If they’re handled in a respectful and positive way, conflicts provide an opportunity for growth.

FROM ISSUE # 178 (October 2010) | IN THIS ISSUE
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I am a 19-year-old male who is slightly overweight. I have been trying to go to the gym for the past year, but I am so embarrassed. I feel like everyone in the gym will give me dirty looks. Give me some courage! 
Fat Joe, Kathmandu

You should be aware of the fact that gyms are meant for exercising, not merely for checking other people out. No one is born with innate knowledge of gyms, and all gyms are different; unless you go there and explore it, you'll never know what it's really like. What you're most likely to find is that everyone is so caught up in their own exercise routines that they don't have time to look at others. Approaching a trainer and training with him or her is another effective way of overcoming your fear. Exercise helps ease depression, enhances self-image, relieves stress, and so much more. If you make "starting slow" and "having fun" your mottos, before you know it you'll be on your way to having physical activity as a tool that makes you feel better every day.

My boyfriend and I are constantly arguing because we are both short tempered. This is creating tension in our relationship. How can I manage my temper?
Miss Wrath, Pokhara

Since relationship conflicts are inevitable, learning to deal with them in a healthy way is crucial. If they're handled in a respectful and positive way, conflicts provide an opportunity for growth, and ultimately for strengthening the bond between two people. The capacity to remain relaxed and focused in tense situations is a vital aspect of conflict resolution. If you don't know how you feel or why you feel that way, you won't be able to communicate effectively or smooth over disagreements. You can avoid many confrontations and resolve arguments and disagreements by communicating in a playful or humorous way. When humour is used to reduce tension and anger, reframe problems, and put the situation into perspective, the conflict can actually become an opportunity for greater connection and intimacy.