He lives so far away..

I’M 18 and in love with a guy who lives miles away, which means we don’t see each other as much as I’d like.

It’s made worse by the fact he has to work some weekends too, so I never really know when we can be together.

I’ve tried suggesting we should move in together, but he says he’s not ready for that.

He’s 19 and my brother was married when he was 19, so I can’t see what the problem is.

Because he doesn’t get on with them, I’ve lost most of my school and college friends, so I am stuck indoors most of the time with my parents and I’m feeling very fed-up and lonely. - MM

Fiona says: I think you need to be very cautious about anyone who tries to alienate you from your friends.

This young man is controlling your life and you’re not even living together yet.

As for that, your brother is probably the exception rather than the norm, as most young men aren’t ready to settle at 19.

I understand your need for security, but the harsh reality is he’s neither willing or ready to provide it.

Concentrate on enjoying your own life and the rest will fall into place soon enough.

Whatever happens between the two of you in future, never let him cut you off from friends and family — things can go wrong in relationships and you never know when you may need them.

I'm having panic attacks

A YEAR ago, I started experiencing very powerful panic attacks.

They came as a complete shock because I had always seen myself as a confident woman, running my own company and regularly making presentations in public.

My doctor referred me to a psychiatrist, who taught me a few relaxation techniques but they’ve started to come back. -DL

Fiona says: Please go back to your doctor – don’t feel that just because you’ve had help for this condition once, you can’t have help again.

There’s a lot of useful information about panic attacks at www.nhs.uk, but I would also suggest you contact Anxiety UK (www.anxietyuk.org.uk).