Dear Maggie,

I really need some “me-time.” I have kids, a job, and a house to keep up, and it seems like there’s just not enough of me to go around. If there’s ever any free time from work or kids’ activities, I spend it checking in on my family. There’s never a time when my aging parents don’t need something from me. And I love them dearly and would never refuse to help them out.

But I feel like I’m starting to disappear in all of this. I can’t remember the last time I spent time alone, just doing something for me, something I really want to do. I don’t even know for sure what I would want to do if I did find the time.

Help me figure out how to get some free time in my life.

Signed,

The Busy Woman

Dear Busy Woman,

Your problem is one shared by so many women these days. And a lot of men, too. Our kids are so busy, and our lives demand so much from us that there’s just no time left.