DEAR Jasminda, MY dad is becoming increasingly hard of hearing, but he won’t get hearing aids because he reckons they will make him look old. Mum and I are sick of him mishearing what we are saying. What should we do? Tessa N. DEAR Tessa, WHILE people who have poor eyesight can embrace their myopia […]
DEAR Jasminda, I HAVE been asked to go on a four-day overseas hike, which looks very challenging There are lots of inclines and the trail is high-altitude. How should I prepare? Reagan G. DEAR Reagan, HOW you prepare depends very much on the person you are. My son was invited to go on one of […]
DEAR Jasminda, WE live on a battle-axe block with three other sets of neighbours. On bin night, all our bins go to a central spot. I’ve noticed, on collection day, that neighbours have been taking my clean bins (that I wash each week and double disinfect with a homemade mint, lemon and bicarb soda spray), […]
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 […]
