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?

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

They say: new year, new you. Sounds easy peasy, doesn’t it? Like something you might read in a recipe from one of the many “easy” cookbooks that are out there. This month’s column is inspired by one o

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.

THAT FEELING OF BEING ON THE OUTSIDE, EVEN WHEN YOU’RE WITH EVERYONE? YOU’RE NOT IMAGINING IT – AND IT CAN CHANGE. HERE’S HOW TO GET THE FEELING OF CONNECTION BACK