Hi jpeters... interesting question about the paragraphs. I format... and then always find that it's just one big paragraph. I tend to write too much, so it's scary to look at... And now about your response to the SEX post... OMG! How negative it sounds. I've always been a short, chubby, female, and then adding my ostomy to that, it seems that there would be no hope for me! Yes... it might be easier for that tall, handsome, fit, wealthy guy to attract women, but oftentimes people are so shallow and don't look beneath the surface. Real people look for or want a kind, generous (with their time, not only their money), honest, sincere, fun (good sense of humor goes a long way), interesting partner, companion, friend, or mate. If one is interested in just having sex, I guess doing what your cousin does makes sense for him. Perhaps your 5'5" cousin doesn't have much to offer of himself... in a dating relationship. I had a tall, beautiful friend who met and married a man (working, not wealthy) a head shorter than she was. She was looking for quality of character, not just height, appearance, or money. I am still short and am probably at the heaviest I've ever been in my life, and I'm seeing a wonderful guy (having good sex) for the last year and a half. He is kind, generous, and sees past my ostomy, weight, and scars. And believe me... Ostomates DATE! I've had my surgery since I was 15, dated then, married, divorced, and have been dating again. I had been involved with a young adult Ostomy group, and we were all dating back then. I don't think much has changed... Addressing your numbers - I shower, use deodorant, so yes... I smell normal. Those without ostomies FART and boy... do they smell! I eat when I'm hungry, and don't worry about output. That's what bathrooms are for. I've never tried to CAP and never would. I don't need zero output, I'm okay with my auto-digestive system. It's like asking to guarantee that your nose won't run, or your skin won't sweat. There are so many other things to occupy one's mind... No sense in trying to control the uncontrollable. So if you really want to be out there, dating or finding someone with whom to have sex intimacy... I recommend a review of your criteria. Best wishes... Marsha

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