Your questions
ANSWERED
QWhile I’m at work, my retired husband just potters around at home. He doesn’t have a wide circle of friends and never goes out; I think he’s quite lonely. Any suggestions to help combat this?
Nell, Newcastle Yours says Research has shown the negative impact of loneliness and isolation on a person’s health and wellbeing. If he enjoys being practical, a local Men’s Shed could be the lift he needs. He can pursue his interests at leisure and practise skills making and mending. The project offers social connections, friendship, shared skills and lots of laughter.
■ Visit www.mens sheds.org.uk
QI bought a pair of shoes for a recent wedding but the colour won’t go with any other outfit. Can I change the colour?
J Payne, Peterborough Yours says If you’re not confident about recolouring them yourself, try Shoe Dyeing Direct. High street or designer shoes and handbags can be matched to a specific outfit, or given a more neutral makeover.
■ www.shoedyeing direct.co.uk or call 01630 647250 Q I love to travel and while I make friends easily, how could I meet up with some like-minded ‘locals’ while I’m away?
T Randle, by email Yours says SERVAS International was founded by a group of friends from different countries after the Second World
War. It’s an international travel network of members who want to promote peace and understanding through contact with those from other countries. The group now has more than 14,000 members in 130 countries who will happily welcome you into their homes.
■ Visit www.servas.org.uk Q I’m finding my towels too heavy to manage – where can I buy more lightweight ones?
Mrs I Ritchie, Sussex
Yours says Look for towels with a GSM (grams per sq m) of 300-400. These are light and thin but high GSM (450600) towels are thicker and heavier. Or try microfibre towels, favoured by campers, which tend to be lighter at only 300 grams for a large (150x85cm) bath towel.
■ Giant microfibre bath towel, £22 at www.mountain warehouse.com 0203 828 7700
Q My long-distance friend has been feeling down recently. I want her to know I’m thinking of her, but other than flowers, do you have any ideas?
Christine, by email Yours says Just because you can’t be there in person, you can still send her a ‘hug’ to say you’re thinking of her. A Box of Hugs contains lovingly selected gifts, that’s guaranteed to raise a smile.
■ From £28 at www.boxofhugs.co.uk
We love to receive your questions… though we can’t answer them individually. Write to ‘Your questions answered’ at the address on page 3 or email yours@bauermedia.co.uk