Latest news with #pexels
IOL News
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- IOL News
The dress dilemma: how a bride's wedding gown started a family feud
Ultimately, your wedding day is about celebrating your love story. If a decision feels right for you, own it. Image: Marina Ryazantseva/pexels Weddings are supposed to be magical, filled with love, laughter, and the dreams of two people starting their forever. But what happens when the bride's dream dress clashes with a family's deeply rooted tradition? A Reddit post titled "Am I the A******" recently sparked a heated discussion about a bride, her wedding dress, and the emotional fallout with her husband and mother-in-law. For one bride, her 'perfect day' took a sharp turn when her choice of a white wedding dress became a point of contention for her groom's family. What should have been a moment of joy turned into a whirlwind of disappointment, misunderstandings, and hurt feelings all centred around one simple decision: the colour of the dress. The groom's family had a longstanding tradition: all brides in the family wore blush-colored wedding dresses. For generations, this custom symbolised unity and respect for their heritage. So, when the bride got engaged, she was politely asked to honour this tradition. 'I said I'd consider it,' the bride, 31, shared on Reddit. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ If a family tradition conflicts with your vision, address it early. Image: Mirac Sendil/pexels 'But ultimately, I told them I'd choose whatever colour my dream dress turned out to be.' When it came time to shop for her gown, she invited her future mother-in-law (MIL) to join her, a thoughtful gesture aimed at making her feel included. And then, the bride found it: the dress. It was everything she'd ever imagined: elegant, timeless, and white. Her mother-in-law's reaction was immediate. 'She asked if we could dye it blush or make alterations,' the bride recalled. 'I promised to look into it, but made it clear that if altering the dress wasn't possible, I wouldn't be choosing another one.' The dress that changed everything True to her word, the bride consulted the boutique, but dying the dress was deemed too risky it could ruin the gown. She decided to leave the dress as it was, white and untouched. What she didn't do, however, was inform her fiancé or his family before the wedding day. 'It was my day, my dress, my choice,' she explained. But when the moment arrived when the bride walked down the aisle in her stunning white gown, her mother-in-law's disappointment was palpable. 'She was visibly angry the whole time,' the bride said. At the reception, her MIL cornered her, demanding an explanation. The bride calmly explained that the dress couldn't be altered and that she didn't want to risk damaging it. The response? 'She said she was disappointed I broke their family tradition.' What stung even more was her husband's reaction later that evening. 'He told me he felt disappointed, too, when he saw me in white,' she revealed. 'Hearing that broke me.' Reddit weighs in Seeking clarity, the bride turned to the popular forum, asking if she was in the wrong for prioritising her dream dress over tradition. The responses were overwhelmingly in her favour. 'You wore the dress, so the only opinion that matters is yours,' one commenter wrote. Another added, 'Your MIL is allowed to feel sad that the tradition wasn't upheld, but this was your day and your choice. If the colour was so important to your husband, he should've communicated that before dress shopping.' If a family tradition conflicts with your vision, address it early. Discuss your decision openly with your partner and their family to avoid surprises. Image: Esra Kızılkaya/pexels However, some Redditors pointed out that the bride might have avoided the drama with better communication. A heads-up to her fiancé and MIL about her final decision could have softened the blow. At its core, this story highlights the complex dynamics of weddings where personal desires, family expectations, and emotional connections often collide. For the bride, the dress symbolised her individuality and the once-in-a-lifetime moment she'd dreamed of. For the groom's family, the blush-coloured tradition represented unity and respect for their shared history. The lesson here? Weddings are not just about two people, they're also about merging two families, two sets of traditions, and two worlds. Balancing those elements requires communication, compromise, and a willingness to navigate emotional landmines with grace. What brides can learn: 1. Prioritise communication: If a family tradition conflicts with your vision, address it early. Discuss your decision openly with your partner and their family to avoid surprises. 