By Keisha Stoute

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Looks can be deceiving and WPIs are often in disguise. Workplace Investigators are individuals who have a PhD in information gathering, gossip and spreading foolishness! They make sure that they keep others well informed through multimedia outlets such as facebook and twitter as well as through; word of mouth, text messaging, emails, lunch breaks, closed door meetings, office trips, telephone calls etc. Talk about excellent marketing skills and abilities! Their information is not always accurate as it often  reflects their opinions of others. The qualifications of a WPI includes, being nosy, intrusive, and not afraid to cross boundaries. By any means necessary.

This personality type aligns themselves in positions to glean information by being at the right place at the right time. They also have spies to assist them in getting the dirt! Elevators, stairwells, break rooms and parking lots are excellent places for spies to lurk. Before you enter your car look for moving objects and giggling dumpster! It happens! Once confronted they often look surprised and insulted that you will accuse them of such childish behavior. Be prepared for tears, water works and other academy award winning drama! WPI's main goal is to "deny". They will also throw others under the bus before admitting to anything.

How can you avoid the trickery traps of a Workplace Investigator?

1. Stay clear of the WPI's and their spies.
Despite being cautious everyone will be a victim eventually so avoid the daggers for as long as you can!

2. Do not volunteer information. Saying little is good in this case.

3. Decline lunch invitations

Going to lunch with a WPI is the perfect opportunity for them to get in your business. Be gracious and decline the offer.

4. Do not hang out with WPIs outside of work

5. If you have to work with a WPI on a project you must take control of the meetings etc. Idle time leaves opportunity to destruct. Keep things moving.

6. Do not trust WPI's
They often appear to be cool and easy to talk too but your business will spread like wild fire!

7. They may try to black mail or black ball you.

When WPI get a hold of juicy information they tell everyone and sometimes powerful people who can promote you hear it and believe it. These individuals use what ever they have to get what they want.

Workplace Investigators can also be in the form of your boss and these same tips still apply. The less you tell the better! You may have a co-worker who offers you gossip and the best way to handle this situation is not to react. The main reason why WPI's engage in these behaviors is to get a reaction from others. If you react then they have acheived their goal! Ignore foolishness and stay focused.Once WPI's figure out that you are not interested and willing to participate then they will eventually move on to others.


 

By Keisha Stoute

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Fear has a way of taking over all of us in one way or another. It plants its ugly head and prevents us from moving forward and causes remediation and participation in unhealthy stagnet relationships. When given control “fear” will take over like a disease and will leave you feeling helpless, hopeless and afraid. Everyone has a desire to want to have a relationship but when past hurts and unresolved issues thwart your goals, you must do some soul searching and reality checking. If you are still in the same situation with the same person discussing the same issues then you have not made any progress. When this occurs people are allowing themselves to stay in a state of chaos and confusion. Going backwards and revisiting yo-yo like behaviors is a recipe for disaster. Yes, people can change but change only occurs when one sees the need. Past patterns are a clear indication of future behaviors. Overcoming fear is a journey not an overnight prescription! Once you have conquered one area, life
has a way of challenging you with more.

There are different kinds of fear that we all have encountered such as fear of failure, not being loved, abandonment, rejection, acceptance etc. In order to overcome your fears you must dig deep and search for the root of your problems. During this process you will realize that what you thought was the problem is only the surface. Your issues run deeper than you anticipated and you must allow yourself time to
process. Going from one relationship to another is a bad idea and as a result
you will be taking your baggage from one person to the next. Drop your bags and 
change your plans!

Counseling is an excellent option for helping you overcome your fears and to deal with those unresolved issues. Fear is a learned behavior, with guidance and work you will triumph. In-addition to seeking help you must reevaluate your friendships and relationships to determine its purpose and to see if they are aligned with your goals. Cleaning up your personal life is a requirement not an option. Give yourself time to heal and to reflect, embrace having your own personal space and time. Do not let fear stop you from moving forward and accomplishing your goals. Take
charge!



 

By Keisha Stoute

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As a result of our struggling economy many main stream restaurants are competing for our business. The average tab for two people without dessert used to be over $50  but now you can feast like a king for less than $30 per person. Olive Garden has a new promotion where you can get a three course meal for $12.95 per person. In this deal you get unlimited soup or salad and bread sticks, your choice from five main course dishes and even a dessert or specialty coffee. That is one way to fill your belly on a shoe string budget! Olive Garden has many new meals that will tickle your taste buds like the new Grilled Chicken Toscano or the Three Cheese Pomodoro Ravioli. If you are not in the mood for pasta but love seafood Red Lobster is a good option. Reb Lobster also offers a compelling promotional deal for a four course meal for $16.99 per person. The deal entails your choice of soup (the spicy tortilla soup is good), you choose from nine options for the main entree which is generous in portion and dessert (the apple crostada is tasty). Depending on your choice of drinks your tab can be less than $50 for two.

If you are in the mood for American food Chili's is another great option. They offer a 2 for $20 deal. You can share an appetizer and then choose from 12 sizzling main course entrees which include half rack baby back ribs, 6 oz steak and much more. Yum! With drinks added, your tab is stilll less than $40.

For lunch Applebee's has a pick n pair combo starting at $6.99, You can choose from a soup or salad and pasta and sandwhich.This deal is offered Monday through Friday until 4 pm. With several dining options to choose from you can find something for every budget. Bon appetit!!


 

By Keisha Stoute

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Now that the major holidays are over the holiday hook-ups are coming to an end. It is to no surprise that some men and women hook-up with exes, friends and flings so that they can have companionship for the holidays. Going to some events without a date may make some people feel uncomfortable. Having a facade is better than nothing as these individuals want to purport a particular image. Finding a snuggle buddy to keep you company during the cold winter months is easier than you think. People hook-up during these times because the holidays means extra expenses $$$ and they need financial assistance.Getting new tires, buying gifts for everyone, increased living expenses etc. are all possible reasons why somone may have hooked up with you. In some cases a holiday hook-up may come with benefits!

Things may appear to be moving forward but this train is coming to a stop. For some after New Years the fun and games have ended but others enjoy one last round as they will call it quits after Valentine's Day. Unfortanately men and women waste hundreds of dollars on gifts and dinners and it ends as fast as it started. It only takes a quick phone call, a trip down memory lane and a few dates for you to be a holiday hook-up. Many feel robbed of their precious time and feelings when things do not move forward. This occurs when people are not honest with each other and have hidden agendas. Beware of these situations so you are not duped! Depending on that persons needs some individuals may wait until after their birthday to give you your walking papers! One way to determine if you are just a hook-up is to see the situation in its true light, do not add or subtract to increase your chances. If your friends and family are suspicious and have warned you about this situation you probably have been tricked. In the end, time will tell the story.