The Internet is definitely a powerful tool, if you use it wisely. It covers most aspect of our daily live. However, there is a line or limit to whatever things you post or do online.

Today, a 4 year old kid can easily have access to the world wide web. Even worst, if the kid browse through the Internet without any supervision from the grow ups.

The social media is a platform where, I believe, a place to share good things or information that is useful as reference. There is a fine line between posting an info that might get you into trouble or perhaps a post that might offend people around you.

For example, if you were to post something bad about your company, you'll never if someone in your friend list is indeed a friend to your boss too. The world is a small place. You'll never know what to expect.

Before posting up any photos or status on your social media, ask yourself if this is the right thing to do. Think about if the thing you post might be offensive or perhaps inappropriate. Let's all #klikdenganbijak and make the Internet a safe place for everyone to explore and gain knowledge.

Click here to see The 8 Types Of People Who Share Too Much Information On Social Media

Don't mock those who start practising in Ramadan, this might be their turning point just like you had yours one day.

~Dr. Bilal Philips

So how has things been after my hijrah?

Well to be honest, it was nothing like how I'd imagine. people come asking me all type of questions (except my non-Muslim friends). Or people give me the weird look. Perhaps I was not popular in the office. Well, the good side of it, I could walk along the walkway with ease.

But I did encountered with a question which I think no one should ever asked. "So pakai untuk bulan Ramadhan je ke?" Tell me, what do you say to a person who just changed into a new leaf? Do you say "Eh, nampak cantik" or "Amboi lawanya" or "Alhamdulillah dah bertudung". People are so hard to please but then again, I think for whom did make this change? I kept reminding myself over and over again.

Sometimes question like this make you think for a second "Am I not worthy to change?" I know it's a psychological thing but the person who has to go through it may feel it differently.

Words are sharper than knives. I told you've heard this saying somewhere.

How do I describe Tree Monkey?

Delicious.Dark.Windy.Amazing view.

It was a nice evening on Tuesday last week when my colleague decided that we should have dinner in Tree Monkey just before the Ramadhan kick start. This has been planned ages but never executed. Our initial outing was that, we go for hiking to Monkey Beach. Knowing me and Tasha, food lover, I know that the hiking plan will never happen. So we substitute with makan. Tell me, who doesn't like food?

So since the 3 of us had no plans on that particular day, we drove there. Tree Monkey is situated in the lush greenery of Teluk Bahang, facing the Andaman sea. A great place to watch the sunset. Situated beside Tree Monkey is the Tropical Spice Garden.

Although the place is nice, avoid wearing dark color clothing or shorts because you'll invite mosquitoes. However they provide guest with mosquito repellent oil spray. It smells like citronella.

Service overall?
Superb and super friendly.
Food was super delicious especially the Darling crab and tomyam. The otak-otak was not bad too.

Imagine eating good food while watching sunset, facing the Andaman sea. The sea view was so beautiful. However, I suggest that you call Tree Monkey to make reservation because the restaurant is not big and seats are limited.

Sorry the photo qualities aren't good because my camera decided to die on me, so had to use mobile phone.

Photo courtesy of : Tasha.

....and you gotta grab this.

Susah tau to see USS offers a very good deal for you and your family. Sape tak nak kan. Since raya is only weeks away, why not bring your family for a weekend vacation or perhaps you wanna be a kid for a day? Like Juan, when we visited the Transformer ride *okay, let's not go there*.

This offer is open for USS, S.E.A. Aquarium, Trick Eye Museum and Adventure Cove Waterpark. What a combo. Cover all area in Sentosa Island. Sape tak nak kannnn....

Imagine this...Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium Adult One-Day Passes is only S$82!!!. Twin combo geng!!....

 "Nothing can happen to us except what Allah has ordained for us. He is Our Master. It is in Allah that the faithful should put their trust."

~(Surat at-Tawba, 51)

We all still have a long way to go before Syawal comes but I'm enjoying every moment of Ramadhan.

This Ramadhan has also been different for me. Read A CLOTH OVER MY HEAD, THE FINAL PUSH.

This year's Ramadhan has taught me the meaning of patience, grateful and change. Change to a betterment.

