Ask Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
My daughter has very serious acne , and it causes her a lot of stress . Her peers at school tease her , and even other people who see her in the mall or wherever somestimes say say something about her .
She saw a report about a teen girl with the same problem who started wearing makeup to cover her acne. She even made instructional videos about it , and now she has good self-esteem .
My daughter wants to start wearing this kind of make-up , too . I think it's a mistake because it probably clogs the pores even more .My daughter is set on doing this .How can I dissuade her ?
Protective Mom
Dear Protective Mom ,
Dealing with severe ance can be traumatic , especially for the teens who are usually stuck with it . I understand your concern about the makeup not helping to heal the skin . And you are probably right . Still , self-esteem is a real issue for people with acne .
I recommend that you take your daughter to a dermatologist to get medical insight regarding her condition . Ask the dermatologist about make-up coverage . You may get a cosmetic that includes acne-drying properties as well as coverage .
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
My assistant of two years will be leaving me soon , and I have a concern , she has been completely loyal for the time she has worked with me , and I appreciate that . She also has all my passwords and other senistive information because it was part of her job .
I'm wondering if I should change passwords and locks , etc . I don't have any reason to believe she would do something to harm my business , but is she's not working for me anymore , shouldn't I make it so that she doesn't have access to my records .
Turning The Page
Dear Turning The Page ,
Security specialists typically recommend that passwords for email addresses be changed frequently . At some companys it is mandatory to change them every 90 days . For sure , you should change your locks . It's great that you have had a positive relationship with your assistant . Protecting your files and other assets by updating your security measures in no way reflects on her . So shrug off the notion that you are doing anything wrong .
Celebrate your assistant as she leaves you , and take care of your business as any professional should .
Maxy

Dear Maxy ,
I am in an abusive marriage . There has been some physical abuse along with verbal , emotional and mental abuse . It has gone on for for three years , and I think about leaving every day . I cry all the time. I have tried to be a good wife , but nothing I do , is good enough . I have talked to a couple of counselors and they tell me to get out . I want to, but I don't have any money (he has seen to that) and I have no place to go . I don't have any family or friends close by to stay with .
I've been in contact with the local women's shelter a couple of times , but right now , they don't have any available housing . How can I leave if I don't have any money or a place to go ? I just don't know how much longer I can hang on .
Crying
Dear Crying ,
Please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline (http://thehotline.org) at 1-800 799-SAFE (1-800-799-7233). The people there can help you figure out how to protect yourself and prepare to leave this relationship . In the meantime , don't hide your situation . Let others know what is going on , including your family members and trustworthy friends . When you are able to leave , you will have their support .
Maxy