"I don't know the key to success but the key to failure is trying to please everyone." Bill Cosby, Entertainer.

Trying to keep everyone in her household happy was making Stella ill.

Well-meaning friends had mentioned that she was looking tired and pallid but comments like these only made her feel worse.

Having lost a lot of weight recently, coupled with the remarks of her friends, Stella made an appointment with her doctor.

After discussing her workload and lifestyle, the prognosis was simple - stop trying to be perfect!

During counselling, Stella became aware that she was heavily influenced by her own mother's role.

The words, "woman's duty" used to ring in her head whenever a conflict developed within the family.

However, Stella was in full-time employment and no one was helping her when she got home. So, by making certain adjustments around the house, she found she was appreciated more for doing less.

Julia Meanwell is a relationship counsellor. Contact her at julia@meanwell.freeserve.co.uk