only if previous versions had outstanding reliability.
Detailed Reliability data pinpoints problems
Each of the 17 problem areas we survey covers a host of possible faults. For instance, "Power Equipment" includes keyless entry, dashboard warning lights, tire-pressure monitor, and other things. "Body integrity" includes squeaks and rattles, seals and weather stripping, and air or water leaks, among other things. "Major Engine" problems include cylinder head and timing belt besides replacing the engine itself, while "Minor Engine" includes oil leaks, accessory belts and engine mounts.
To access the finer level of detail, choose any car, new or used, and go to its model-overview page. Click on the tab labeled "Reliability" and that will call up the reliability history, a grid of our familiar red and black scoring icons covering 17 trouble areas and however many model years we have data for.
Some of those individual colored "blobs" are flagged with a gold corner triangle with a "+" sign that indicate when more specific details are available. Click on that triangular corner tab to see more information on the problems owners have experienced.
As an example, looking at the Ford F-150 pickup, we can see multiple years of brake problems. However, in some years the problems were mainly attributed to pulsation or vibration, while in other years it was premature wear. Further, we note that the 2008 model had climate system problems. Now subscribers can see that the major gripe was the automatic climate system control rather than, say, a problem with the air conditioner itself.
Not all trouble spots are flagged. That's because either no or very few specific problems were reported, or because nothing stood out enough in the sub-categories to warrant special mention.
GM makes big strides but has a long way to go
Newly recommended: Chevrolet Camaro (V8)While Honda and Toyota still dominate in reliability, General Motors has improved considerably in our latest predicted-reliability Ratings. Those are the findings of our 2010 Annual Auto Survey, based on subscribers' experiences with 1.3 million vehicles.
MORE AT CONSUMER REPORTS
» 2011 New Car Preview
» Complete Ratings for 200 cars and trucks
Consumer Reports has no relationship with any advertisers on Yahoo!.While some GM nameplates had been among the least reliable brands in past years, they now rank above some major European competitors. But as a company, GM is still far from tops in reliability.
Across GM brands (Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, and GMC), 69 percent of models had average or better reliability. Cadillac improved the most, rising seven places from last year's ranking. Chevrolet had its best showing in years; 83 percent of models had average or better scores in predicted reliability, up from 50 percent. Also noteworthy:
The major Asian brands are still doing well overall. All models from Acura, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Scion, and Toyota have at least average predicted reliability.
Ford continues to be the most reliable American automaker. Ninety percent of Fords, including Lincoln models, have at least average reliability.
Chrysler remains the lowest-ranked manufacturer in our survey. We can recommend only one of its vehicles, the four wheel-drive Dodge Ram 1500.
While European reliability had been improving, momentum seems to have stalled. All Porsche and Volvo models are rated average or better. But Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are among the worst automakers overall.
The Porsche Boxster has the best predicted reliability in our survey, while the Audi A6 3.0T and Jaguar XF have the worst.
Detroit’s gains
General Motors and Ford have taken different paths to improving reliability. GM discontinued many of its below-average models, and some redesigns have scored well. Ford has been fine-tuning some older platforms, which gets around the bugs that often plague a new vehicle or major redesign.
Recent GM introductions, such as the Buick LaCrosse V6 (FWD), Cadillac SRX, and Chevrolet Camaro and Equinox, are proving reliable from the get-go. And some older models, such as the Chevrolet Avalanche, Corvette, and Suburban, have improved to average. Last year, all Cadillac models were below average. This year, about half its models rated at least average.
Below average reliability: Audi A6Ford's quality renaissance has been led by the midsized Fusion, which has been very reliable since its debut five years ago. Some new models from Ford have struggled out of the gate, but the hightrim Flex EcoBoost and Lincoln MKT sportutility vehicles rated above average in their first year.
Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep are saddled with dated vehicles that rate below average in reliability. But since Chrysler's acquisition by Fiat, many of its products will either be replaced or redesigned.
Asia still dominates
Despite recent safety recalls, Toyota models, including those from Scion and Lexus, remained among the most reliable and earned top scores in five vehicle categories. Only the all-wheel-drive Lexus GS and the new Lexus IS 250 convertible are below average. The redesigned 2010 Toyota Prius, hurt by antilock brake problems on early vehicles, scored only average. That is quite a drop from previous years. (We've reinstated our recommendations for eight Toyota models that had problems with sticking accelerator pedals.)
Honda and Acura are among the top four brands, with their models topping five vehicle categories. But problems with rear brake pads help drop the 4-cylinder Accord and Acura TSX to average.
Hyundai and Kia continued to do well, with only one model, the Kia Sedona minivan, rated below average. All six new models for 2010 had average or better reliability, an impressive first-year showing.
Nissan's mainstream models did fine. But the small Nissan Cube had a below average score in its first appearance in our survey. The Infiniti models were all average or better.
Subaru had a good record overall, with a top rating going to the four-cylinder Legacy sedan and the non-turbo version of the Forester SUV. The WRX was the only model that rated below average.
