NEXT WEEK'S DILEMMA: SHOULD I LET MY BLUSHES RULE MY LIFE?

Dear Virginia,

Ever since I was a teenager I have had a problem with blushing. I blush at the slightest thing - and it's completely blighting my life. My friends tell me it doesn't show but I know they're being kind.

A group of friends have asked me to go on holiday with them next month and I have said I would. But now, although I'd love to go, I feel I can't face it because I know I will go red all over if I wear a swimsuit - I've got fat thighs anyway and can't bear anyone to see them.

Even when the lights are low at parties I know people can tell I'm blushing because I go so dark red and I sweat. Should I back out of the holiday? Or has anyone an answer to this agonising problem that is completely ruining my life?

Yours sincerely, Donna

All comments are welcome, and everyone who has a suggestion quoted will be sent a Dynagrip 50 ballpen from Paper:Mate.

Please send any relevant personal experiences or comments to me at the Features Department, The Independent, 1 Canada Square, Canary Wharf, London, E14 5DL; fax 0171-293 2182, by Tuesday morning. And if you have any dilemmas of your own that you would like to share, please let me know.