Q. Whenever I want to go to catch up with my girlfriends, my partner creates a scene. I don’t mind when he goes out with his friends, but if I go out he makes me feel guilty. How can I make him happy for me to enjoy ‘me’ time?
– Stuck at home, Halls Head.
A. Have you asked your partner why he doesn’t like you going out? If it’s because he misses you, a weekly date night that allows you to touch base and reconnect as a couple could fix this issue. If he is just being controlling, you need to stand your ground and continue with your independent outings. You aren’t living under the Taliban and it isn’t the 1950s. Make a point to emphasise the good in you not being home – he can indulge in his hobbies or have friends over. Controlling behaviour usually comes from a place of insecurity. Once he feels secure it should help with his objections. If this controlling attitude is slipping into other areas of your relationship, it might be time to see a counsellor.
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READ NOWQ. Is it the end of the world? Every day it seems there is a new earthquake or other natural disaster. Should I quit my job and head to the pub?
– Waiting for the end of days, Port Kennedy.
A. Nostradamus predicted the world would end in 1999, some thought Y2K would end things in 2000, the Mayan Calender predicted 2012. We are all still here. This doesn’t meant the world is not an anxiety-inducing place at the moment – with North Korea testing missiles, ISIS and Trump – so you should definitely make more time for the pub. However, it might pay to keep your job, just in case you do wake up tomorrow.
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