Dear Bunmi, we didn’t have much money when I was young and my auntie took me in to help with her family.   

Read: Dear Bunmi, we’re both pregnant for him 

She sent me to school and took proper care of me. But I would always steal from her and the children – clothes, jewellery and makeup to be like my friends.   

I was so good at it I seldom got caught.

Now that I’m married with a decent job, I’m still doing it. I get a kick out of stealing my husband’s money, at times, and things that belong to my friends.   

I feel remorse afterwards as I see my place cluttered with stolen items that I knew I will never use and, when I look at them, I feel sick with guilt.   

And I want to stop before my husband cotton on to what is going on, but I can’t control it.

Riskat, by e-mail.

Dear Riskat,

It’s a good thing you realise you have a serious problem.   

Things might eventually escalate to the point where you would get arrested.   

You need to seek help – and fast. 

Do you think you can confide in your husband with the hope of seeking professional help for you?

If you can’t, you can arrange for counselling at the psychiatric section of any teaching hospital.   

No, it’s not only mentally ill people they attend to there. They also deal with psychological problems.

You’ll be likely to be referred to a therapist for cognitive behavioural therapy.   

In time, you’ll learn to recognise the triggers for your stealing impulses. So when you get them, you’ll know how to manage them!

Share your problems and release your burden. Write: Dear Bunmi: bunmsof@yahoo.co.uk.

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