I couldn't be more than blessed that I was given the chance over and over again previously but I never used it wisely. But alhamdulillah, this time, I didn't get it slip through my fingers.

Donning the hijab full-time has made my life almost complete as a Muslim. I know as an individual, there are many things I have to learn because learning never stops. Having Juan as part of my support system apart from my family, has made things easier. I'm not perfect not I'm near to perfection but I try my best to do what's right in the perspective of own religion.

Every single day when I step out of the house with a piece of cloth on my head, I feel safe and respected. Safe and respected in my own definition. It made me feel like I have gain the Muslim identity that I have long lost previously. I found that in hijab. it's hard to explain because it's more on spiritually.

Nevertheless, I don't judge those who has been in my shoes. It's just a matter of time when Allah will come knocking their hearts and lead them to the right path.

..............in my opinion.

So for those who has watched Ted before, you would want to come back to the cinema to catch Ted 2. Ted will be come screaming to your cinema on 25th June 2015. Definitely, humor will make you fall off your seat.

I never love having teddy bear, but I know once I see Ted, I gotta have one.

He's so cute than you wanna bring home. Mushy, mushy come to mama. imagine having Ted at home, watching TV beside you.

Remember to catch him this 25th June 2015 at your nearest cinema.

Logon here for more info.

Perhaps a newly opened cafe by a fan of Penang football club. I assumed

It was on Monday night that me and Juan couldn't bothered to cook dinner. Plus I couldn't decide what I wanted to eat.

Juan googled interesting halal places to eat so we bumped into Haria Cafe. Their major dish was the nasi lemak kukus and ayam goreng berempah.

Presentation wise? Plating looks good. 

Sambal wise? Reddish but a bit watery. 

Ikan bilis? Crunchy and not too salty. 

Rice? Smells nice but lacked of coconut milk

Ayam goreng berempah? A bit of dissapoinment. Tasted like a normal fried chicken. Perhaps the marination process did not complete whereby it would be good if the chicken can be marinated a few hours or better still, overnight.

I couldn't taste any of the grinned lemongrass. The chicken was hard. Maybe because it was fried longer than it should. The meat was dry and not moist. 

However, if you don't fancy ayam goreng. You can try their sotong sambal and daging redang. The rendang tasted so good. I believe it would go well with the rice. Total price for 3 plate of nasi lemak including drinks were RM20. Quite reasonable. I wouldn't say it was cheap because nothing comes cheap nowadays.

Indeed he is. We can talk almost about anything with him.

That's my dad. 

My dad has been travelling around throughout his life for work reason and my mum will the one who's involve in the children's education and well being. But although he is a few thousand miles away from us, he never fail to follow up with the children's progress. My dad will call us a few days once to make sure that he never loses touch with his family.

The most obvious time of the year is during Hari Raya and Chinese New Year. He rarely celebrate with us. So normally only me, Dianah and my mum goes back to my grandma's place. But regardless the fun, we miss having him around.

Working abroad is definitely an eye opener and extends the way your mind think but having to live far away from the family is another thing. The loneliness can consume you if your will and spirit is not strong enough. Working abroad also makes the family closer. We started to appreciate family time whenever he's home.

I know my dad has been working real hard to make sure that his family has the basic needs. As he grow old, all I want to do is spend as much time as I can with him. With the remaining years he has, I only want to give the best so that he'll always be happy. I know that I don't earn as much as he did, but I would want to repay back all the effort and time he had spent in raising me and my sister.

Happy Father's Day, daddy.

It's the 2nd day of Ramadhan. How's fasting been treating you? Today also marked the 2nd day that I fully don the hijab. Nothing much change except that I get weird stares and question marks on people's head. I guess, that's.....normal.

My heart was pounding fast the morning after our first sahur. Perhaps I was excited and nervous at the same time. But you know, I'm glad that I did it, at last. After I've been thinking and hesitating for the past few years.

I'll be leaving for my parent's place today because me and Juan wanted to celebrate Ramadhan with them. First Ramadhan was with my in-laws. 

I'm so grateful that things are different for me this year especially Ramadhan. I have don the hijab.......at last. I celebrated my 1st year anniversary with Juan middle of this month. We didn't travel far except we spend a night at one of the hotel here and had a nice dinner. A lobster shared by 2 person. It was h.u.g.e I tell you. As big as my face.

