MY sister is 17 and I'm 15. All the boys seem to be interested in her, but not me, even though people have said I'm just as pretty.
Do you think it's because I'm so tall and skinny (I'm nearly six foot) and she's only about five foot five?
She never wants me around, even though I'd like to go out with her and I think it's because she's afraid I'll hold her back.
I'm just so fed up and miserable, and even though I've tried to pad myself out with clothes, I just end up feeling uncomfortable.
I am so unhappy that I don't want to go out at all now because I feel people talk about me.
DL
FIONA SAYS: It's not often I get an email from someone complaining about being too thin, which leads me to think this is more about your relationship with yourself than your relationship with your sister.
You are so wrapped up in the misery of feeling thin and tall, you are probably projecting that to other people.
That is far more likely to put them off you than your height and weight.
Whilst you remain self-centred and worried about yourself, you actually make it harder for people to be attracted to you – and that includes your sister.
Instead of thinking about how you feel, try thinking about others – plenty of boys lack confidence about how they look, and your sister may have her own worries and concerns too.
If you are seriously worried about being underweight, talk to your doctor, either for help or for reassurance that you've nothing to worry about.
We have really fiery arguments
MY sister thinks there is something seriously flawed about my relationship with my husband.
He and I are really close most of the time, and I love him to bits, but when we have a row it's really terrible.
We shout and scream at one another and throw things but then, when it's over, we make up and everything is wonderful again.
My sister says it's not right and our neighbours give us funny looks sometimes too.
Are we freaks?
BH
FIONA SAYS: There's nothing abnormal about your behaviour; plenty of couples argue violently and as long as neither one of you is being physically or emotionally hurt, there is no real harm in it.
Whether you silently fester or throw plates doesn't matter, but not finding out what causes the rows and resolving the issues behind them can cause long-term damage.
You could, one day, say or do something that really hurts.
As for your sister and your neighbours, I wouldn't worry too much about what they think.
As long as the two of you are both happy with these sudden flares, I see no reason to think you are freaks.
Clearing the air is far better than leaving a problem unattended and building resentment.
I'm scared of flying
MY girlfriend and I are going on holiday together for the first time this summer.
She's really excited about it and although I'm sure I'll enjoy it once I'm there, I'm dreading the flight.
I realise it sounds stupid, but I've always avoided flying up to now and all my friends think I travel abroad with my motorbike because I've convinced them it's the best way to go.
I can't get out of it this time though, and as she thinks I'm the strong one in this relationship, I don't want to let her down and confess to being a wimp when it comes to planes.
The trouble is, I don't want to risk going to pieces at the airport or on the plane either.
Any ideas?
CW
FIONA SAYS: There are plenty of strong people who are afraid of flying and it's not an irrational fear, so please don't think you are in any way being silly.
Even frequent flyers who seem perfectly relaxed have had moments when they've breathed a sigh of relief over landing safely.
We all know that, statistically, flying is one of the safest means of travel, but that doesn't help you get off the ground.
Many major airlines (British Airways, Virgin, Easyjet, for example) organise courses designed to reassure reluctant flyers and some of these include a short flight.
You could also consider seeing a hypnotherapist who would teach you ways to handle your anxiety.
But I think the most important thing you could do is tell your girlfriend.
Showing you have a vulnerable side will almost certainly make you more attractive to her, rather than less, and she might welcome the chance to be the strong partner for once.
They won the lottery
For many years, my husband and I have been great friends with a couple who used to live next door to us.
We went on holidays together and met up for drinks and pub lunches.
A couple of years ago, they won the lottery and are now extremely well off - as a result, my husband is now uncomfortable in their company and no longer wants to go out with them.
I find this really sad as we all got on so well.
They keep calling, trying to make arrangements to meet and I have to keep making excuses.
My husband says he doesn't want to feel like the poor relation and he certainly doesn't want them paying for stuff as that feels like sponging.
I am sure they must already feel they have upset us somehow, but how can I get him to change?
PW
FIONA SAYS: While I can understand your husband's point of view, I don't accept it.
These people may have money now but they still need friends, and ones that aren't after a share of their fortune have got to be the most valuable to them.
Friendship isn't about scoring points or resenting another's success, it's about being with someone because you enjoy their company.
Try to get your husband to see that he is making everyone unhappy, including you.
I suggest you also tell your friends that you want to see them but that you'd be more comfortable if you only do the things you used to do together.
Alternatively, just meet in one another's houses.
Friendship is a two-way thing – it's far more important than money - and your husband needs to realise that he still has a lot to offer his old friends.
