'My daughter is an introvert...'

Dear Diana

Dear Diana,
I'm a single mother with a 24-year-old daughter. She suffers from extremely low self-esteem. She's beautiful, clever and kind, but has always struggled to make friends. She's okay with people she knows, but gets uncomfortable with new people or new situations and will often walk away from a new job or a new friend as she prefers to be alone. She also doesn't do any of the normal stuff 24-year-olds do.
- Grace


Illustration/Amit Bandre

Dear Grace,
Your daughter is shy and an introvert, so she gets uncomfortable with people around. You say that she is okay with people she knows that is because she is familiar with them and knows how they will react. As you say you are a single mother and she is the only child, you may have been overprotective about her. Or perhaps she has an inherent fear or trauma. Talk to her about it and accordingly, you can seek counselling to overcome her fears.

Dear Diana,
I had a baby four months ago after eight years of marriage. I feel so tired, stressed and like life is out of my control. I had a long, difficult birth. I have gained a lot of weight, I feel self-conscious about my body too. On top of that, everyone around gives more attention to our newborn daughter than me. I feel so depressed and tired always.
- Amber

Dear Amber,
You seem to be suffering from postnatal depression. Some women experience it due to hormonal, environmental, psychological and genetic factors. It could also be due to anxiety. Seek medical help and meanwhile don't expect too much of yourself - just go with the flow. You can lose weight over a period of time. Everyone is giving attention to the new arrival because it has brought joy in your life.