What can I do about my girlfriend’s behaviour whenever she has too much to drink? She is calm and well-behaved until she gets drunk, after which she turns into someone I cannot control or reason with. She is abusive, does irrational things, and recently stormed out of a pub and went home for no reason. It has started to affect our relationship, but she doesn’t even acknowledge that there is a problem. I want to be with her and am convinced I will support her no matter what, provided she does what it takes to address this problem. What can I do to convince her?
You can hold a mirror up to her with the help of friends who have her well-being at heart. Not everyone who has a problem is prepared to acknowledge its existence. This takes time and you may have to exercise a lot of patience. Some people think of alcoholism as a disease, others as learned behaviour. Irrespective of how one looks at it, the intervention of a professional can help. If she isn’t ready to listen to you, ask her friends or family to get her to speak to a counsellor or medical professional. Hearing a doctor say the things you have been saying may have a more significant impact. Also tell her why this is damaging your relationship and ask her if she is serious about wanting to make it work.

My best friend recently broke up with his girlfriend and has stopped meeting me or most of our other friends. I have tried my best to cheer him up, but nothing works. I am afraid he will only get more depressed if he doesn’t come out and spend time with us. What should I do?
You should try leaving him alone for a while. He is an adult and clearly grieving. You don’t know what stage of grief he is at. Tell him you are there for him, whenever he needs you, and allow him to come to terms with this.