Dear Queenie,

I have noticed that these days a lot of people say the “f” word a lot, even in public.

Queenie, what do you think about all that?—Language Etty Ket

Dear Etty Ket,

I do not approve of using that word in public, and not even in private unless there is a very special reason for it.

Dear Queenie,

My teenage son is going out with a girl who threatens to hurt herself if he doesn’t do what she wants, like answer his calls right away. She even sent him a picture of herself holding her father’s gun pointed at her head.

I called the girl’s mother to tell her about all this, but she just thought I was saying she is a bad mother.

Queenie, what should I do about all this?—Worried mother

Dear Mother,

You, or even a professional counsellor, should explain to your son what emotional blackmail is and how it should be dealt with.

This girl apparently has serious emotional problems that your son is not able to deal with. He should break up with her to protect himself, and hope her mother will then get her the professional help she badly needs.

Dear Queenie,

A friend of mine who is in his twenties has never had sex with a girl. He was in love with a girl but they never had sex and finally they broke up.

Queenie, how can I help him?—Worried friend

Dear Friend,

Is it possible that your friend is not worried about this, for religious or simply moral reasons? If so, do not interfere.

However, if he also considers this a problem, he should get advice from a professional counsellor.

Dear Queenie,

My older sister has a habit of making fun of my clothes and hair styles when I go to visit her. She says they are cheap and ugly.

Queenie, this really makes me feel bad. Should I just stop going to see her?—Annoyed kid sister

Dear Kid Sister,

Have you told your sister how you feel about the things she says? She may not realise how bad she makes you feel.

If talking to her about it helps, all well and good. If not, then yes, try to limit the amount of time you spend with her.