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, WHAT is an appropriate response when people ask your age? I don’t see why it’s anyone’s business. Amanda G. DEAR Amanda, I’M guessing (and I could be wrong) that you have reached an age that no longer represents how you feel. Or maybe it reflects exactly how you feel and you don’t want […]
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, 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 friend often takes plant cuttings from other people’s homes on our walks. Is this acceptable behaviour, or should she seek permission? Betty G. DEAR Betty, THE gardens of our parents and grandparents were often planted with cuttings from neighbours, and the reverse also applied. There is a wonderful communal sensibility from this […]
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 am a Doctor of Philosophy. When my husband and I recently travelled interstate, he put my title down as Doctor for our booking. I was unaware of this until the boarding staff greeted me as Doctor Ronstad, wishing me a good flight and thanking me for being on board. I was also […]
DEAR Jasminda, A FRIEND’S son has asked me to write a personal reference for him as he is going to court. I hardly know the kid and what I do know isn’t very positive. I think I have only been asked because I have a good standing in the community. How do I tactfully get […]
