June 26, 2025
‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I WAS scrolling through the local community page on the weekend and came across a cheeky post. The post didn’t raise an eyebrow, but what did was the pile-on from adults hating on this young person. It seems strange that people over a certain age would stoop this low. Why are people so […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, It’s Normine B again. It was so much worse than you imagined. As my brother in law was ripping down the driveway, he knocked over my prize geraniums, breaking the pot and my heart while he was at it. The dog thankfully came away unscathed, but the cat wasn’t so lucky. He now […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, MY new girlfriend sleeps with her dog (Brutus) in the bed. I really like her, but I find this behaviour bizarre and, frankly, a relationship breaker. How do I navigate this? Gerard P. Dear Gerard, The early phase of a relationship is often marked by constant affection, but this should not include waking […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, THE other night, my brother-in-law invited himself over for dinner. However, I had not prepared enough for him (as he was unannounced), and he got annoyed and left. Now he won’t reply to either my husband’s or my messages. How do you suggest I go about this? Normine B Dear Normine, I’m picking […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, WE are organising a large birthday function and there are relatives that don’t get along with each other. How do we ensure no one feels left out while still making it an enjoyable experience for everyone? Harriet P. Dear Harriet, If your large family events traditionally look like an episode of Dr Phil, […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, I AM someone who likes a firm handshake but some people in my social circle, and even at work seem to think it is acceptable to give me a hug or even a kiss. How do I make my position clear without causing offence? Alena P Dear Alena, There is nothing offensive about […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, YET again I have destroyed my healthy eating plan over Easter. The couple of kilos I lost following my New Year’s resolution are back on the scales. It all feels like a waste of time trying to get fit and healthy. Do I just give in and give up? Tina P. Dear Tina, […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, Every time I catch up with my friends the conversation always ends up leading to our despair over American politics. I catch up with them to escape negative things and sometimes I now leave feeling worse than when I arrived. What’s the answer? Katie L. Dear Katie, It’s hard to fathom some of […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, WHENEVER I go to the supermarket for a couple of items, I end up leaving with a trolley full. How can I avoid the temptation and stick to my budget? Gloria V. Dear Gloria, It’s easy to feel defeated when you go into the supermarket for eggs and milk and return with two […]

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‘On the couch’ with Jasminda
Jasminda's Advice

‘On the couch’ with Jasminda

DEAR Jasminda, There has been a lot of angst about people setting up their cabanas on beaches lately. A good friend of mine thinks they ruin the beach, but we got one for Christmas which makes going to the beach with her a bit uncomfortable. How do I handle this? Karen Q.   Ah, summer […]

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