KAYE Townsend is a qualified, BACP registered, person-centred counsellor with a private practice in Flackwell Heath, Bucks.

She is currently writing a self-help book, write articles for various publications & work as a volunteer counsellor for a local charity.

Here she answers letters in her Bucks Free Press agony aunt column.

To contact her, email kayebt@sky.com

Dear Kaye,

I recently caught my friend lying to me again & now feel I can’t trust her. I’m not really angry with her, I just don’t understand why she keeps doing it. Any suggestions?

Carol, 38, Totteridge.

Dear Carol,

It’s nice to know you don’t feel angry, just concerned. Many people believe they need to tell “white lies” or exaggerate in order to impress others, to feel important or to feel accepted by their social group.

It usually happens to people who lack confidence or self-worth.

If you want to confront her, do it in a caring & supportive way to avoid knocking her confidence even further back or causing her to become defensive. She is lucky to have such a patient & thoughtful friend.

Good luck Carol,

Kaye.