Dear Libby,

Every year, I make a New Year’s resolution, and every year, I break it by January 10th. I really want this year to be different. The problem is I don’t know how to keep from breaking it again. It might be easy for other people who can use their willpower to stick to their resolution, but it’s really hard for me. You see, I’m not always the one in control of my body.

I have no way of knowing when the other me will take over. It happens in the blink of an eye. When she’s in control, I don’t just disappear. I can still see, hear, taste, smell, touch, and experience everything that she does. But I’m powerless to do anything. It stays that way until, out of nowhere, we switch back. By the time we do, the other me has already ruined out resolution for that year.

This year, my resolution is to move to Paris to start my life over. But I just know the other me is going to spoil it. She’s always like, “I don’t wanna leave! I love my kids and husband.” Blech! Why would I want to tie myself down to those losers? I was never consulted about them in the first place!

I really need some advice on how to stop the other me from ruining my fun. Even if I got a ticket and hopped on a plane to Paris tonight, the other me would come back to Emerson Valley the second she got control. Is there any way I could stop that from happening? Is it possible to get rid of her without hurting myself?

–Of Two Minds

Dear “Of Two Minds,”

While I’ll be the first to admit that this problem you have is a little out of my wheelhouse, I should use this opportunity to keep my New Year’s resolution about trying new things. If you don’t mind, I’d like to take a stab at the issue. It sounds like the other you is pretty set in her ways. She’s established a life for herself with a husband and children. It’s a lot easier for you to walk away from them since you don’t seem to have an emotional connection with your other self’s family. She won’t leave them, and you don’t want to stay. It’s a real catch-22.

In any case, there doesn’t appear to be a way for you both to get what you want. Keeping your New Year’s resolution is important for your own self-care. The worst thing you can do is continue to neglect yourself for the sake of the other you. Everyone should do what they can to keep their mind, heart, and soul as healthy as possible. Is it right that your other self gets to have everything she wants while you fight for mere scraps? Now, I’m not saying to act selfish, but maybe you deserve a bit of happiness, too, don’t you think?

–Lovingly, Libby