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 […]
DEAR Jasminda, There is a person in my workplace who is charming to colleagues, but then stabs them in the back at the first opportunity. He spreads rumours, pits people against each other, tells outright lies and turns on anyone who doesn’t agree with him. I love the job, but can’t stand the environment he’s […]
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, I am aware that during meetings, staff members appearing via Zoom are more insightful and intellectually engaged. I don’t understand the disparity. When they appear in person, they seem very different. Should I move all meetings to Zoom? Kevin P. Hi Kevin, I remember the good old days of staff meetings. The whole […]
DEAR Jasminda, I find there are times during my working day when I lack energy or wonder at the futility of an office job. How do I keep my momentum going for the next 45 years? Melissa W. Dear Melissa, I had some general ideas for you and was about to start composing my response […]
DEAR Jasminda, Last night I made a birthday dinner for my mum. I decided to make the veggie burgers that I used to love as a teenager because I thought it would be nostalgic. The dinner was panned by every family member as being ‘bland’, ‘missing something’ and ‘disappointing’. I feel as though my energy […]
