ASK EMILY
Published: April 23, 2008

Dear Emily: I am not normally a clumsy person, but I seem to keep accidentally destroying or breaking things in my girlfriend’s home. This is happening more and more often, from broken dishes and lamps, to simply dropping heavy things that scrape the paint off the wall, to stepping on drink coasters I’ve left on the floor. Other times I spill things all over the floor. I feel bad but don’t know how to stop being such a klutz, and fear she’s about to send me to whatever is today’s equivalent to charm school. I don’t want to end up banned from her home. Any advice?
— Butterfingers

Dear Butterfingers: Relax! Your problem is probably less about coordination and more about mindset. You’ve psyched yourself out. Everyone has clumsy days (even weeks), but now that you are hyper-aware of your awkwardness, you’re probably behaving even more spastically. Stop thinking you are a klutz and start reassuring yourself that you are a calm and poised individual. Change your attitude, and you’ll eventually change your behavior. Until then, just remind yourself to stay away from your
girlfriend’s good dishes.

Dear Emily: My best friend has always struggled with her weight, but over the last two months she has really concentrated on taking better care of her body. I was proud of her when she stopped eating junk food and started regularly exercising. Yet, now I think her new look has gone to her head. She has dropped two dress sizes and looks great, but she is constantly fishing for compliments. She knows she looks good, so why is she trying to rub my nose in it?
— Bugged by Bragging

Dear Bad by Bragging: Sounds like someone is a little bit jealous! Are you sure she knows she looks good? Because often when people struggle with weight their whole lives, they have a hard time believing that they can actually change. Your friend seems to need a little more positive reinforcement, and you need to be a little more supportive and patient. Even if her new look has totally gone to her head, she deserves acknowledgment for a while from her best friend.
Dear Emily: Everyone around me keeps talking about buying organic food, but the prices seem very high on certain fruits and vegetables. Is there really a benefit in eating these foods, or is this just the newest craze that will soon pass? What’s your take? 
— Fussy for Food

Dear Fussy for Food: The verdict is still out. Some experts say organic food is safer and even possibly more nutritious. These crops are grown without the use of conventional pesticides or artificial fertilizers and are processed without food additives. However, other people say there is not enough evidence to prove any real advantage to eating them. So for now you’ll just have to use your own judgment and ask yourself how important it is to know how you food was produced.