DEAR Jasminda, MY friend lets her dog ‘prewash’ the dinner plates and dessert bowls by licking up any leftovers before she puts them in the dishwasher.  As much as I love going there for dinner, I am disgusted by this unhygienic act. How do I sensitively raise this issue? Isla F. DEAR Isla, PEOPLE with […]

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 […]