The tough-love book He's Just Not That Into You, which has spawned the far more mushy US chick flick of the same name, taught us a few things about men. But your day-to-day concerns don't only revolve around blokes you want to date, do, or dump. What if you lack chemistry with your GP? Or your bank account refuses to live up to your expectations? For the love of casual Friday, how do you cope if your jeans just aren't that into you - and as a result you can't get into them? Experts suggest ways to deal when...

Your GP is just not that into you

We know you spread your legs to a virtual stranger once every two years. But don't take it personally when your doctor rushes you out the door afterwards. "Fifteen minutes is more than a reasonable amount of time for a visit," says Dr Mary Jane Minkin, a gynaecologist and co-author of A Woman's Guide to Sexual Health. If you want more time taken on your bits, she recommends you consider seeing the practice nurse. (A practice nurse is a registered or enrolled nurse employed by a general practice.) She can perform all the regular check-up stuff, like pap smears and STI tests and can always refer you to a doctor if you need it. Ask your GP if they have a practice nurse. If you're seeing a specialist, Dr Stephen Bashuk, an obstetrician and gynaecologist, says you can gauge your chemistry with a new doctor by how well he or she listens to your concerns during the first appointment. He says a good gynaecologist always asks about changes in period and bowel habits, as well as bladder and sexual function. "You establish rapport," he says. "You'll know right away if this doctor is the right one for you."

Your jeans are just not that into you

There's nothing worse than trying - and failing - to wiggle into your favourite pair of jeans. But a great pair of jeans can redefine your look. "Spend time finding your perfect pair - a few Saturday mornings if need be," says stylist Talia Maltz. "If you have wide hips or big thighs a classic bootleg will balance you out. Or, if low cut jeans leave too much hanging over the top, go for high-waisted jeans which emphasise your waist and create a longer leg." But if your jeans have outgrown you, Maltz suggests this: "Invest in dresses that cinch at the waistline to emphasis your waist. To make the look run from summer to winter, add a pair of footless tights and a denim jacket."

Your hairdresser is just not that into you

You ask for a Katie Holmes bob, but your hairdresser insists you'll look better in Jessica Simpson-style extensions. "A good hairdresser is also a good judge of character," says Stevie Corthine of Stevie English Hair in Sydney. "When deciding what's right for you they should ask you about your job, your wardrobe and your routine." If they don't ask, tell them. For instance, if you prefer to just shower and go in the mornings, you don't want a cut that takes lots of styling. "I like someone who's done their research," Corthine says. "Bring in a few pics, and tell me what you don't like as well as what you do." Honesty and communication are key, on both sides. And remember that, ultimately, it's in your hairdresser's favour to do a good job on your hair as well. "That's my work walking out the door," Corthine quips.

Your partner's friend is just not that into you

"A guy friend can be a subtle undermining or strengthening factor in a relationship," says psychologist Dr Erik Fisher, co-author of The Art of Managing Everyday Conflict. "He's the sounding board in a boyfriend's ear. He'll be the first to say if he thinks you're really great or really bitchy." Compared with a gushing girlfriend, your partner's mate will be less emotional and expressive by nature, which means you need to observe his behaviour and try to connect over common interests - without looking like a suck-up. Suggest a game of pool, then play on both his team and your boyfriend's to show you don't take sides; if they're into watching sports, invite both over to watch the cricket on your giant flat screen telly. If your boyfriend ignores your efforts to bond with his friends, he might not take you seriously. "Don't battle for allegiances," Dr Fisher says. "If your boyfriend is super-devoted to his male friends, then it's safe to say they're his buffer. Men can also use prickly friends to help them to stay aloof in relationships."

Your best friend is just not that into you

You grew up together and shared everything. But somewhere between high school and husband and kids, you and your best mate have gone from being in constant contact to... well, when was the last time she called? "Today's woman is so busy with her job, her family, her partner - finding time for friends seems to be something she'll get to when she has time," says Dr Jan Yager, sociologist and author of When Friendship Hurts. "For many, that extra time rarely occurs." But friendship is important to health and wellbeing. "Call on your mobile when you have a spare moment," Dr Yager says. "Send an email or Facebook her. Make an effort to celebrate your birthdays, even if you just call each other or send a card."

