Short messages on Relationships issues from Respect Yourself, the guidance site for young people to help make good decisions in life.
Unrelenting self-criticism often goes hand in hand with unhappiness and anxiety, and is completely unjustified. There is no reason to be your own biggest critic.
The most honourable thing is not to never make mistakes, but to admit to them when you do make them, and then to follow through and do your best to make the wrong things right.
The relationships that work well are the ones that make you a better person without changing you into someone other than yourself, and without preventing you from outgrowing the person you used to be.
There is a soul behind every Facebook friend. The behaviour and comments you post will ripple into their world and could have effects you will never know about.
Make a timetable for Christmas Day and schedule in regular break times when you can sit down and talk with everyone or play with the children.
When you’re having a special event, if you know certain people don’t get on, speak to them beforehand and explain how important to you it is to have a harmonious day.
If you’re worried your guests might not get on in the holidays, go for a walk in the afternoon to break things up. This gives everyone the chance to chat to someone different, or even to stay at home if tension is building.
You don’t have control over what others think about you, but you do have control over how you decide to internalise their opinions. Leave them to their own judgments.
Use your voice for good – to inspire, to encourage, to educate, and to spread the notions of compassion and understanding.
Christmas Day can be very demanding; don’t be afraid to ask your guests for help. Asking people to help can make everyone feel involved. Children really like to feel helpful, so get them involved with small tasks such as handing round snacks or setting the table.