I'm looking to more good things ahead. May this Ramadhan brings me closer to my Creator. That I'll be given the guidance in becoming a much better Muslim, a good daughter and wife.

Salam Ramadhan everyone.

The last weekend was a much awaited weekend. You know why? *cough*. Me and Juan turned 1. Now I can be like those people on FB posting 'Terima kasih sayang kerana menyayangi diri ini bla bla bla bla'. No, I don't do that.

I have booked a night stay at the Copthorne Orchid Hotel a month before our anniversary date. Because it was a school holiday, I'd thought it's better to book a room earlier. To my disappointment, the hotel wasn't what I expected. From the receptionist to the condition of the hotel although the exterior of the hotel looks exclusive. I expected a squeaky clean bathroom with different selection of coffee and teas at the pantry not a leaking bathroom ceiling :-(.

At the reception counter:

I noticed that the there were few trainees at the reception with broken English but I assumed that they were Hotel Management course student. Judging by their younger looks. There were no greetings from them. It was a straight 'Yes?'. No smile no nothing. Really? Was that the first thing the uni taught you when it comes to greeting your guest? Ok,that....nevermind.

Then there was a couple who had problem with their room. I think so. A trainee attended their enquiry. Her senior assisted them after while. Mother-of-all, she spoke to the trainee as if there were no one around. Not enough with the condition of the hotel, the seniors don't even talk politely to her trainee. At least, bagi la muka kan. I think budget hotel uncle is way friendlier than this one. They should send their seniors for a hotel management training. Seriously.

That night, we went for a nice candle light dinner at Feringgi Garden. I've heard alot about this place. First impression, wow. The place reminded me alot about Sri Lanka. The interior of the restaurant make you feel as though you're in Italy? *this exaggerating* but hey, that was how I felt okay. 

The portion was quite big. In fact me and Juan ordered a plate of large lobster which at first we though we wanted to order a small one since neither of us had lobster before. We're jakun like that. So don't judge. The look of that creature itself gave me a chill.

We called the waiter and told him that we wanted to cancel our initial order. When we said we wanted to order a small lobster:

*gave a stare at Juan first*

Waiter: Small lobster is small. Not enough. *gave a grine*

He must be thinking that Juan will just swallow that whole small lobster.

Me: How big is small and how big is big?

Waiter: Eemm, like this

*showing the same size as the big and small lobster*

Me: Ok, we'll order big one. We both will share because I cannot eat much.

Waiter: Ok ok. One big lobster. Anything else?

Me: No that's all. Thank you.

 'Enough meh?'. I said 'Let's try first'. 

Then came the gigantic super lobster. 'Cam ni ja?'

As we keep digging that poor lobster, our stomach became so full that we left 1/4 of it on the plate. Could not finish it anymore. Man, the power of large lobster but surprisingly it tasted sweet. We couldn't say that the lobster tasted good because that was our first time. We aren't sure how lobster should taste like. Don't look down on that ugly sea creature next time.

Ok, the price. Ready to burn a hole in your pocket boys. The lobster we ate cost us RM140++. We ordered appetizer and it cost around RM20++. They even serve premier wagyu beef that cost RM350++. I swear I will not poop if I eat that beef. I can't say that it was a fine dining restaurant because there were loud music playing that night and you'll noticed that the guests consist of expatriate. However, we ended our night in our hotel room, watching TV with our buncit stomach.

Anyway, Happy Anniversary to us.

This is a continuation of :

A CLOTH OVER MY HEAD, A THOUSAND QUESTIONS

A CLOTH OVER MY HEAD, THE 'ALMOST THERE' JOURNEY

It was in Ramadhan 2013 when everything was at its peak. The tears and the uncertainty. I cried countless times thinking about whether or not I should make this transformation. I started going deeper about my religion.

It's so strange that as a Muslim, I know so little about my own religion that I was in fact born with. How denial I was. I was finding something that was missing but I did not know what was it. No matter what I do, no matter how much money I have, no matter how many good friends I have, no matter how happy I was, it still felt empty. Although I was married, it was still incomplete.

