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8 dating rules that dont disappear in marriage
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The game changes when you say I do but most of the rules dont. - photo by Emily Cummings
Youve taken the big leap from dating to marriage; and, needless to say, things are different. The dating game has obviously changed, but some major components are the same. While you might not need to drop her off at her apartment after dinner, these 8 dating rules wont ever change: Be free Friday night

Technically, every waking moment is date night when you are married. However, doing something other than dishes at night should still happen regularly. Go out on dates, just like you did when you werent married. Get dressed up, plan an activity or go to an event and sneak in a goodnight kiss at the doorstep.

Put the phone away

and not just when you both go out on dates. Put away your phone when you both are talking, even if its just about who should run to the store on Tuesday. Catch her off guard and look into her eyes instead of into that little screen. Dont spend the time you have together scrolling someones page.

Wear a watch

Be on time to these dates. Regardless of a wedding band, being late is inconsiderate. Its rarely intentional, but arriving late doesnt make your date feel like she is a priority. You might be married, but being late never leaves a good impression. Whether you have been dating for a week or for 50 years, being on time shows you are thoughtful of her schedule.

Dont flake

This should go without saying, but dont stand up your date. You wouldnt dream of cancelling last minute without giving a legitimate reason when you both were barely dating, so keep up that same courtesy. It might not seem like that big of a deal to push-off a Netflix date till Saturday, but being able to follow through on plans shows her you are committed.

Offer to pay (sorta)

Relationship experts suggest combining bank accounts when you marry, so it doesnt really matter who pays on your nights out on the town. However, gentlemen, its still a nice gesture to pull out your wallet and offer to pay. Doing so will make it feel more like a date, rather than two people just eating out together.

Give her a call

Why would a thank you text or phone call ever not be needed? Just because you both are married, doesnt mean your partner wouldnt like a little message knowing how much fun you had going out last night. After she falls asleep, shoot her a text to find in the morning when she gets up. If you know she will have her phone off for a meeting, leave a voicemail for her to listen to afterwards. Even though you will see her that night when you both get home, it will mean a lot.

Keep up the compliments

You knew you scored major points whenever you doled out the compliments on a date. Has that stopped now that shes your wife? Surprise your girl with text or a note about something she does well You will probably get a second date if you play your cards right.

Always be honest

Honesty really is the best policy. Of course your spouse doesnt know absolutely everything about you, but you shouldnt be afraid if she did. Lying had no place in the early stages of dating and definitely doesnt belong in a marriage.

While dating as husband and wife doesnt involve nearly as much awkward silence as the first couple of dates, dont abandon all of your dating rules.
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New Medicare cards are in the mail and scammers are on the prowl
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has begun mailing new Medicare Health Insurance ID cards. The program no longer uses Social Security numbers to identify people. - photo by Lois M Collins
The federal government is beginning to send out new ID cards to the 58 million Americans who benefit from Medicare. But since many of the people who will receive them don't know they're coming or why, scammers are already gearing up to take advantage.

An AARP survey shows as many as three-fourths of Americans 65 and older have no idea the cards are coming, so some individuals may be duped with claims that they're supposed to pay a fee or provide personal information that will be used, instead, to defraud them.

The new cards are the first reissue in years, and the most striking part of the redesign is that the cards no longer carry the beneficiary's Social Security number. Congress mandated the removal of that number as an identifier for Medicare beneficiaries by next April. Instead, the card has a Medicare Beneficiary Identifier number, an 11-digit combination of numbers and letters.

The new Medicare cards are now being mailed out in batches, starting with the Eastern seaboard and moving west. Most Medicare beneficiaries will receive their cards over the next six months, as long as the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has their correct mailing address. Once the cards are in hand, people can share the new identification number with their health care providers. During a transition period, either card is valid.

The old cards, which used Social Security numbers as the personal identification number, should be destroyed.

AARP recently launched an education campaign to warn consumers about scams related to the new Medicare cards.

The membership organization's "Fraud Watch" consultant, Frank Abagnale reformed con man, scammer and the subject of the movie and book "Catch Me If You Can" tells senior citizens the only time they need to carry the actual Medicare card is to health care appointments. Otherwise, it should be left in a safe place. If they want to carry one in their wallet or purse, he says, make a copy and black out the first seven numbers.

Since the cards were announced, scammers have already:

  • Called seniors and asked for their bank account information so that money on their old card could be returned. There is no money on the old card and CMS never asks for personal information over the phone.
  • Offered to send the new card after Medicare beneficiaries pay a $25 fee to cover expenses related to the card. The card is free.
  • Said the card will be mailed out as soon as the older person verifies his or her Social Security number, mailing address and other personal information. CMS already knows the beneficiary's Social Security number and it's no longer being used in conjunction with health care.
AARP and the Federal Trade Commission will hold a free online seminar about the cards and the fraud attempts they have spawned on Thursday, April 19, at 7 p.m. EDT. Register at: www.aarp.org/FraudWebinar. CMS also offers a "frequently asked questions" guide to the new cards.

The AARP Fraud Watch Network says consumers can sign up for its Watchdog Alert emails that deliver breaking scam information, or call a free helpline at 877-908-3360 to speak with volunteers trained in fraud counseling. Abagnale also hosts a weekly podcast for AARP, called The Perfect Scam.
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