N EN E K IN G

CHRISTMAS GIVING SHOULDN’T BE EXPENSIVE AND STRESSFUL, AND SOMETIMES BREAK-UPS CAN LEAVE BITTER FEELINGS, SAYS NENE

Q

One of my close girlfriends was married recently and I was one of her bridesmaids. Our friendship was great right up until the wedding and I was fully involved in all the preparations and the hen night etc. But since she’s got back from her honeymoon she seems to have gone to ground. She ignores many of my texts or calls and doesn’t seem to want to meet up. I’ve asked a mutual friend – one of the other bridesmaids – and she says she doesn’t want to get involved, which makes me think something has gone wrong. How can I get to the bottom of this and get my friend back? LAUREN, VIA EMAIL.

A

You need to insist on meeting your friend. It sounds like something has got up her nose and you need to find out so you can correct it. You were so close leading up to her wedding and now she is ignoring you. Land on her doorstep if she continues to take no notice of your calls and texts. You need a face to face chat to find out why she is pulling back from you. Obviously you care about your friend so don’t let the silence drag on. Confront her.

Q

This is awful to say but I’m dreading Christmas. I’m on quite a low wage and it’s really difficult each year trying to afford presents for all my nieces and nephews and other family members. I always end up racking up a big credit card bill that takes me months to pay off, so it takes the pleasure out of what should be a happy time Should I suggest we do a Kris Kringle gifts or is that just being mean? KASEY, VIA EMAIL.

A

I am a great supporter of Kris Kringle. Christmas can be such an expensive time. You sound like you have a long list of people you want to give gifts to but you don’t want to blow out your credit card. Contact your family and friends and suggest a Kris Kringle this year. It’s a great idea for someone on a low wage. Keep an eye on sales. Lots of good bargains are to be had. The big retailers don’t wait for after Christmas to have discount products.

Q

I split up with my partner six months ago which has been really awkward as we live in a small town and know a lot of the same people. I’ve met someone else and we are really enjoying each other’s company but this seems to have set my ex off and he’s always making snide comments if he sees me in the pub or around town. How can I make him see that we really weren’t right for each other and that he needs to move on? LOUISE, VIA EMAIL.

A

Learn to let things go you cannot control. Obviously your ex is hurting over the break-up. Feel sorry for him and ignore his snide comments. He doesn’t like seeing you with a new partner. He is jealous and it makes him toxic when he sees you. Hopefully he will find a new girlfriend and will then stop putting you down.