Ask Betsy

Dear Betsy
Is it possible to love someone too much? I am crazy about my wife but feel she is not so much in love with me.

She says I am obsessed and must stop being so intense all the time.  I am not afraid to show my feelings and I believe it is important to show someone you love them everyday. My wife says she feels suffocated by my love and sometimes wants to run away. I am more demonstrative than her, even with our children, and don’t see the harm in hugging or kissing those you love. It is her feeling that I love her too much and that one day this will make her fall out of love with me altogether.  Do you think this is possible? Can you love someone too much?
Achy Breaky Heart

Dear ABH
This is a problem that many of us would love to have! Perhaps your wife was not shown much love or hugged or kissed very much as a child and therefore feels uncomfortable with your unbridled show of affection. 
You are obviously a very loving, tactile person which is great for your kids. 
I don’t think it is possible to love someone too much, I think it is far worse to be starved of love, and never hugged and to go through life devoid of affection and a loving touch. 
It seems to me that your wife has issues that she needs to deal with. She sounds very unhappy if she is threatening to run away etc. Try to uncover her deeper feelings as she may be hiding her unhappiness and dissatisfaction with life and these sorts of statements may well be her cry for help. 
On the other hand, she might just not realise how lucky she is to have a husband like you and if she is not careful, you might be the one falling out of love with her. 
Back off for a while and restrain your passions and let her think about what she stands to lose.  No woman (even when she complains about being paid too much attention) wants to think the man is her life is indifferent to her charms.

Dear Betsy,
Why are carrots supposed to be good for you? I like them but don’t know how to cook them apart from boiling them. How can I use them in a simple recipe?
Maria

Dear Maria,
Carrots are one of nature’s superfoods, the humble carrot is said to be a powerful anti-cancer food. A great detoxer, carrots are important for the health of your liver, kidneys and digestive tract. Packed with beta-carotene, potassium, calcium,magnesium and phosphorous with vitamins A, B, (folic acid) and some iron. Aim to eat one carrot a day. If you do not like the taste or texture of cooked carrots then try them raw, grated in a salad or juice them and mix with orange and/or apple juice for a refreshing, healthy drink.
Here is a simple recipe that not only tastes delicious but is good for you too. The combination of carrot and ginger can help to ward off those summer colds.
Try it chilled with the addition of some freshly squeezed orange juice, as a perfect starter for a summer dinner party.

Carrot and Ginger Soup
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 3 medium carrots
• 1 large white onion
• 1 garlic clove
• 1 heaped teaspoon freshly grated ginger
• 1 pint/600ml of fresh vegetable stock or use an organic stock cube
• 1 tub greek yoghurt

Peel and chop the onions and carrots. Put the olive oil and carrots, onions, garlic and ginger into a saucepan and cook for a few minutes until the vegetables have slightly softened.  Add the vegetable stock, and season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Bring to the boil and allow to gently simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from the heat and put in your liquidiser and blend until smooth.  Serve with a generous spoon of greek yoghurt on top and a hunk of fresh crusty bread.
If this edible recipe doesn’t tempt you then try this instead!

Carrot & Honey Happy Mask
I call this a “happy” mask as I am sure I can feel my skin ‘smile’ with pleasure when I use this recipe. Try it for yourself, especially now as the Gulf weather is really hotting up!
Works great if your skin is dry, dehydrated or showing signs of ageing. Use it once or twice a week on a perfectly cleansed skin. Leave for 15 to 20 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry gently.
• 3 dessertspoons/30mls fresh carrot juice
• 3 dessertspoons/30mls of organic honey
• 3 dessertspoons/30mls of live organic yoghurt
• 30 mls of carrot oil or wheatgerm oil
• 1 teaspoon/5grms of potato flour
• Mix all ingredients together to form a paste. If too thin add some more potato flour, if too thick add some more yoghurt.