W E L L Y
A N G E L
What would Deirdre do?
NA K E D O N T H E B E AC H I swim often in the sea and always change (discreetly) into my togs, at the beach. Obviously I’m fine with this, but a friend commented recently upon my habit, and others exclaimed that it was indecent to get changed in public. Is it? Speedy stripper, Seatoun
A DV I C E F RO M D E I R D R E TA R R A N T
HO L D T H E BA B Y My mother is an anti-vaxxer, together with several other members of her family. Am I right or wrong to not want her, or them, to be anywhere near my new baby? Over covid, Newlands
If you are happy, that is all that counts. Sounds like you have it sorted, so just carry on and enjoy your swims. I have never mastered changing into togs on the bank of a river – jealous!
My gut reaction is to be concerned and say no, but a rational response more relevant to current conditions is probably to mask up, keep a distance, and be outside if possible. Hard, but covid is very prevalent and a real risk. A new baby is a very precious and vulnerable. No Granny hugs for a while!
YOU N G A N D I N T E N SE I have a young friend who thinks I like poetry and keeps inviting me to attend performances and offering and loaning me books. I don’t care for poetry and know I should have made it clear earlier. How do I now say so and retain the company, which I thoroughly enjoy? Flakey, Island Bay
HA R D T O C O P E We have a family holiday house shared and enjoyed by three generations but managed by us, the owners. How much should be reasonably expected from family members to share in the outside work required to manage the place? Whanau time, Newtown
You do not say how young your friend is but this sounds like a lovely relationship. Try to show interest, in other words, be adventurous and talk about books and writing that you are discovering. Take a journey, and see if broadening the palate is something you can do together. Keep some poetry in there – a bit of magic is always good! Don’t burst the bubble.
This seems a no-brainer. Surely you should share evenly, in terms of either financial contributions or DIY input? Definitely call a meeting, sit down, and agree on a plan. It is not about how much you each use it – it is about maintenance and responsibility. There are many options but agreeing and doing are the key. The users could contribute to a fund or help in a practical way but the owners ultimately have responsibility and need to make the plan. Onto it!
If you’ve got a burning question for Deirdre, email angel@capitalmag.co.nz with Capital Angel in the subject line.
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