Learning about the do's and don'ts in Islam and the reason behind these rules are hard work. You don't just listen to talks or read books about it, you need to understand what are these rules for and the significant of it.

Then I started to be discipline in my prayers. I started praying and each pray was complimented with du'a. I pray that if this is the path that were meant for me and if this could give me the happiness that I have been seeking, I will embark no matter what comes in my way. Every single day I feel even lost in what was I supposed to do but I did not stop and gave in. I changed the things I normally do from my daily routine to something different. I started to spend more time with my parents. Sometimes being extra nice to them, it helps to ease the journey that I was about to embark. At then end of the day, no matter what you want to do, ALWAYS get your parent's blessings.

 I also consulted my aunt who had gone through this path. I recalled what she told me when I last visited her. She said 'Kalau kita betul-betul mendalami agama kita dan niat kita ada lah untuk berubah, hati kita akan dibuka oleh Allah untuk berubah. Perasaan itu akan datang sendiri. Dan pada masa tu, air mata akan mencucuri pipi bila masa kita berada di atas sejadah'. I cried *goodness, my heart is so gooey*. She also said that change come in stages, the moment we put on the hijab, everything will fall into places. So never judge a person who wears tight clothes even with hijab on her head, because we will never know probably that person could be better than us.

The way we educate the society about Islam today compared to when our Rasulullah S.A.W had done is so different. We gave the impression to society that Islam is all about implementing stringent rules to Muslims especially women. The truth is, women are consider as the most noble creature every created by Allah and they sit at the highest hierarchy of men.

I was wearing the tudung on and off just to get a hang of the feeling again. I try covering up as much as I can when I'm out.

Honest truth, it brought some different opinions on this idea among some of my Muslim friends. Some say 'Why don't you wear it when you're in office too?' *Yes, I only wear it when I'm out but not in the office*. Remember when I say change comes in stages and people go through change differently. Ultimately, the goal is the same. The destination is what most important. How you want to reach your destination is just individualistic. It's your preference. Human has a different method when it comes to achieving goal but for as long as your intention is good, pure and at the right path, just do it. Follow your heart.

It continues till this day, 2015 where I thought 'Hey, let's just do this'. I was not pressurized by friends or family. It came naturally. I was surrounded by friends who wears the hijab since high school and they're part of my encouragement in changing the way I wear and it also helps that they were encouraging me from afar. Modest. It didn't feel hard on me because I was brought up in a family that stresses modest in what we wear. Even my mum started covering her head only 2 years back. Alhamdulillah. 

So apart from wanting to be a real Muslim not just by name, I also wanted to practice the faith that I have been born and brought up with.

Donning the hijab is not just putting a piece cloth on your head whenever you wish or because everyone is doing it or because you religion told you so. It comes together with a very great responsibility. The cloth you put on your body represents and portray what your religion had taught you. Islam is a religion of peace. Perhaps of what has been portray by extremists around the world, it gave an impression to others that Islam is all about 'no'.

I had a few non-Muslim friends who asked me why Muslims need to cover their hair, I could not answer because my knowledge about Islam is not perfect. But I know why I wanted to change and Allah knows too.

The process of change requires patience, tawakal, hard work, du'a, support from the right people (family and friends) and pure intention. Change will not come if you don't seek. At times, you feel like giving up and in my case, mainly because of peer pressure but move a step back and think again why do you even want to change at the first place? Don't make the change if you think that is what required by your religion without understanding it at first. Understand, learn, embrace and practice.

The journey to be a true Muslim is not and will never be easy. At times, you think that everything is going against you, but believe me when I say as long as you're sincere in everything you do and that you do it for Him, good things will come eventually. I'm grateful that I'm given the chance by Him to go through this change. After how I was last time as a Muslim, I never thought I'll be given the chance but you know, He's the Merciful one, and no other.

When people say 'Sabar itu separuh dari iman', I now know the real meaning of the quote. To those who are still struggling, don't give up. Always pray to be given the strength to fight towards the road that Allah has lay down for you. Satan will always come around to persuade the good things you want to do but always remember that a strong will complimented with a strong faith will always win.

