Martha Kemigisha

Scammers may target believers to prey on their kindness and faith during holidays and faith-based celebrations. Look out for yourself and others when it comes to the following fraud attempts.

You may fall victim to beggars who try to take advantage of believers during Ramadan. In Dubai, authorities have an anti-begging campaign during Ramadan in which they patrol public places to round up beggars. Practice caution when interacting with beggars and if possible donate to communities or charities.

Watch out for charity appeals to donate to current issues or causes. The United Kingdom Charity Commission had to issue a warning alerting people about fake fundraisers, especially for victims of the earthquake in Turkey.

Make sure to do simple checks to make sure your donation is going to the intended destination.

You may get online shopping vouchers that claim to give you discounts for Ramadan. Scammers usually send them as links on WhatsApp which links lead you to a page where you are required to fill in personal data.

If you get a link from an unknown number, ignore it.

Money lenders are on the rise especially online. They claim to have quick loans with high value and little to no collateral. They may offer Ramadan bonuses which can make it easy to fall for them. However, scammers usually give links that take personal data which can lead to loss of money and important information.

Another way scammers use to trap people during Ramadan is by telling you that you won a prize in the season bonus by phone or another channel. They can claim to be affiliated with banks, e-commerce businesses, or other financial institutions. They may ask for sensitive information that may lead to loss of money.

Also, watch out for data update scammers. They may send you a link that resembles that of your service provider to try and get you to re-enter your data which can then be used to access your accounts.

Several scams happen during Ramadan. The list may be bigger than the one above but they can all be avoided by being vigilant and responsible with money and personal data.

Fraudsters usually try to benefit from the Ramadan season. Here are some examples of fraud attempts you may run into or fail to recognise.

5 common scams you should look out for in Ramadan

Sex is used as a scapegoat for many problems inside and outside relationships. It is used and abused even when other means are called for.

From saving relationships to cheating, here are some of the things sex doesn't do.

Sex is a form of physical intimacy but not intimacy in its entirety. Physical intimacy includes other things like touch, hugs, kissing, playing, eye contact, and talking. Another aspect of intimacy is emotional intimacy. Although sex can include both, it is not the only form of intimacy. In fact, it is a result of intimacy and rarely the cause.

Just because you have sexual chemistry and attraction doesn't mean you have intimacy.

Unless sex is the problem, it can not fix other relationship problems. Relationship conflict that is not rooted in sex cannot be solved by sex. It can give relief from the conflict but it is not therapy or an effective communication style to resolve conflict.

Breakup sex is a popular term, but along with sleeping with an ex to get back together and "improving your game" to keep a relationship, it doesn't save relationships. Whatever problems a couple has have to be addressed directly and not under the guise of sexual intimacy.

The sparks and chemistry in new relationships can set the standard for sex. But it is not realistic to expect it to be that way. This doesn't mean there's a glass ceiling on the quality of sex, but other relationship qualities come in to determine. Connection, compatibility, and communication are key to preserving a thriving sex life.

<h3>Lack of it or bad sex leads to cheating</h3>

A lack of communication and an absence of nurturing the relationship bond leads to cheating. If partners are on the same page about their needs and work to find common ground, then cheating is unlikely to happen. So saying that the lack of sex and poor quality leads to cheating is an excuse and a terrible one at that.

There are false expectations people put on sex, here are six of them.

6 things people think sex does but doesn't

Part of the appeal of a spa and sauna is that you don't have to do all the work. <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/6-tips-to-enjoy-rest-when-struggling-to-slow-down/hys1060">Surrendering</a> to the masseuse or masseur and other spa personnel is welcome after a period of stress, tension, and skin build-up.

This is something we can all use in this day and age. The best part is it is possible to have a spa day at home with a few products and kits. Your face, hair, feet, hands, and mind will thank you within a few hours or day, choice is yours.

Spa day at home with a few products and kits

You can create a day to apply all of the eight ideas or use one each day as part of your self-care routine.

Read on for eight simple ways to have a blissful pampering at home.

