Dear Karin,

I eat because of my feelings and I can’t seem to stop.  My clothes are too tight and I hate the way I look but I can’t stop stuffing my face.  I feel disgusting.  How do I change this self-defeating behavior?

Rita

Dear Karin,

My husband had an affair.  He says he has stopped seeing the other woman and that their affair was only about sex.  He insists I am the one he loves, and that he wants to preserve our marriage not only for me but also for our daughter.  I love him and want the marriage to work but I honestly don’t know if I can survive the pain.  Whenever I close my eyes I picture him having sex with this other woman and I feel the shock all over again.  How can I ever trust him again?

Sylvia

Dear Karin,
I feel stupid about this but it really bothers me when my husband looks at other women. When he comes home with the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, or drools over some woman on TV, I feel so inferior. I want to hide my body from him. Is there anything I can do to feel better?
Margie

Dear Dr. Karin,
I crave male attention. When a man looks my way, I feel good.  However, most of the time men are not interested in me and my self-esteem plummets.  I almost hate leaving my house because when I do, I know that I will experience all sorts of rejection. Can I stop needing validation regarding my looks?
Brittany

Hi Karin,

I've never been in a relationship. I believe it is because most men are not attracted to me. I never get much male attention whatsoever (in fact many boys made fun of my looks in high-school). I worry that I will never get married. How can I accept that there may be no one out there for me?

Ashley

Dear Karin, 

I used to be thin and beautiful before I gained 50 pounds.  Men used to stare at me but today no one gives me a second look.  I compare myself to what I used to be and feel like an utter failure.  How can I feel better about myself and lose weight?"

Janine

Dear Karin,

Why are some girls beautiful while I have to walk around looking average?  Why would God make me less attractive than the pretty girls?  How can I possibly feel good about myself when I am around them?

Alyssa

Dear Karin,
You suggest we sign up for God’s dating service but no Prince Charming comes knocking on my door when I sit home alone. Isn’t it better to sign up for on line dating? At least I am doing something instead of passively waiting for a mate to come my way. How will I possibly find the love of my life unless I am out where I can meet people?
Jenni

Dear Karin,
I am 70 years old and weigh 250 pounds. When I was young I had a beautiful figure, but something changed. In mid life I gained weight until I reached this size. My weight barely budges when I diet. My doctors can’t find any problem. 15 years ago I had my stomach stapled and lost some weight but I never became truly thin. Today my stomach has stretched out and I am back where I started. I swear that I don’t eat more than the average woman. Most of my friends who are average weight are surprised to see that I actually eat less than they do. For so many years people have judged me and commented on my weight. How can I make sense of this?
Denise

Dear Karin,
My family has serious financial problems. My husband lost his job, and we are stressed to the max. When I am upset I eat. I know eating right and regular exercise would help alleviate my stress, but I can’t seem to follow any kind of diet/exercise program. To make matters worse, my clothes are too tight. I feel like a sausage stuffed into my jeans. We are doing all we can to get back on track financially, but what can I do about my weight and overeating?
Stacy