2. Balance dreams and relationships: While it's important to honour your vision, consider how your choices might affect loved ones. Small compromises can go a long way in fostering harmony. 3. Stand firm in your choices: Ultimately, your wedding day is about celebrating your love story. If a decision feels right for you, own it. At the end of the day, it's your wedding, your dress, and your choice. But it's also an opportunity to strengthen the bonds of the family you're marrying into. The key? Finding a balance that honours both your individuality and the love that brings everyone together.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Why stress sweat packs a pungent punch: the science behind the stink
According to Unilever's research, humans have two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Image: Liliana Drew /pexels Sweat. It's the universal language of summer afternoons, power outages, taxi rides, and even anxious moments before a big presentation at work. But have you ever stopped to think about how sweat isn't just sweat? From a lifestyle and health perspective, the different types of sweat and the body odour (BO) they produce tell a fascinating story about our modern lives. Not all sweat is created equal According to Unilever's research, humans have two main types of sweat glands: eccrine and apocrine. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Eccrine glands are found all over your body and mostly produce a watery, salty sweat that helps cool you down during a hot summer day or a brisk walk down the promenade. This sweat is usually odourless because it doesn't contain much more than water and salt. But then there are the apocrine glands, which become active from puberty (remember that first high school dance?). These are mostly found in your armpits and groin, and they produce a thicker, nutrient-rich sweat. Sweat, a uniquely human physiological process, reveals information about our health, stress levels, and social bonds. Image: Anna Nekrashevich /pexels This type of sweat is the real culprit behind BO, especially during stressful moments. The science behind stress sweat (and why it smells worse). Ever noticed how you get a different kind of sweaty before a big meeting? That's your stress sweat kicking in. When you're stressed, your body releases hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which trigger your apocrine glands. As explained by dermatologist Dr Cynthia Bailey in an interview with MindBodyGreen, the 'greater the fear, the greater the sweat.' But why does stress sweat smell so much worse than gym sweat? Apocrine sweat is packed with proteins and fatty acids, a veritable buffet for the bacteria that live on your skin. When bacteria break down this sweat, they produce the distinctive (and sometimes pungent) body odour we all dread. Stress sweat is about more than just personal discomfort. According to evolutionary biology, these 'chemosignals' may have helped our ancestors warn each other about danger. Research cited by MindBodyGreen suggests that people can sense fear or stress in others' sweat, sometimes becoming anxious. Imagine your body warning your friends at a campsite that danger is nearby or, in modern terms, that your boss is on the way! Your sweat story is as unique as you are, shaped by South Africa's diverse climate and rich cultural tapestry. Environmental conditions not only affect our sweating but also influence how we manage body odour. For many, daily use of deodorants and antiperspirants is second nature, while there's a growing shift towards natural remedies and indigenous botanicals like rooibos, buchu, and marula oil, known for their antibacterial and soothing properties. A range of factors can make BO better or worse: Diet: Spicy foods, garlic, and onions are notorious for making sweat smell stronger. Hygiene: Regular washing helps, but over-washing can disrupt the skin's natural bacterial balance. Clothing: Synthetic fabrics trap sweat, while cotton and natural fibres allow skin to breathe. Health conditions: Diabetes, thyroid issues, and certain medications can change the way your sweat smells. Hormones: Adolescents and pregnant women may notice changes in body odour due to shifting hormone levels. Sweat is part of what makes us human. It tells a story about our health, our stress, and even our social connections.
