Growing up, I spent a lot of time with my grandparents, who instilled in me the importance of politeness and the authority of adults. These principles turned me into the kind of child that teachers lo

PUSH YOUR BUTTONS?

Taking time out for recovery is key to meeting your goals, so don’t let guilt or anxiety put you off relaxing

How many times a day do you hear yourself saying sorr y? ‘Sorry, could I just…?’ ‘Sorry, I can’t make it tonight.’ ‘Sorry, I’m not free.’ We apologise for taking up space, for saying no, for changing our minds, even for wanting something different. Sometimes it just slips out before you’ve even had time to check if it belongs there.

Q‘I’m 61 and have just moved from London to Scotland to start a new life. The scenery is breathtaking but my social life… less so. I’ve always been “the nice one” – helpful, upbeat, unfailingly polite

Take a moment for YOU this festive season