Dear Carla: It seems like no matter what I do nothing goes right in all areas of my life. I recently lost my job which has now added insult to injury. I am single and unhappy and don’t know what I did to deserve this. People are always telling me to keep my head up but they don’t know how hard that is. What should I do? —FEELING WORTHLESS

Dear Feeling: I’m sorry that you are feeling this way but there is no time for you to start wallowing in pity. I am not being uncaring but I think at times we spend so much time dwelling on the negatives that we cause ourselves not to see the opportunities around us. Take some time to assess your skill set and see what else could you do workwise. Be creative ... now is the perfect time to start your own small business with a view of growing it with time.

It could be a good thing that you are single; no distractions. Use your time alone to concentrate on creating a better you. There are a number of employment agencies on the Island. Update your résumé and get it out there. If you need help with doing that, go to the Department of Workforce Development where there are plenty of resources.

Change your mindset! Turn negative thoughts into positive ones. Smile more. Exude positive energy. You’d be surprised what you’ll receive in turn. Good luck!

Dear Carla: I am stuck between a rock and a hard place. Two men are attracted to me but they are total opposites. One is kind of nerdy and awkward and not the best looking while the other is very handsome but a rebel. Both have good jobs but guy B does not seem stable. He has moved a few times since we have become friends and always as someone’s roommate while guy A owns his own home.

What is the problem? While I am more attracted to guy B, guy A treats me better but I can’t imagine myself in a relationship with him. I want to settle down. What should I do? — HARD CHOICE

Dear Hard Choice: Sounds to me like are not listening to your heart but instead listening to your pockets. While many may tell you to go for guy A, I will encourage you to follow your heart BUT with some deep self reflection first. Are you sure that guy B is someone who you would want to spend the rest of your life with? Will he be able to work with you in the future. He seems unstable, based on your description. His physical attraction could wear off soon. Then what? If after you’ve asked and answered questions that are important to you and guy B outweighs guy A, then go for it. Makes so sense being with someone who you are not attracted to because that only leads to problems down the road.

Dear Carla: My daughter starting menstruating at 12 and has suffered terrible cramps on a regular basis. She is now 15! and the doctor thinks that she should be put on birth control in order to regulate the cramps. He has been suggesting this now for two years but I have been resistant. I’m afraid that by putting her on birth control she may be tempted to have sex. She has a “boyfriend” but her father and I monitor their relationship diligently but we both know we can’t be with them 24/7. Should I allow her to go on the Pill or should I let her manage her cramps through pain pills like she has for last three years? — SCARED

Dear Scared: No matter how much we think we can protect our children from sex, drugs and all of the anti-social behaviours out there, if they want to indulge in them, they will find a way. That’s why it’s important to give them a solid foundation to build from. If you haven spoken to your daughter about the potential consequences of having sex young, especially unprotected, I’m sure she will use common sense and not do anything that could put her wellbeing at risk. Believe it or not, being on the Pill will not be a huge determining factor in her decision. If taking it will alleviate her discomfort, let her. Just continue to speak to her about the consequences of sex, regardless of how old she is.