INPUT ARTICLE: Article: In some cases, you may feel possessive because things have happened in the relationship that make you question the relationship's stability. If this is the case, you should address the issues with your partner. This way you can resolve the issues, you will know where your relationship stands, and you can start being less possessive of your partner.  Tell your partner you'd like to talk about some of the issues you all have been having in the relationship. You might say, “Can we talk about the problems we've been having lately?” Have an open and honest conversation about the things that have been bothering you. Remember that resolving some issues such as past betrayals may take more than one conversation and a bit of time. Leaving these unresolved can also lead to an ongoing lack of trust. One of the keys to a successful relationship is trust. You have to trust that your partner cares about you and is honest with you, just as they trust the same things about you. Part of the problem with being too possessive is that it sends your partner the message that you don't trust them. Be less possessive with your partner by having faith in their feelings and their actions.  Trust your partner when they say they are going somewhere or doing something. You don't need to check up on them to see if they are being faithful. Believe what your partner tells you. Unless you know for a fact that your partner is dishonest, you should trust what they say. Have faith in your partner's feelings for you. Trust that your partner cares about you as much as they say they do. One issue with being possessive of your partner is that it may cause you to act in ways that are disrespectful to your partner, yourself, or others. You may say or do things that are humiliating, patronizing, or hurtful. You can be less possessive of your partner and build a stronger relationship if you make an effort to show them the respect they deserve.  Talk respectfully to and about your partner. Don't yell or scream at them or intentionally say things to make them feel bad. Respect your partner's privacy. Avoid going through your partner's things or reading your partner's texts and messages without permission – this most often leads to misunderstanding. Once you realize and admit to yourself that you need to be less possessive of your partner then you should talk to your partner about what has been going on. Talking about it with your partner can help you stop acting on your jealous and possessive thoughts.  Tell your partner that you realize that you have been acting possessively lately. For instance, you might say, “Can we talk? I know I've been acting pretty possessive lately.” Explain to your partner how you have been feeling and why you are feeling that way. You could try saying, “I've been feeling jealous because of some past relationship issues I have.” Listen to your partner, as well. This should be a conversation between the two of you. You need to understand how your possessiveness affects them, too.

SUMMARY: Address relationship issues. Trust your partner. Respect your partner. Talk with your partner.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: One of the most special things about sugar gliders is their need for socialization. Gliders are capable of a lot of love and if you spend time with them and give them respect, they will grow to trust you. Gliders form strong bonds and can become despondent when the bond is broken. Before bringing home a glider and starting the bonding process, make sure you want to keep the glider for its entire lifespan, which could be up to 15 years.  Though some breeders will sell single gliders, gliders do much better in pairs or colonies. It's much better to get two gliders if you want them to stay happy and healthy.  Starting the bonding process is as simple as wearing some fleece squares on your person for a few days, then putting them inside their sleeping pouch. They are very scent oriented and this will help them recognize you as part of their colony. Carrying them in a bonding pouch during the day is a great way to bond. They'll mainly sleep and you can coax them into the pouch with treats. Carry them close to your chest and don't let it bounce around too much. This also helps them get used to your scent. Give them treats, but not too many. Offer them when you wake them up to put them in a bonding pouch or when you want to play with them. This will help them understand they shouldn't fear you. One useful technique for play time is "tent time." Playing with your gliders in a tent allows them freedom to roam without worrying about making a mad dash to catch them before they end up somewhere you can't coax them out of. Another great idea if you don't have a tent is "tub time" where you can sit in a clean bathtub with them. Make sure a towel is covering the hole underneath the door, a plug is in the bathtub, and the toilet seat is down. Just like dogs and cats, sugar gliders occasionally get sick. Before you bring a pair of sugar gliders home, make sure you have a vet in your area who specializes in glider care. You should bring your gliders in for a checkup about once a year to make sure they're doing well.  Neutering your male glider is highly recommended unless it has lineage to prevent possible inbreeding if paired with a female. If you have males together, it's still better to have them neutered to help prevent fighting.  Try to find at least two emergency vets in the area and have their numbers in case something happens. Sugar Gliders often seem to get sick after regular business hours. When conditions are right, sugar gliders are relatively low maintenance pets. However, from time to time they may become ill due to lack of essential nutrients, not getting enough playtime, and other causes. If you see signs that your sugar gliders aren't feeling well, take them to the vet right away. Here are the common illnesses that affect them:  Calcium deficiency, which can cause paralysis and is preventable as long as you feed your gliders the correct diet. Some good diets are TPG, BML, and OHPW Constipation or indigestion Open wounds from getting scratched or caught on a sharp part of the cage Obesity due to eating too many fatty foods Stress caused by poor socialization or being alone UTI, which is easy to spot. The most common sign is hissing while using the bathroom. It is great fun to connect with other glider owners to share the joy. Plus they can be a great resource when you have to ask questions. There are many forums and message-boards that are glider-related. Sugar gliders, even when fully bonded, may run off to explore nearby and any nearby animals will be a risk to them. It's not recommend to have them outside unless you absolutely know they'll stay with you.  Be watchful of other pets and loud noises that might scare them up a tree or into the drain pipe. They are very fast escapees. Do not use harnesses or leashes with Sugar Gliders. They can severely damage their patagium, neck, or spine. They are social animals, but as long as you have at least two, it's fine to just play with them once a week or so.  Don't stop using all the bonding techniques and keep playing with them even after they're fully bonded. Even once bonded they'll still want you to keep them company sometimes.

SUMMARY:
Take the time to bond with your glider. Find a veterinarian for exotic animals. Look out for common illnesses that affect sugar gliders. Connect with other glider owners in your area. Be careful when you take your gliders outside. Play with them as often as you can, but don't worry too much about it.