Priorities

How many times have you let your boyfriend dictate which movie you'll watch or allowed him to decided which restaurant you'll go to for dinner? If you always put others' needs ahead of your own, the message you're giving to them and yourself is, "My needs don't matter".

By choosing to sometimes prioritize what you want, others around you will begin to learn some self-reliance. Then you won't feel guilty about resenting the things you do for them because they will be actions of love and choice, not obligation.

Hire a maid or delegate jobs to you kids and your partner. Have toasted sandwiches or take-away every Friday night. Leave the kids with your husband and go away on a holiday with a girlfriend for the weekend.

Learn to say NO. Set the alarm for half-an-hour earlier and enjoy a good soak before you have to start getting ready for work. Buy an answering machine and when you're busy, screen your calls.