Kick the spa day off with a full body scrub. It <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/6-easy-ways-to-detox-your-body-within-hours/95v0w2w">removes the build-up</a> of dead cells, dust, and skin care products, which clog the skin. The action of rubbing itself boosts oxygen-rich blood circulation and drains your lymph nodes.

Scrub also prepares the skin to absorb other skin products better.

Apply to your palm and rub it on the skin with gentle circular motions. Pay extra attention to rough spots.

Complete the session with moisturizer or body lotion.

Kick the spa day off with a full body scrub

Put a fresh sprig of eucalyptus leaves in the shower or sprinkle eucalyptus essential oil on the wall away from the water spray. The fresh healing scent of eucalyptus will give your senses a boost, energise you and clear your mind.

Finish off the shower with cold water for 30 seconds to reboot your circulation and get a burst of happy hormones.

Apply body lotion to moisturise and soak in the luxurious scents and fresh air.

Your face endures assault from dust, <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-dos-and-donts-of-wearing-make-up-while-exercising/vthbyxn">makeup</a>, and pollution each day. Treat it with a flood of steam to rinse off the build-up inside the pores.

Add boiling hot water to a bowl and add essential oils if you have some. Put a towel over your head and shoulders and lean over the bowl for a few minutes. The steam will softly penetrate the pores and decongest the skin leaving it plump and moisturised.

You can seal in the moisture using a moisturising cream or lotion.

Feet are often neglected <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/10-expert-approved-steps-to-a-long-lasting-walking-habit/m2gyv33">leaving them prone</a> to cracking, drying, and scaly.&nbsp;

To pamper your feet, add warm water to a basin or bowl. Add bath salts and let them soak as you catch up on Netflix.

When the water cools, move your feet into a dry warm soft cloth for some heating. Apply lotion or foot balm and put them back in the soft cloth to warm.

Our hands handle many things and tasks that involve giving and taking. Sadly, they rarely receive any care beyond washing and sanitising.

This makes them prone to dryness, cracking, rough.&nbsp;

Soak them in warm water mixed with bath salts. Use hand cream and spread it in circular motions into the palm, back of the hand, nails, and fingers.

Slip your hands in spa mittens or a dry warm soft cloth to heat them.&nbsp;

<h3>Healing aching and sore muscles and joints</h3>

Relief from stiff points or tension in overworked muscles is possible at home with eucalyptus oil.&nbsp;Eucalyptus oil has healing powers while leaving the body with a soothing balm tingling.

Apply it to sore parts in gentle circular motions until it is fully absorbed. Wrap the massaged parts with a dry warm soft cloth or heat wrap for 15 minutes.&nbsp;

The tension will seep out of your body leaving you re-energised.

<h3>Treat sore, puffy, dry, or sore eyes</h3>

Essential oils combined with a cold or hot compress can give you relief similar to that of chilled cucumber.

Essential oils have anti-inflammatory agents which act as headache relief for the eyes. Put a spa mask into the freezer and leave it to cool. Place it over tired or sore eyes for 10 minutes. This will soothe the eyes, reduce puffiness, shrink eye bags, and reduce dark circles under the eyes.

For dry or swollen eyes, put the mask in a microwave and apply it to your eyes for 10 minutes. The heat stimulates tear glands to function better.

Apply the oil to <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/millennials-and-gen-zs-are-getting-older-this-year-heres-how-they-can-look-forever/bfxjygw">remove wrinkling</a> and dryness.

You can create a makeshift eye mask at home.

<a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/6-natural-hair-care-tips-for-all-weather-healthy-tresses-hairstylist/1q5gy7g">Don't assault your hair with water to cleanse it</a>. Instead, fill it with nourishing conditioning agents and let it soak.

Heat coconut or argan oil and add a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil. Apply the mixture to the scalp with a gentle massage until it blends with the hair up to the ends. Wrap a shower cap around your hair.

Eucalyptus is known for stimulating hair follicles and has deep conditioning benefits such as moisturising.&nbsp;

Don't forget to combine your self-care spa day at home with <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/beauty-health/5-ways-to-help-someone-who-talks-in-their-sleep/trkptpb">healthy rest and sleep</a>. Quality sleep will speed up the rejuvenation of cells and give your muscles plenty of time to recover.