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Seeing clearly: how our screen-obsessed lives are fueling the myopia epidemic in children
The message is clear: small changes in daily habits can lead to big improvements in eye health. Image: Pavel Danilyuk /pexels In recent years, myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, has become a growing global concern. This condition, which affects a person's ability to see distant objects clearly, is now considered an epidemic that is expected to impact nearly half of the world's population by 2050. The rise in myopia cases is closely tied to modern lifestyles, particularly the increased use of screens, reduced outdoor activities, and urbanised living. In South Africa, while statistics on myopia are limited, anecdotal evidence suggests the trend mirrors what's happening globally. Understanding the causes, risks, and solutions is vital for parents, educators, and healthcare providers to address this growing issue. Why is myopia on the rise? According to global studies, myopia currently affects between 25% and 33% of the world's population. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts this could rise to 50% by 2050. Lifestyle changes, particularly in urban environments, play a significant role. Excessive screen time and near-work activities Children today are spending more time on tasks that require close focus, such as reading, gaming, and using smartphones or tablets. These activities often take place indoors, away from natural light, which is essential for eye health. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Teach children to maintain a safe distance from screens and books while using proper lighting. Image: Kampus Production /pexels Lack of outdoor time Research shows that spending more than 14 hours a week outdoors reduces the risk of developing myopia by about 30%. However, many children in South Africa, particularly in urban areas, spend the majority of their time indoors, whether at school, doing homework, or engaging with screens. Genetics and family history Dr Ed Anderson, president of the South African Society for Cataract and Refractive Surgery (SASCRS), explains that myopia is often hereditary. 'If one or both parents are short-sighted, the likelihood of their children developing myopia is significantly higher.' The impact of myopia on children Myopia often develops during childhood and can worsen until a person's early 20s. For school-aged children, poor vision can have a profound impact on their education, social development, and overall quality of life. Dr Helga Abrahamse-Pillay, president of the South African Society for Paediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (SASPOS), highlights how myopia can hinder a child's ability to learn. 'A child struggling to see the board, follow sports activities, or recognise distant objects may face challenges not only in their academic performance but also in their behavioural and social interactions.' Eye tests, performed by optometrists or ophthalmologists, can determine the extent of the condition and recommend appropriate corrective measures. Image: Pavel Danilyuk/pexels Parents and teachers in South Africa are encouraged to be vigilant for signs of myopia, which may include: Holding books or devices very close to the face. Sitting too close to the television. Squinting or straining to see distant objects. Rubbing the eyes frequently. Disinterest in schoolwork, often mistaken for behavioural issues. Diagnosing and managing myopia Early detection is key to managing myopia effectively. Eye tests, performed by optometrists or ophthalmologists, can determine the extent of the condition and recommend appropriate corrective measures. Common treatments for myopia Spectacles: Glasses remain the most common and effective way to correct myopia in both children and adults. Contact lenses: For older children and adults, contact lenses may be a more practical option, particularly for those with active lifestyles. Lifestyle changes: Encouraging children to spend more time outdoors and limiting screen time can help slow the progression of myopia. Advanced treatments some cases, treatments such as orthokeratology (specialised contact lenses worn overnight to reshape the cornea) or low-dose atropine eye drops may be recommended. During Myopia Awareness Week, from May 23 to 29, the Ophthalmological Society of South Africa (OSSA), in collaboration with SASPOS and SASCRS, is working to shine a spotlight on this issue. The campaign aims to educate South Africans about the risks of myopia and the importance of early intervention. Anderson stresses the importance of routine eye exams, 'Even if your child shows no obvious symptoms, regular eye check-ups are crucial. Early diagnosis can prevent further deterioration and allow for effective treatment.' What can parents and educators do? As the prevalence of myopia grows, proactive steps are essential to protect children's vision: Encourage outdoor play: Aim for at least two hours of outdoor activity daily to reduce the risk of myopia. Limit screen time: Set boundaries for screen use, including regular breaks during homework or gaming. Schedule routine eye tests: Ensure children visit an optometrist annually, especially if there is a family history of myopia. Promote healthy habits: Teach children to maintain a safe distance from screens and books while using proper lighting. While the myopia epidemic is a global challenge, it is deeply rooted in lifestyle factors that can be addressed. The message is clear: small changes in daily habits can lead to big improvements in eye health. Myopia may be on the rise, but with awareness and action, it is a challenge that can be managed effectively.