Europe's bumpy road
BMW had a bad year, with five of 11 models now scoring below average. Although the BMW M3 topped the sporty cars category, the 1, 3, and 5 Series models with the 3.0-liter, turbocharged engine had high problem rates related to the fuel system, among other issues.
Mercedes-Benz had the least reliable vehicles in three categories. Six of its 13 models were below average, and the GLK SUV was far below average this year. The redesigned E350 sedan was above average, but the new E-Class coupe, a wholly different car, was a disappointment.
Almost three-quarters of the Audi models we analyzed were below average. Volkswagen did better, with its Golf (formerly Rabbit) doing very well and the various Jetta models doing average or better.
Our reliability survey
Our data are based on an annual survey of subscribers to Consumer Reports and ConsumerReports.org and are not derived from road tests. A model needs at least 100 responses per model year for us to score it.
From the survey, we create a reliability history for each model over the course of 10years, 2001 to 2010. We use the data, in part, to forecast how well the 2011 models will hold up. We might predict reliability for a newly redesigned model, but only if previous versions had outstanding reliability.
Detailed Reliability data pinpoints problems
Each of the 17 problem areas we survey covers a host of possible faults. For instance, "Power Equipment" includes keyless entry, dashboard warning lights, tire-pressure monitor, and other things. "Body integrity" includes squeaks and rattles, seals and weather stripping, and air or water leaks, among other things. "Major Engine" problems include cylinder head and timing belt besides replacing the engine itself, while "Minor Engine" includes oil leaks, accessory belts and engine mounts.
To access the finer level of detail, choose any car, new or used, and go to its model-overview page. Click on the tab labeled "Reliability" and that will call up the reliability history, a grid of our familiar red and black scoring icons covering 17 trouble areas and however many model years we have data for.
Some of those individual colored "blobs" are flagged with a gold corner triangle with a "+" sign that indicate when more specific details are available. Click on that triangular corner tab to see more information on the problems owners have experienced.
As an example, looking at the Ford F-150 pickup, we can see multiple years of brake problems. However, in some years the problems were mainly attributed to pulsation or vibration, while in other years it was premature wear. Further, we note that the 2008 model had climate system problems. Now subscribers can see that the major gripe was the automatic climate system control rather than, say, a problem with the air conditioner itself.
Not all trouble spots are flagged. That's because either no or very few specific problems were reported, or because nothing stood out enough in the sub-categories to warrant special mention.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
The key to lasting love
The key to lasting love
By Karen Salmansohn
Want to know what causes the dissolution of far too many relationships in this world?
As a bestselling author and motivational coach, I can tell you how it goes in three acts:
Act I: You hurt me.
Act II: Because you hurt me, I hurt you.
Act III: You hurt me even more because I just hurt you, so I hurt you even more. Then you hurt me; then I hurt you; then you hurt me because I just hurt you, so I hurt you more, and so on. Browse Local Singles at Match.com on Yahoo!
I am a: Man Woman Seeking a: Man Woman Near: The point: It’s easy to act cold/hurtful/in a stonewalling manner toward someone who you feel has said or done something you perceive as having done the same to you.
But that’s the point. That’s the easy thing to do.
Basically, most of us people as a species aren’t mean. We are weak.
It takes effort to consciously, openly, bravely, warmly speak up about the hurt you feel before things spiral negatively downward.
Yes, it takes effort to take the high road and to express your vulnerabilities and concerns with warmth and candor. But this effort is worth it... because love and connection are your true sources for happiness — not money, not shoes, not sports cars... and definitely not the satisfaction of being right about someone or something. (Yes, I know that last one really sometimes does feel as if it will bring us happiness... but in the end it brings us more misery than glory.)
So next time someone you care about does something that you feel isn’t very caring at all — put in the brave effort and kill that relationship monster while it’s still small.
With this in mind, here are some helpful communication tips to keep on hand:
1. Pick the right time and the right place. Do you have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time ahead? Are you in a place where your partner feels like he or she can talk openly and not self-consciously? Are you in a loud restaurant where it’s hard to hear and so you must shout — even before your partner makes you want to shout? In general, the best place to talk is at home alone, where you can sit facing each other, with good strong eye contact. Many psychologists even suggest holding hands as you talk — to keep a warm connection ongoing through all the bumps in the conversation.
2. Before you begin a difficult conversation, make it very clear to your partner that your goal is to create the best relationship possible. Admit you recognize talking about difficult subjects can be uncomfortable, but you’d rather have a difficult conversation now, than a decaying, untruthful, less intimate relationship later. Remind your partner how much you value him or her. Compliment your sweetie on a few qualities you appreciate. In general, be 100 percent certain your partner completely understands and believes your goal in talking is to increase the love, not wound to the quick, before you begin any difficult discussion.
