I am keeping a family secret. What do I do?
I listened to your episode about uncovering a family secret and it got me thinking even more about a family secret that I'm holding onto. My sister got pregnant years ago after basically having a one night stand. She started dating someone not long after and they decided to just pretend like the baby was his. My niece is now 10. She has no idea that the man she calls dad isn't her dad. I am sure she'll find out someday one way or another. And I can't help but worry that she will be mad at me for not telling her. I hate to keep the secret. I've asked myself what a mentally strong person would do and I don't know the answer. Please advise.
How do I help my friend who has depression when I'm emotionally drained?
My good friend has been depressed off and on since I've known her. I'm her main support person. This latest round of depression has lasted a long time and it's happened during a time when I'm busy with things going on in my life. I want to keep helping her but at the same time, I feel emotionally drained. I know I should be taking care of myself and saying no sometimes but when I try, I feel guilty, and think I should be able to do one more thing for her. How do I know when it's OK to say no?
I dig myself into incredible messes. How do I stop doing this?
I get myself into ridiculous situations like I agree to something I don't want to do and end up on some volunteer committee from hell. I bring it on myself sometimes too. I volunteer to help with something because I think it's a two hour project and then learn it's a 3 week commitment. It's not just volunteer stuff though. I once dated someone for six months and I didn't tell him something huge about my past. It wouldn't have been a big deal if I had just told him up front. But I waited so long I couldn't find the courage to do it. And got myself in another mess. Why do I always seem to get myself into stupid messes for no real reason and how do I stop?