Your in-laws are just not that into you

A frosty relationship between you and his oldies is something that you should mend sooner rather than later, says conflict management expert Andra Medea, author of Conflict Unraveled: Fixing Problems at Work and in Families. "Your in-laws probably don't want to be uncomfortable with you either," she says. Returning from your trip to Gissy with a nice bottle of sav for them demonstrates that you remember their appreciation for vino. Conversationally, if every topic you raise falls flat, try asking about your in-laws' past; surely they've had some experience that you can leverage for future chats. "Remembering people in unexpected ways has real value, because it's such a rarity in this world," Medea says.

Your credit limit is just not that into you

"We've been socialised to want everything we see. But we can appreciate things without needing them," says Dr Eileen Gallo, a psychotherapist who helps people work with issues related to money. A fairly pertinent piece of wisdom for these times of global financial crisis, we'd say. Dr Gallo doesn't expect you to treat giant holiday sales like gallery openings, but she does suggest postponing boutique or online purchases for 24 hours - and circling items in a brochure and waiting a week before you consider buying them. She also recommends limiting yourself to one credit card and writing down all purchases, plus interest, so you can watch how your spending affects your monthly bank statement. Another hint: if you feel you must own that Miu Miu handbag, examine the price and then calculate how many hours you'll have to work to pay for it. Do you want to donate X amount of your life's energy to $1500 of leather? "Rationalising a purchase like this makes your decision personal and tangible, and directly relates it to what you're doing with your life," Dr Gallo says. Out-of-control spending habits can lead to secret or compulsive behaviour, arguments and anxiety problems, all of which will only land you in a counsellor's office - and that's another $100 a week, at least.

Your boss is just not that into you

Studies show that 77 per cent of people who suffer emotional abuse at work are women. The fallout? Depression, anxiety and decreased morale. You can't choose your boss, but you don't have to take abuse. "You should be able to communicate with mutual respect," says Bonnie McKenzie, senior clinical manager at IPS Worldwide. "Stand up for yourself in a tactful way, and keep a record of any incidents." McKenzie recommends finding someone to talk to, but keep bitching to a minimum. "Gossip doesn't help anyone," she says. Don't be afraid to ask for help - McKenzie recommends speaking to your HR department. Protecting your self-esteem is also key. "Remember that you have the right to respectfully disagree with your boss," McKenzie points out. "Remind them that you're doing your best."

Your push-up bra is just not that into you

When it comes to buying the right push-up bra, a lot of us assume our boobs won't fill enough of the garment to boost anything but nipples - or we're so busty that no bra could hope to contain us. "The latest push-up styles for smaller women use silicone gel-filled cups that plunge to a narrow central gore," says Victoria Jubb, trained bra fitter and brand manager from lingerie and swimwear company the Eveden Group. "These bras have the extra benefit of giving the effect of a fuller and more uplifted bust." And if your cleavage already runneth over? "The best advice for women with a big cleavage who want to make the most of their assets is to keep it simple - always remember to wear a correctly fitted bra," Jubb says. "This will automatically give you a great uplifted shape and give you a slimmer profile as the bra supports and accentuates the breasts in the right places." Jubb recommends a plunge bra for showing off a cleavage, or a balcony shape for the fullest sizes.

When you are just not that into you

Everybody has fat days, bad-hair days, or big-ugly-zit days - which is why it's normal to occasionally wake up feeling like Amy Winehouse on the wrong side of rehab. "Your feelings are not your reality right now," says Dr Dana Lightman, author of POWER Optimism: Enjoy the Life You Have... Create the Success You Want. "Don't deny what you're experiencing, but don't turn it into a self-fulfilling prophecy either. If you do, you're giving a random mood too much validity, which will allow it to control your day." Instead, recognise the situation - and snap out of it. Change your routine and finish big with an activity you look forward to, like a bubble bath or a run along the beach. "If you keep doing the same thing, you'll get the same ho-hum result," Dr Lightman says.