8 Easy ways to give yourself  a spa treatment at home

You can create a personal self-care spa day in the comfort of your home with this simple checklist.

The stereotype that all women only want money and that all men only want sex has robbed men and women of sharing their best qualities to <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/have-you-talked-about-these-relationship-killers-with-bae-experts/g7s3ft9">form</a> healthy relationships.

The battle of the sexes in <a href="https://www.pulse.ng/lifestyle/food-travel/the-scam-of-women-who-preach-about-soft-life-and-men-who-preach-about-masculinity/294lkc8">modern relationships</a> is each gender proving its value in the partnership.

This shift in tradition is attributed to exposure to different cultural mindsets escalated by social media and <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/5-ways-couples-can-survive-stressful-times/cpy5yz7">economic pressures</a>.

Value has defaulted to <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/6-other-reasons-women-love-broke-men/v17tdtc">money</a> and sex as the <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/how-to-deal-with-a-stingy-boyfriend-or-husband/6rjl451">bare minimum</a> that each gender is willing to do for the other.&nbsp;

Amidst this, there is a rise of "Alpha males" and masculinity groups. In these groups, men are more willing to share <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/11/19/5-traits-daters-say-are-more-important-than-physical-attraction.html">valuable relationship qualities</a> than with females.

This is not to say women don't rely on money to escape the task of sharing similar qualities in relationships.

It's almost like saying '<a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/6-ways-to-handle-partner-whos-selfish-or-lazy-in-bed/px9h1r4">if you want money or sex that's all you get from me</a>.' Some people want commitment before establishing <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/relationships-and-weddings/10-innocent-mistakes-that-ruin-your-dating-life-forever/swxyh69">healthy foundations</a>, others shun relationships because of money, and others think that the women who don't want money or have their own money are the best.

In such conditions, here are five traits that are rarely appreciated on the dating scene.

Drive or passion in a partner is a valuable trait. Not only is it great for individual mental and emotional wellness, but it is also attractive and a better predictor of a potential partner than money or good sex. Passion can be about work, a hobby, or an interest that contributes to personal and relationship value.

Intellectual or physical skills are important for personal well-being. It is a more stable income generator and <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/5-mistakes-20-people-make-that-are-valuable-for-adulting/zkhgk6h">sustainable</a> in the long run. For individual security and building a healthy relationship, skill offers more freedom.

Self-control and maintaining a degree of mystery are healthy in relationships and individually. These traits are vital in handling easy access to social media and the internet. The urge to share problems, copy behavior, and be influenced, is more potent today than ever. As well as managing time and responsibilities amidst distractions and notifications.

Money comes with an increase in self-worth, more influence, and control. However, if it is the only way someone has control, self-worth, and influence, it can be a source of low self-esteem and relationship problems.

Insecurities about being loved for their money arise. It is also a factor in the belief that all women are after money when a person doesn't have true confidence in who they are and their value.

Emotional abuse and physical abuse can also stem from '<a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/8-classy-ways-to-turn-down-money-requests/bq790we">borrowed</a>' confidence.

Real friends and making genuine connections that support an individual contributes to <a href="https://www.pulse.ug/lifestyle/10-unwritten-rules-for-healthy-social-relationships/tyvfpmj">general well-being</a>. Friendships and networks are easily overlooked when the goal is to get the 'biggest bag'. Moreover, this competition is detrimental to getting along with people and building healthy relationships.

The information contained in this article is the editor's thoughts and opinions.&nbsp;

5 qualities money has replaced on the dating scene

There are valuable traits that men and women have shunned and replaced with money and sex to attract the opposite gender.

5 traditional qualities money has replaced in modern relationships

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Martha Kemigisha

Articles written by the author

5 common scams you should look out for in Ramadan

6 things people think sex does but doesn't

8 Easy ways to give yourself a spa treatment at home

5 traditional qualities money has replaced in modern relationships