DEAR Jasminda, I was recently told I look good for my age. On reflection, I don't think this is a compliment, but an insult. How should I have responded? Helen G. Ah, the old backhanded compliment. A bit like the backhand return in table tennis, it can put you off guard and

DEAR Jasminda, I have recently made a pact to go walking each day with a friend, but he's now suggested we walk to a cafe where he then wants to drink coffee and eat cake before the return walk home. I'm actually putting on weight. Geoff N. Dear Geoff, It sounds to

DEAR Jasminda, Two months ago, I met a wonderful woman, and everything is going brilliantly except when we watch movies together. During the movie, she picks at her nails and I can't focus on the movie because all I can hear is this hideous picking noise. I don't think I can

DEAR Jasminda, My husband has decided to embrace personal growth, and I don't mean getting out in nature or reading an inspiring book. He's letting his hair grow (nostrils, ears, etc.). I'm not enjoying it. Deanne P. Dear Deanne, We all have personal tastes when it comes to levels of hairiness. Some

DEAR Jasminda, How do you deal with people who you invite to a function with set numbers and then, on the day of the event, they say (not ask, say) they are bringing someone you've never met? Lola R. Dear Lola, Your name suggests a free-spirited, anything goes nature - but maybe that's just

DEAR Jasminda, My wife has become obsessed with competing with her friends in increasingly time-consuming and expensive Elf on the Shelf ideas. She spends so much time working out what the Elf will do next, that she is running late for work, forgetting appointments and costing us a fortune at an

DEAR Jasminda, I've recently had the flu and so my husband has been sleeping in the office. The thing is, I've been sleeping better than I have in years. There is no one pulling the covers off me. I don't get cold. I can't hear his snoring. How should I approach

DEAR Jasminda, I have a magnificent kangaroo paw plant at the front of my property. Recently, I noticed that someone has been helping themselves. I'm quite miffed. How do you suggest I deal with this? Vicki A. Dear Vicki, I'm trying to envisage someone furtively pinching kangaroo paws and I'd imagine that would be

DEAR Jasminda, The gym I go to takes candid photos of people exercising to encourage others. Last week there was a particularly unattractive photo of me wearing no makeup, doing sumo squats. While others may find this encouraging, I just feel embarrassed. Can I ask them to take the photo down? Hilda

    DEAR Jasminda, My pushy sisters want us to all put in money for an experience for Christmas and they want to go hot air ballooning. They know I'm scared of heights but they say it will be character building. I'm happy to put money in for them to go, but I don't want