Dear Janice, I no longer want to be the one who always fixes people.

It feels constant, whether it’s at work, at home or with friends, they all turn to me for advice.

One friend in particular phones me at all hours with the latest drama about her on/off relationships, and despite constantly giving her advice, nothing changes and I’m sick of it.

Without being rude, how can I step away from all this? June.

Dear June, simply put, you can’t be responsible for other people’s happiness.

It’s flattering that people turn to you as they obviously see you as a strong character who gives sound advice, but you must prioritise your own mental health and well-being.

As for your friend, you can support her, but you can’t fix her problems. She is caught in the cycle of repeat and return, which has become her normality and unfortunately, you are drawn into her chaotic lifestyle.

My advice is if she (or anyone) doesn’t listen, stop talking. Her ears are closed, and no advice you offer is getting through.

So, next time she calls and starts dramatising, butt in and cut her off until she gets the message.  

Rude? Yes, it might be, but everyone has their limits, and you have reached yours.

Dear Janice, my friend invited my husband and I to her wedding next summer and naturally I assumed our children were invited too.

However, when I said we were all looking forward to it, she made it clear that apart from her son, there will be no other children at the wedding.

I am so disappointed as my children would have loved the wedding and as I don’t have anyone to watch them, I was planning to make the most of it by staying at the hotel for the whole weekend for a family break.

Despite seeing how disappointed I was, she has stuck to her rules.

I feel like refusing to go, but I don’t want to appear selfish so what do I do? Marissa.

Dear Marissa, you are being selfish. This is your friend’s wedding, therefore her rules. End of.

Of course, it would have been nice for you if your family plan had worked out, but this day is all about celebrating your friend’s marriage.

I find it difficult to believe that despite having eight or so months’ notice, you can’t find or pay someone to look after your children.  

Most parents would relish time to let their hair down and enjoy a child-free knees-up, and I have rarely come across young children unless they are part of it, who are enthused about a wedding ceremony.

It’s your shout whether you go or not but keep in mind that for years to come your friend(s) will be chatting and reminiscing about all the goings on at her special day, and you will be the one guest who has made herself the outsider.

So, drop the huff and go and enjoy yourself.  

Got a question for our agony aunt? Email askjanice@glasgowtimes.co.uk