A book that was almost a mirror for me. So many of the situations described I have experienced myself; because of anxiety, but also due to my innate Britishness. Although the book is laden throughout with Rob’s characteristic humour and, erm, funniness, he’s also candid about his own problems. He’s living with his parents in Godmanchester after the ending of his marriage. He has some health issues, exacerbated at times by a worrying and wholly unfunny misuse of alcohol. Seeking connections with others is therefore not just some idle conceit or project:

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By the time Rob Temple hit his thirties, he had become so afraid of the world that he couldn’t leave the house. Depressed and anxious, he found himself drifting deeper into solitude.

Urkel will be hooked to a wire and Steve's conversation with Chain will be tape-recorded. Lieutenant Murtaugh tells them the plan: while Urkel is in The Dragons' hangout, he and Carl will be in a white van listening to their conversation.

Born to Be Mild - Part I | Kirby Wiki | Fandom Born to Be Mild - Part I | Kirby Wiki | Fandom

Why is Born to be Mild so good? Because of Rob Temple's honesty, into how his anxiety has left him debilitated, deeply affected - and how in living a day to day ordinary existence, anxiety is carried around as if in a Lidl bag-for-life. Anxiety can weigh heavy or it can be lightly worn. But it persists. I am grateful Temple is able to convey this with humour and at times, gravitas. Best quote from the book....when he decided to become flexitarian!! ( veggie, but with the option to add meat or dairy whenever he feels like it!!)A handful of years ago, I moved with my wife to a house on a quiet street in a quiet town and lay quietly in a room for a long time. This book should have been for me. I sometimes feel crippled by indecision, and I can get very anxious about things, so whilst it was never going to be a self-help book, I thought it may provide some funny insights into the life of someone who suffered similar problems. Also, I like the Very British Problems tweets Rob puts out, but this book was shallow, a bit dull, and not very funny. A handful of years ago I moved with my wife to a house on a quiet street in a quiet town and lay quietly in a room for a long time.