DEAR Jasminda, MY 18-year-old son is moving out of home. Can you give me some ideas for a gift to take to his share accommodation? He’s moving in with two mates. Kylie B. DEAR Kylie, MOVIING into a house with two mates is idyllic at first. Every day feels like a holiday. Hanging out on […]

DEAR Jasminda, I’VE started dating a man named Reece. Everything is great but he ends a lot of sentences with ‘do you know what I mean?’ Now I’m attuned to it. It’s all I can hear. Is there a way I can break this irritating habit? Carly F. DEAR Carly, IT is quite common for […]

DEAR Jasminda, I’VE just been told of my success in getting a new job. While I’m thrilled, part of it involves networking. Not only do I hate large social gatherings, I also have trouble remembering people’s names. I’m considering declining the job offer. Larry C. DEAR Larry, SOCIAL anxiety can be debilitating and can result […]

DEAR Jasminda, WHEN I am asked, “How are you”, at the supermarket, I always ask the same question back and continue with some friendly smalltalk. My wife tells me the cashier has no interest in how I am, nor are they interested in extending the conversation, and it’s just a platitude. What do you think? […]

DEAR Jasminda, My parents recently indicated they would like their ashes scattered at a beach. I want to be composted. Could I keep some of their ashes to go in with my remains? Patricia L. DEAR Patricia, Though this is a rather macabre subject, it is important that your parents’ wishes are adhered to. Since […]

DEAR Jasminda, I have recently joined a pilates group for relaxation. There is one particular attendee who makes a lot of loud noises during the class, which is ruining my ability to relax. Can I say something? Belinda N. DEAR Belinda, Having attended Pilates classes, I have some sympathy for the grunter and groaner. Though […]

DEAR Jasminda, MY husband Glenn enjoys making spontaneous arrangements whereas I am someone who needs to plan. An example would be, ‘I just had a call from Pete and Jude. They’re dropping in sometime today.’ He thinks I should be more easy going. What do you think? Ursula R. DEAR Ursula, I’M going to deviate […]

Dear Jasminda, When I travel with my partner on a plane, he ignores the safety announcements and instead reads a book. I feel like if something goes wrong, I’m the only one who will be able to assist. Bettina L. Dear Bettina, I’ve come across a range of different travellers over the years. Because I […]

DEAR Jasminda, MY 70-year-old mother has expressed an interest in learning the electric guitar. How can I encourage her to try something more age-appropriate? Gerard H. Dear Gerard, Well, don’t you sound like a wet sock. And when I say wet sock, I mean one of those sports socks that ends up stuck behind the […]

DEAR Jasminda, I HAVE been going really well with my eating and exercise plan, but over Easter it went out the window. I’m feeling very guilty and disillusioned. Fiona W. Dear Fiona, This is completely relatable, and I’m sure many of our readers will be feeling post-Easter remorse. In a 24-hour period, I somehow managed […]