DEAR HARRIETTE: I like my mates, however I can’t assist feeling just like the least spectacular one within the group.
They’re all stunning, fashionable and profitable. They’ve nice jobs and thrilling social lives and all the time appear so assured.
Once we exit collectively, I really feel like I fade into the background. Guys method them first. Folks praise them extra, and I can’t shake the sensation that I don’t measure up.
It’s not that I’m sad with myself, however being round them generally makes me query my very own price. I begin selecting aside my seems to be, my profession progress and even my persona.
I do know they don’t deliberately make me really feel this fashion. They’re supportive and type, however I nonetheless discover myself scuffling with insecurity at any time when we’re collectively.
I hate feeling like I’m in fixed comparability mode, and I don’t need my self-doubt to damage these friendships. How do I cease feeling just like the least spectacular pal? How can I construct my confidence with out distancing myself from the individuals I like?
— Much less Than
DEAR LESS THAN: Take a step again and assess your attributes. What’s particular about you? Be sincere.
Then look within the mirror and remind your self of these qualities. You must love your self first.
Think about increasing your pal group. You don’t must dump your present group of mates, however open your eyes and see different individuals with comparable pursuits who aren’t a part of that clique. See in case you will be snug round different individuals with out an excessive amount of self-judgment. If that’s the case, proceed to spend time with them.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I’ve been relationship my boyfriend for over a 12 months now, and we get alongside nice in most areas. Nevertheless, I’ve seen that we have now completely different approaches to cash.
I’m centered on saving, investing and planning for the long run, whereas he prefers to reside within the second and spend freely. He likes to purchase random infomercial gadgets off of the web or spontaneously purchase new gadgets like costly home equipment.
I instructed him that these aren’t sensible monetary selections, and he instructed me to not fear.
I fear that our monetary variations may result in battle down the street, particularly in terms of main life selections like shopping for a house, touring or retirement planning.
I like my boyfriend, however I don’t need cash to turn into a continuing supply of stress. How do I decide if that is one thing we are able to work by?
— Conflicting Values
DEAR CONFLICTING VALUES: Discuss your views on cash within the context of your wishes for the long run.
Ask your boyfriend how he sees his life in 5 to 10 years. Does he wish to purchase a house? What sort of labor will he do? Does he wish to journey? No matter you care about, ask him his views on it. Then describe to him your goals and pursuits and your ideas on the right way to manifest them.
Deliver up your concepts on saving and investing sooner or later. Ask him if he’s keen to work with you to make a plan that features placing cash away moderately than spending it.
Maybe you possibly can conform to create a joint account for financial savings or investing, to which you every deposit a hard and fast month-to-month quantity. This may enable him to proceed to have some cash to spend as he pleases whereas additionally contributing to the plans for the long run.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founding father of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to assist individuals entry and activate their goals. You may ship inquiries to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas Metropolis, MO 64106.
