It was very distressing to see recently on television that a high proportion of women have a drink problem.

When interviewed, one said it was because of the stress of achieving and striving to be perfect.

No one is perfect. Be gentle with yourself and like yourself, no matter what. The expectations of today involve the defining of "life" as "society with standards" that if not reached render one "a failure".

Everyone is of worth and has an internal gift that often has nothing to do with society's perceptions of the categories into which we are supposed to slot ourselves.

Blurring and blotting out with drink or drugs does not help; it is fruitless. It simply puts off facing developing one's self.

A lot of help would be given to people if they simply loved themselves a little, appreciated themselves, no matter what they have achieved, what society thinks or they think society thinks. That way they have power to enjoy life - now!

-David de Pinna, Shelley Road, Worthing