I am a 32-year old woman and have been single since my last relationship ended three years ago. I have gone on many dates since then, and have been introduced to a lot of men, but none of them seem to engage my interest for more than a few dates. My friends keep telling me to lower my standards and ask me to try getting into a relationship even if I’m not happy with it, because they think I need to move on and be with someone. I disagree because I can’t stand the idea of simply being with someone to feel as if I am moving on with my life. I am not unhappy, but I am worried because I am now the only one in our group who is still single. What if I don’t find anyone worthy of being with? How can I change this?
To change how you feel is to deny your feelings and lie to yourself, which may lead to some temporary changes but won’t necessarily make you a happier person. You are entitled to any standards you set yourself, and peer pressure doesn’t help if you are going to make compromises that eventually lead to resentment. It’s normal to feel as if you are being too difficult on yourself, but the best thing to do is trust and believe in your instincts. Meet as many people as you can and allow yourself to take a chance when you feel you can. This may not be easy, because loneliness can drive you into doing all kinds of things but going easy on yourself and acknowledging that finding someone worth being with takes time, can go a long way.

My best friend and I recently went on a holiday together, and my boyfriend is jealous because I didn’t ask him to come along. Is he being unreasonable, and should I apologise?
A partner who doesn’t respect your need for space and friendships with other people is being disrespectful. He needs to know that.