I am worried about money and panic when girlfriend talks about having a baby

DEAR DEIDRE: I SLEEP-TALK when worried and lately my girlfriend says I’m doing it every night.

I’m 26 and she is 23. I’m really anxious about money.

For now we can just about cover our bills, but if prices keep rising we won’t be able to.

Recently, my girlfriend has started to talk about having a family.

She wants lots of children. But every time she mentions it, I begin to panic inside.

I’m so worried if I tell her how I’m feeling, she’ll leave and meet someone else.

All this is constantly going around in my head.

DEIDRE SAYS: It’s very natural to worry about money in these hard times but keeping your concerns to yourself will make them feel far worse.

Talk to her about how you’re struggling so you can figure out what would work for both of you.

Learn some techniques to help you relax and put your worries in proportion.

A good book is The Anxiety First Aid Kit: Quick Tools For Uncertain Times, by Matthew McKay and Rick Hanson.

MORE FROM DEAR DEIDRE

DEAR DEIDRE

My wife is a serial cheat and is taking the pill for new lover - I'm distraught

DEIDRE'S STORIES

Josh's pushy mother puts her foot in it with baby comment