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8 one-liners that will completely ruin your special moment with your wife
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These phrases men sometimes say will crash and burn the romance every time. - photo by Jenna Koford
The lights are low, and the music is playing. You and your sweetheart are in the mood, and everything is going perfectly. But then someone says something, and you just want to shut everything down.

Maybe you can ignore the thing your husband just said, but communicating with him about your love life will help avoid the annoying phrases next time. Here are some things men might say that will ruin almost any moment with their woman:

What time is it?

If he's focusing on the time, that may mean he's not focusing on you. If this phrase is said before you two go to the bedroom, you don't have to worry as much. But if your man is constantly worried about how many minutes this will take, he's either bored or in a rush. You don't want that.

Did you remember to buy chicken from the grocery store?

His mind may also be somewhere else if mentions anything on your grocery list or if he asks about dinner. You want your man to be lost in your eyes and your arms, not worried about food.

I'm not really feeling it now

Couples have to learn to give and take in a relationship. Even if you're not always feeling the moment, you sacrifice for him, and he should do the same. That doesn't mean you must have a passionate experience every night; but if he's consistently saying this phrase, maybe he's not feeling the relationship either.

Hold on, I have to get this call

Any phones, tablets or computers in bed with you is surely a red flag. Put away any distractions, and make it clear you are one another's first priority in that moment (and all the time). If it's a super important business call, you can let it slide; but if he is glued to his screen, the romantic moment is over.

My ex didn't do it like that

No. No. No. Any mention of anyone in a past relationship is automatic water on the flame. The magic is over. In fact, an argument could arise. If he's comparing you to past partners or mentioning his ex he ran into at the store, your special night may be spent apart.

Let's just get it over with

This is another horrible phrase that can kill any moment. Why bother trying to make a romantic moment if he wants it to be over?

Are you done yet?

This is another rushed phrase that will leave any women feeling self-conscious and nervous. In a romantic moment, both partners want to take their time and enjoy each other. So if one person feels frustrated or rushes the experience, the moment is gone.

I have to leave by 4 o'clock

If he sets a time limit on your lovemaking, there's almost no point in starting anything. Share a special moment when you both have the time.

Men, when you're with your loved one, avoid these phrases. Women, be patient with your man if he's in a hurry, but if he says something that kills the mood, don't pretend everything is OK. Communicate with each other, and learn what you need to say or not say to keep that spark alive.
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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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