The following are some of my biggest peeves about having large breasts and some possible solutions to overcoming them. These may not be right for everyone but they have worked for me, and maybe they will for you, too. So, beginning with my number one pet peeve of having large breasts:

Peeve: Not being able to find a truly comfortable, well-fitting bra. I hate the confinement of having to constantly wear a bra, especially underwires; but if I have to, I want something that isn't going to torture me with steely pokes and pinches!

Solution: Well, you could try wearing those so-called "soft cup" bras they sell at the discount stores by the dozens; but if you're very large (like me, 36 DDD), you're probably not going to find your proper size; and if you should be so lucky to find your size, they're probably not going to offer much support or comfort (I've tried some; they are either too tight; keep riding up in back; or I slip out in front -- grrrr). The best solution (for me) is to find a front-closure bra that isn't built like something a Viking queen would wear and also offers a modicum of comfort and support (hopefully, more). Trouble is, you can hardly find them, particularly not at Target or Wal-Mart. You can find a multitude online (but you'll be going strictly on pictures, not actually able to touch or try on the product, and I can't tell you how many times I've been disappointed in mail order bras unless it is a brand I truly trust); or you can find some very good ones at the pricier stores like Macy's and Nordstrom's but you will have to pay; however, for me, the comfort in finding a great fitting bra that gives support and offers options like front-closures is truly worth it. I figure, if I have to wear these suckers, I'm going to be as comfortable doing so as I can be.

Peeve: I can't go braless like I'd like to because if I do, I will look like Ma Kettle; besides, I get rashes if I don't have something underneath my "bosom buddies."

Solution: Here is a great idea I discovered while surfing the Net; it's called the Panty Bra and it is literally made out of underwear! Wearing the Panty Bra gives you that freeing feeling of going braless but with some support and coverage. It's great ! (Click http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewshortstory.asp?id=36711&AuthorID=1367 to read the article on how to make the Panty Bra.) A couple of things I would recommend, however; first, the article says to use the same size panty you wear; but from my own personal experience, I would suggest buying the panties you are going to use for creating your bra one size larger than you actually wear otherwise the elastic band part of the bra might feel a bit constricting. Second, use cotton panties. Cotton wicks away sweat and thus helps to prevent rashes and other irritations, so cotton is your best bet to stay dry as well as odor-free. Now, you may feel averse to cutting up a brand-new pair of panties but look at it this way: a Hanes package of six cotton briefs isn't that expensive, and besides, if it means comfort, it's well worth it. Anyway, I did this and it turned out to be truly liberating. When I want real, unrestrictive comfort, I wear my cotton Panty Bra in place of my regular bra; I even wear it at night to help wick away perspiration while I sleep.

Peeve: Trying to find tops, jackets, blazers, etc. that fit.

Solution: Shop in the men's section! Yup, you read right. This is a little trick I discovered out of sheer frustration of trying to find what I needed in the women's section and not finding it. I'll go and browse the men's section and look for the smallest size in a man's dress jacket, looking for a very basic style and price. If too pricey, I'll shop at a thrift store and usually find several men's jackets in tweed, wools, blacks, browns, tans, double-breasted, single-breasted, you name it! Most fit like a dream, and accessorized right, pair well with dress pants, skirts, and jeans. I also look for casual tops to wear with my jeans or leggings such as flannels, thermals, and t-shirts I might not be able to find in the women's section (and inevitably at much better prices, too!). Back in the women's section, I'm not afraid to shop the clingier styles anymore as long as they offer comfort and stretch. Lycra and jersey are the stretchy fabrics I really love; they are feminine and super comfortable for tops, and can be dressed up or down. I personally prefer the fluidity of cotton jersey with a touch of Lycra; it doesn't roll and bunch and pretty much stays put and breathes with me; and because these tops have so much give and stretch, there really isn't a whole lot of difference in the sizes. I can wear a medium as comfortably as a large and not feel self-conscious. Combining the right top with large breasts adds wonderful curves and will look simply stunning under those men's jackets!

Peeve: Back aches, neck aches, lousy posture.

Solution: You can begin by finding a good, strong, supportive bra (see above); but posture is the key to helping to eliminate back aches, neck aches, and shoulder aches -- yet it is hard to maintain good posture when you're hauling around two heavyweights in front of you but you have to try. If you don't maintain good posture, you may wind up with a dowager's hump and a back ache, neck ache, and shoulder aches. Begin by standing up straight and bring your shoulders back; next, tuck in your chin (retract it in like pulling in a drawer, so to speak, but don't point it downward; I know, it takes practice). Then tuck in your tummy by tilting your pelvis forward slightly. believe me, I know this is hard to maintain, especially if you have been slumping for years like I had been; but it is imperative to helping to eliminate those aches and pains. Keep remembering to stand tall and don't be afraid to thrust out that chest; people are going to notice them anyway, so you might as well really give them something to look at! Pretty soon, maintaining good posture will come naturally.

Peeve: Perspiration, odor, rashes, and irritations underneath the breast area.

Solution: I tried the whole gamut of creams, powders, and vinegar washings to get rid of the rash underneath my breast area to no avail; but it wasn't until I discovered that wearing a simple strip of cotton underneath the breasts will keep you dry and odor-free, and help to heal and prevent rashes from occurring. It's true what they say, the simple things in life are really the best.

To your health!