Tip the therapist nicely

Dear Betsy,I had the most embarrassing moment of my life a few days ago and need your advice. I have a massage every week to help with my arthritis and have been visiting the same guy for two years now. Last week I had a bit of a stomach problem after a curry lunch and realised during my massage that I passed gas.

It was a silent but deadly one if you get my meaning and I feel so ashamed.

The massage guy didn't mention it but he must have noticed. I feel too embarrassed to go back to him, but I need that massage so what do you suggest?

Mr Firework

Dear Mr Firework,

A delicate situation to say the least, but not such an unusual one. Most therapists have been on the receiving end of this type of phenomenon at least once in their careers.

If neither of you mentioned it then, there is no reason to do so now.

You should have left a hefty tip for your therapist. Did you? If not then do so this week, or take him a gift, some cologne perhaps or maybe a gas mask? Oops! Sorry that just slipped out!

Additionally, I would recommend having that curry AFTER your massage next time.

Dear Betsy,

I am leaving Bahrain next week and just wanted to say thank you for making me feel better every Wednesday. Your columns have been so inspiring, motivational and sensible and I look forward to my Wednesday breakfast with Betsy as it sets me up for the weekend.

I have followed lots of your advice about thinking positively and being kind to others and yes it does work. I feel so much better about life in general and notice those little things so much more.

I was fortunate enough to meet you briefly and you really radiate those principles and beliefs in person. So can I take this opportunity to say: 'If you only do one thing this week Betsy' keep on writing your lovely words of wisdom.

To all my friends in Bahrain, thank you for your kindnesses and I hope to see you all in Southampton.

Hannah North

Dear Hannah,

Thanks for your supportive email. I couldn't imagine my week without writing my column, trust me it helps me every bit as it does others. We all need to take some time to reflect on the important things in life and remember to be thankful. The good news is that even though you are leaving Bahrain, you can still read your GulfWeekly online every week! Good luck with your life back in England, Hannah.

Dear Betsy,

Well, I must take my hat off to the management of the City Centre.

They took criticism of their facilities on the chin and responded to the Editor with a very positive letter.

Just shows the power of the media. I only hope they follow through with those promised parking improvements.

In the meantime, can they do something about the air conditioning? Surely that doesn't need civil authority permission?

Keep up the good work Betsy, seems like the important people read GulfWeekly.

JJK

Dear JJK,

Yes I agree with you, the City Centre management responded very well. Any business that ignores customer feedback does so at its peril these days in our highly competitive market.

Thanks for being one of the GulfWeekly's important readers and more importantly one of our emailers!

Come on City Centre, fix that air conditioning and see your sales soar.

Dear Betsy,

Give me an idea for a wedding gift for a third time around bride and groom?

They have all the toasters and kettles they are likely to need. What do you suggest?

Flower Girl

Dear Flower Girl,

How about a 'Couple's Spa Experience'? You can purchase gift vouchers from several of the five star hotel spas in Bahrain. A digital photo frame for all their wedding pictures? Fresh flowers delivered to their home when they arrive back from their honeymoon? Throw a dinner in their honour?

If all the usual domestic items are off the menu you could consider something 'personalised' like an engraved silver photo frame or a wedding photo lasered onto a piece of crystal? They have this at a kiosk in the Seef Mall. That's about the best I can do I am afraid. Do other readers have any ideas?

BETSY SAYS RELAX

DO a headstand. Yes you did read that correctly. Apparently it sends the blood rushing to your head, relaxes you and stimulates your brain power, making you see things in a new light. Do it against a wall for support and obviously don't do it if you have neck problems, are less than sober, have just eaten or have your in-laws around for dinner. Now all we have to do is make it compulsory for bad drivers and hope they can see that red light next time.

IF YOU ONLY DO ONE THING THIS WEEK

Step out of your Comfort Zone! What do I mean? Well, instead of eating After Eight mints after 8pm try living dangerously and eating them at 7.30pm! Ok, it's an old joke, but you get the idea? Push yourself that bit further at the gym, leave the car and walk, attempt that difficult recipe you always shy away from, finish a Sudoku, ask that pretty girl out on a date (no, not you married guys) climb the Jebel Dhukan, eat the whole bar of chocolate, leave the dishes until the morning. Just stretch yourself, do something daring and different. It can be so exhilarating and liberating. Me? I did it last week. I bought a new mobile phone after buying the same model for eight years and actually learned how to use it! Well almost, still don't know how to switch it off!