Is it a bad idea to ask casual friends for advice by e-mail...

[lightningandsnow]

about personal issues?

Specifically, if that friend is about 30 years old (older than me), and an incredibly intelligent psychotherapist who used to write an advice column?

That's what I'm kind of grappling with right now - I need advice on something (not from internet strangers, sorry), but I'm not sure I should burden her with all my personal problems. And it's not like I can talk to my parents, because they kind of are the problem, partially.

What should I do?

[Ptah]

1. Ask her to recommend someone to see for advice.

:shrug:

[lightningandsnow]

2. That's part of the problem,

I can't really go see anyone, my parents are kind of nosey and they'll be all "what's wrong?"

[OhioBlue]

3. you should never be afraid to ask someone for advice

I understand your concern about asking a casual friend for advice via an e-mail.

But, I think if you seek her advice, you should not feel bad for asking for it. She is obviously someone you think could help provide advice that you would value.

If you do decide to seek advice via e-mail, please be prepared to be disappointed in a response. I'm not sure how quickly she will get back to you or how willing she might be to put advice down in an e-mail. You may start with an e-mail that just hints that you need to talk to someone and ask for advice on what to do.