 Do not worry what the society may think about you,the decision you make and how you decide to change because it doesn't matter. Society don't determine whether or not you will go straight to hell or heaven. Change doesn't come overnight *Rome is not built in a day* nor change will work if you don't strive but for as long as you make the first move even the smallest one, give yourself a pat because that means Allah has chose you. Talk to Allah because He understands even before you let it out. In fact, to this date, I'm still struggling with myself but I pray that I'm given the ultimate strength to keep going along this path.

When you succeed, don't judge other people who is going through what you went through and how you were last time because you'll never know if God decided to change your heart around.

The final push is always the hardest one. It's like you're standing in both world. Pray will all your heart is the answer.

I have found the missing pieces and I hope you find yours too. Perseverance is the key.

Today is the 1st of Ramadhan and today also is the first day that I have fully embrace the hijab. To those who has supported me throughout this journey, I thank each one of you for being there for me and has been the inspirations of this change.

xoxo

Cotton lyra instant shawl by misswishwardrobe, handbag from Cath Kidston Singapore, MNG jeans and cotton long sleeve top by TLA

I have naturally thin hair therefore finding the right shampoo is very important in making sure that my hair doesn't fall off much because I don't want to end up being Boldy Yong. I'm not a big fan of any particular shampoo brand. They're mostly trial and error usage. 

During my trip to India, I bought a few local brand products like the Himalaya. Known for its natural ingredient. I also bought myself a bottle of Garnier Triple Nutrition Strengthening Shampoo (which I think I should have bought more). This was not my first time using this brand. I have tried Garnier previously during my stay in Colombo, Sri Lanka. I bought because I did not bring my own shampoo and I loved the smell and the texture. Your hair smells good the entire day. I never had the chance to use it again in Malaysia until my recent trip to India. I was like one hell of a jakun.

So what do I love about this shampoo?

Firstly, the smell. It smells like a mixture of fruits and coconut in one bottle. Secondly, because of all the shampoo that I have tried (even Himalaya) Garnier works the best. I still have dropped hair when combing but only a a few strands not chunks of them. The smell can long the whole day and my hair felt so smooth the whole day.

"Enriched with the goodness of Olive , Almond, Coconut Oils and fruit vitamins, Triple Nutrition Range nourishes and strengthens hair from scalp, through lengths to tips, leaving hair strong, nourished, shiny and manageable."

Garnier recommended to use this shampoo together with the conditioner but I rarely use conditioner. Even without the conditioner, it still works amazingly.

Today marked our 1st anniversary as marido and esposa. So how has it been?

Well, to tell you the truth, it wasn't as bad as how some people pictured  it nor it was amazing or over the moon as how some clingy wife described it on Instagram or Facebook. For both of us, it was more about balance. There were times we smashed things on the floor *kidding* and there are times we got mushy-mushy over each other *to be fair, it was mainly me*

Juan doesn't really tell you that he cares but he express it through his actions. But after an incident (before we got married), he doesn't give me surprises anymore except if I point to him on certain occasions then the only surprise that I get is not knowing when he bought that item. Like my powerbank.

Ever since we got married, I tried to get Juan involve in some of my activities but we have our personal time once in a while. In marriage, it's good to have some 'me' time from each other. Taking a break from the daily chores. Marriage should not be a routine instead it should be something new to explore everyday.

We go for staycation or local vacation from time to time. We ask each other on how did our day went and talking random stuff. We also talk about what type of 'menantu' criteria we want to have *ok guys, that's too much*

Marriage is about learning and there's no full stop in finding out new things about your partner. Marriage is also about standing by your spouse through thick and think and that's what Juan did. Today, marriage is no longer about the wife cooks, wash, feed the baby, do the laundry, clean the house, entertain the husband all by herself. It's like business. Delegating task to ensure that the operation of the company can run smoothly, efficiently and it takes two to make sure the marriage is in order.

I couldn't be more grateful than having such a tolerant, patience and supportive husband. Looking back at what I went through during my younger days, I never thought that Allah would bring me a great husband. Although this is just worldly, but what I'm aiming for is to meet Juan in Jannah again, insyaallah. *sorry I'm not all mushy everytime. I have my machoness to jaga too, you know*

Wishing Juan a Happy 1st Anniversary. Looking forward to more 'Please feed the tortoise' chores.

