This week, Jennifer deals with questions of addressing hoarding habits, struggling with social situations because your anxiety and dealing with the topic of starting a family and fertility issues
For as long as I can remember, I have hated throwing anything away. As a child my room was always a mess, with stacks of old comics and books everywhere.
I’ve wasted days sometimes trying to find some or other bit of paper. I know I should tackle it but there’s just so much and, in a way, I’m almost frightened of what I will find. If the task ahead seems daunting, start small by breaking it down into manageable chunks. Perhaps spend an hour or 30 minutes a day after work tackling a single box or pile. Make the first session about clearing a flat surface to work on, and try to keep it that way.
I know you’re embarrassed but having someone neutral to help should make it easier to make those difficult decisions. Social anxiety is holding me back I am 41 and struggle to cope with social or group situations. I thought as I got older I would be able to handle these things more easily but, if anything it’s getting worse.
Later this year I am due to attend a couple of work-related conferences, and I am already fretting about how I will cope.JENNIFER SAYS: Please don’t do that. I am sure you’ve worked hard to get this job, and it would be a great shame to walk away from it.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Ask Jennifer: My daughter told me she got assaulted when she was 19'Please try not to feel guilty because your daughter gave you no clue at the time and chose to keep this a secret. Blaming yourself for what happened won’t help her now'
Read more »
Ask Jennifer: My sister doesn't approve of me dating an older married man'As for the rest, your sister is making a lot of sense. He’s already got children, so will he want more and have you discussed this with him?'
Read more »
Ask Jennifer: My boss doesn't believe I was sick and thinks I was on holiday'I was really confused by this and called my friend at work, who told me that rumours had been circulating that I had just used a fake illness to get an extra week in Spain while on sick pay'
Read more »
Ask Jennifer: My husband changed the locks on our house and locked me outMy marriage has been a sham for the past nine years.
Read more »
Jennifer O'Connell: ‘Organise childcare’ means two things - ask granny or take a day off workUnless you have a reliable and obliging childminder willing to shift their schedule to accommodate the whims of Simon Harris, the election is yet another headache for parents
Read more »
Ask Jennifer: I haven’t seen my dad for over 11 years and I want to reach outMy aunt, his sister, has always kept in touch and told me recently that he’s not well and that his relationship has fallen part because of it
Read more »