BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO SPEAK UP, OR TAKE A LEAP INTO THE UNKNOWN, SAYS NENE
QI got married six months ago to a lovely man, but he still seems to be finding it hard to cut the ties with his ex-wife. They divorced three years ago and don’t have children, but he’s always running round to fix things in her house as she doesn’t seem to have anyone else to help. Do you think I should put my foot down and say she should find her own handyman? CARMEN, VIA EMAIL.
AIt’s time for some tough love. The ex needs to find a new handyman. I would certainly put my foot down. They have been divorced three years. She has had plenty of time to find someone to fix her needs.
QI’ve just been offered an amazing new role, but unfortunately it will mean moving interstate to Queensland. It’s an incredible opportunity career-wise, but I’m very nervous as I don’t have any family or friends in Brisbane. I’m in my late 30s and finding the idea of starting again very daunting. ROWENA, VIA EMAIL.
AIt sounds like the new role is too good not to accept. You will make friends in Brisbane and you are only a plane trip away from family. You are young and there is plenty of time to settle into a new life. It’s a big decision but you would hate to go through life regretting missing out on an amazing new role. If it doesn’t challenge you it won’t change you. Be excited about the offer and treat it as an adventure.
QMy neighbour has had house guests staying for a while and seems to be generating a lot of extra rubbish, which he’s taken to dumping in my bin. When I go to put out my bin bag on bin night, the bin is often full already. He never asked me if it was okay to do this – I think he just assumes I won’t have much rubbish as I’m single. Have you got any ideas on how to broach it with him? SAL, VIA EMAIL.
ACheeky bugger! The least he could do is ask if you minded him putting rubbish in your bin. A neighbourly call to ask him not to use your bin is warranted. Also, put a sign on the lid of your bin stating your name and asking interlopers not to dump their rubbish in it.
QMy estranged sister ignores my calls texts and emails if I get in touch. We had differences in the past and now she has cut me dead. I tried sending her a birthday and Christmas card and got no acknowledgement. Do you get the impression she isn’t interested in reconciling or clearing the air? Should I just accept that I’m flogging a dead horse in trying to contact her? KARISSA, VIA EMAIL.
AUnfortunately, your sister seems to be making it clear that she is not interested in reconciling. Why bother sending her Christmas and birthday cards and waste your kind thoughts and money on someone who obviously doesn’t want to return the favour. You must have some friends – these are the people who make the good times better and the hard times easier. Focus your energies on people who like and appreciate you for who you are.