3. If you are upset at your partner for something specific, try not to generalize by saying “You always do this. You always say that.” Generalizations will only escalate your partner’s emotional state because they’re vaguer and less believable. Come on. Be honest with yourself. An “always” action is in reality a very rare thing. And psychologists all agree it’s best to limit your talk to the one specific recent event that is bugging you and make past offenses not admissible evidence.
4. Be conscious of trying to begin as many of your sentences with “I” as you can. Likewise, try not to begin your sentences with “You.” The goal: own your feelings. Don’t slander your partner. For example, try to say something like: “I feel like you were ignoring me yesterday — and I was hurt because I needed your warmth after my proposal was rejected at the office,” instead of “You are cold, heartless, and don’t offer me an ounce of support.”
5. Create an obvious upside to talking, so you and your partner will want to talk again. In other words, be sure to close the conversation by consciously listing all the positive things you learned thanks to talking. Make a specific list of all the new actions you both will try to do to keep your relationship as strong and loving as possible. Oh... and this is where that good, old-fashioned reward of “making up” comes in! By ending on an upbeat “rewarding note,” next time a difficult conversation comes up, you’ll associate positives with talking, which will help you get to the heart of the matter much more quickly together.
Karen Salmansohn is a life coach and best-selling author of 27 books, including Even God Is Single, So Stop Giving Me A Hard Time. Learn more at www.notsalmon.com.
By Karen Salmansohn
Want to know what causes the dissolution of far too many relationships in this world?
As a bestselling author and motivational coach, I can tell you how it goes in three acts:
Act I: You hurt me.
Act II: Because you hurt me, I hurt you.
Act III: You hurt me even more because I just hurt you, so I hurt you even more. Then you hurt me; then I hurt you; then you hurt me because I just hurt you, so I hurt you more, and so on. Browse Local Singles at Match.com on Yahoo!
I am a: Man Woman Seeking a: Man Woman Near: The point: It’s easy to act cold/hurtful/in a stonewalling manner toward someone who you feel has said or done something you perceive as having done the same to you.
But that’s the point. That’s the easy thing to do.
Basically, most of us people as a species aren’t mean. We are weak.
It takes effort to consciously, openly, bravely, warmly speak up about the hurt you feel before things spiral negatively downward.
Yes, it takes effort to take the high road and to express your vulnerabilities and concerns with warmth and candor. But this effort is worth it... because love and connection are your true sources for happiness — not money, not shoes, not sports cars... and definitely not the satisfaction of being right about someone or something. (Yes, I know that last one really sometimes does feel as if it will bring us happiness... but in the end it brings us more misery than glory.)
So next time someone you care about does something that you feel isn’t very caring at all — put in the brave effort and kill that relationship monster while it’s still small.
With this in mind, here are some helpful communication tips to keep on hand:
1. Pick the right time and the right place. Do you have at least 30 minutes of uninterrupted time ahead? Are you in a place where your partner feels like he or she can talk openly and not self-consciously? Are you in a loud restaurant where it’s hard to hear and so you must shout — even before your partner makes you want to shout? In general, the best place to talk is at home alone, where you can sit facing each other, with good strong eye contact. Many psychologists even suggest holding hands as you talk — to keep a warm connection ongoing through all the bumps in the conversation.
2. Before you begin a difficult conversation, make it very clear to your partner that your goal is to create the best relationship possible. Admit you recognize talking about difficult subjects can be uncomfortable, but you’d rather have a difficult conversation now, than a decaying, untruthful, less intimate relationship later. Remind your partner how much you value him or her. Compliment your sweetie on a few qualities you appreciate. In general, be 100 percent certain your partner completely understands and believes your goal in talking is to increase the love, not wound to the quick, before you begin any difficult discussion.
3. If you are upset at your partner for something specific, try not to generalize by saying “You always do this. You always say that.” Generalizations will only escalate your partner’s emotional state because they’re vaguer and less believable. Come on. Be honest with yourself. An “always” action is in reality a very rare thing. And psychologists all agree it’s best to limit your talk to the one specific recent event that is bugging you and make past offenses not admissible evidence.
4. Be conscious of trying to begin as many of your sentences with “I” as you can. Likewise, try not to begin your sentences with “You.” The goal: own your feelings. Don’t slander your partner. For example, try to say something like: “I feel like you were ignoring me yesterday — and I was hurt because I needed your warmth after my proposal was rejected at the office,” instead of “You are cold, heartless, and don’t offer me an ounce of support.”
5. Create an obvious upside to talking, so you and your partner will want to talk again. In other words, be sure to close the conversation by consciously listing all the positive things you learned thanks to talking. Make a specific list of all the new actions you both will try to do to keep your relationship as strong and loving as possible. Oh... and this is where that good, old-fashioned reward of “making up” comes in! By ending on an upbeat “rewarding note,” next time a difficult conversation comes up, you’ll associate positives with talking, which will help you get to the heart of the matter much more quickly together.
Karen Salmansohn is a life coach and best-selling author of 27 books, including Even God Is Single, So Stop Giving Me A Hard Time. Learn more at www.notsalmon.com.
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