I'm in the middle of changing how I look. Therefore experimenting on different looks is what I do now. I have to learn on which style would suit me.

Apart from that, I want something quick that I can just wear them especially when it comes to work wise.

I have tried these designs and would like to share with you guys. 

Crepe satin

Not sheer

Fast and easy to wear

The price is also worth the workmanship.

RM30 not including postage

To order: Whatsapp to 017-4005105 (preferably with a screenshot)

The keys to patience are acceptance and faith. Accept things as they are, and look realistically at the world around you. Have faith in yourself and in the direction you have chosen.

Ralph Marston

Well, I grew up in a small town called Kangar. Situated at the most up north side of Malaysia. Border to the the land of fragrance rice, Thailand.

Sawadeekap. 

Back when I was still a high school student, I've been waiting for the day I moved out of my kampung. Everything seem so marvelous for me in the big city. The shopping malls, the people, the way people dress and of course....the boys. They seems much more macho compared to the kampung boys I know. Well, so I thought things were much better in the city.

Then came the day I had to moved to where I am currently now, Penang. I didn't want to move to Kuala Lumpur thinking that it would be much further for me. I want to have the flexibility of going back to my hometown any time I want. So I settled in a state where it only requires 2 hours of drive. And also if I get kicked out by Juan, at least 2 hours of driving is not bad while crying *joking,joking*.

Living in the city for 11 years make me realized how I did not appreciate the things and the people I have around me last time. It also taught me survival skills. A skill that is important when living in an unfamiliar place.

Nowadays paddy field seems so serene to me each time I go back and I noticed the locals are much more friendly as well as my neighborhood. Everyone knows each other and every evening the elderly will seat together at the back alley of my dad's house, while chit chating with each other. Accompanied by the cold breeze. Some of them brought snacks too. These are the things we don't see in the big city. You may for some but it's a dying tradition of living together as neighbors.

In the city, most people shut their doors. So it's no surprise if they don't know their neighbor living next door. For some, you rarely see them at home. Some city people are selfish and harsh. Some are still nice people. I don't deny that.

Although I've been living in the city for 11 years, not long compared to some. I tried to remind myself not to lose the kampung girl spirit I have inside. I try not to be a selfish person instead I offer help to other people if needed and I give money to beggars instead of walking pass them. I don't want the city life consume my good values. I wish to make the world a better place by doing good things even a small one. It could change someone's life or perhaps you'll make a new friend.

Life is much more easier in small city. Cars don't honk at each other, food are rather reasonable, people walking at a slower pace. I miss my old life. My life in a school uniform.

I've never been a coffee lover but Juan is. It started off after we got married that I became so hook up with coffee. In fact now I drink coffee every single day. Even on some weekends. Juan buys packets of coffee for him to bring them to office and some to stock up at home.

I love coffee with more sweetness and milk froth and ever since I have been changing all kinds of brand but none that suits me. Just to find 'the-one'. Until..........I found the new Nescafe Blend and Brew. It was recommended by a colleague of mine. Since then, I'm sooo hooked up with this every morning.

Nescafe Blend and Brew is freshly brewed coffee with milk and natural sugar. It doesn't taste very strong but it sure give you the addiction that one cup is never enough. The taste is slightly different from the old Nescafe 3-in-1. The new Blend and Brew also comes in 3 different flavor ; Original, Mild and Rich. I prefer mine Original. How about you?

You can follow their pages for more exciting updates ; Facebook, Twitter, Homepage and YouTube.

Disclaimer : There was no animal harmed in the making of this post. Only a little terrapine forced into becoming a model :-). Meet Leo.

Lately, we all have been hearing a lot about wife being beaten by the husband, or husband got beaten by his wife (yes, it happens to men too). Worst of all is when a girlfriend is being abused by her partner when both does not even have any legal status. This issue has been out there for the longest time.

The definition of abuse can come in many form and not restricted to only physically.

".......An abusive relationship describes a relationship where one person consistently and constantly uses tactics to psychologically, physically, financially, emotionally, and sexually control and have power over another person."

