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, 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 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, I AM getting married in a couple of months and both my father and stepfather are in a battle to walk me down the aisle to my husband. Would it be strange to have one on either side of me? How can I resolve this without upsetting either of them? Leanne C. DEAR […]

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, 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 […]

DEAR Jasminda, THE cost of fuel is ridiculous. How do I make travel arrangements to my work and my gym and my social engagements when it is so expensive? Leanne M. Dear Leanne, It is hard not to feel particularly vulnerable at the moment, when there are many external factors impacting domestically. A trip around […]