Wikihow

Regardless of how long you've been in a relationship with that person, that is not a reason for letting yourself fool into continuing that relationship itself. It's about loving and respecting your body and soul. Why do you want to be a person who has no respect at all?

It's not easy nor hard to recognize an abuser. You have to be an observant. Notice the changes in behavior and take the first step before things get worst or before getting into a relationship. 

An abuser is mainly a smooth or sweet talker. They get things done by being nice to you, at first and gradually the behavior starts to change. However, this vary in each individual. An abuser might also been abused during his/her childhood time and this leads to aggressiveness in that person.

There are a few steps that you can take to recognize if you're in an abusive relationships. Do you feel the:

Loneliness

Depression

Powerlessness

Embarrassment

Shame

Anxiety

Suicidal

Fear

Isolated from family and friends

Trapped with no hope of escape

If you feel any of the above or perhaps all, take action and talk to someone. Talk to your family about this.

"...........domestic violence cases have increased 43.6 per cent from January to September this year to the 3673 cases reported, last year."

ASTRO Awani

As you get into an early stage of the relationship with an abuser, notice the communication behavior of that person. Harsh and vulgar sentences are languages used by these group of individual when they're angry and subsequently comes along with threatening sentences.

".........She also said there is an increasing ‘trend’ of men coming forward to report being victims of domestic violence, some even reaching out to her personally via social media."

Observe also how when both of you are having arguments, how will it proceed? Does your partner starts yelling, throwing harsh words at you or calling names? If yes, you are in an abusive relationship. 

".......Particularly, watch for your partner to shut down into a moody, angry sulk, with the only responses to your complaints a terse or angry answer."

Apart from this, notice if you partner is an overly jealous person. He may question you like a private investigator when you speak to an opposite gender. Most importantly, if you being kept away from your family and relatives, it's one of the sign of an abusive relationship.

An abuser is very unpredictable but watch his change in behavior. He could be treating you nicely and maybe one second later he could be intimidating.

This is very important note. Watch how he communicate with his family members.

"........If your partner is rude or dismissive to his own parents or friends, how do you think you'll be treated? Remember that, right now, while your relationship is relatively young, your partner is on good behavior. How will things be when there is no longer any need to impress you?"

".........Notice if your partner treats waiters or waitresses, taxi drivers, concierges or anyone else in the service industry disrespectfully. This is a sign that someone has a mean superiority complex. He divides the world into worthiness and unworthiness and this sense of unworthiness will soon be inflicted on you."

Adopt a zero acceptance policy for violence. If your partner ever becomes physically violent, your relationship needs to be ended immediately. Physical abuse is never "for your own good," and it's never your fault. Don't let manipulative partners bully you into feeling guilty over being hit. It's not okay, and it's most definitely a sign of an abusive relationship, and it will happen again. Get out of this relationship immediately.

End the relationship as soon as possible. Put a plan in place to end your relationship safely. Once you've made your decision, try not to struggle with your complicated feelings. Now's not the time to mourn for your failed relationship or reconsider. Now is the time to make yourself safe.

It has been a while since I receive guest at my house and last weekend was an exceptional one. Ever since I moved to the house that I lived in, I rarely have people visited me and it made me happy knowing that my relatives are coming down to stay over the weekend.

I love having guest over at my place. The feeling of people coming over make me feel contented. I've never host any event at my home but I would like to do that some day. It's nice to have some commotion and noise over at your place. It breaks the silence that only me and Juan who created the noise most of the time

I have a small family circle and my niece and nephew are the 2nd closest people apart from my cousins. I watched them grow up and I would want my kids to be as close as possible with them as how I was with my cousins when we were little. I don't want to see the bond that my dad worked hard to bind lose its grip over the years. I have seen people who lost touch with their relatives and end up living alone therefore I do not want my kids to go through that.

I come to realize that I should be grateful with the family members I have. We came from different background but our veins contain the same blood. I cannot be more thankful to Allah for the people I have by my side. 

Family does not consist parents and siblings, they also consist extended families. they co-related and co-exist. It's important to make sure that your children knows who their uncles, aunties and cousins before our parents no longer around, extended families are the 2nd most important group to make sure that the legacy continues.