Q. All of my friends are obsessed with celebrities. What they wear. Who they’re seeing. Even what brand of water they drink. What’s with that?

2 Cents: Hey, good question, what IS with that?

The truth is celebrities have become big business and it pays to have them here there and everywhere because they sell. Whether it be magazines, clothing, shoes, bags or even the sheets you sleep on, attach a celebrity and all of a sudden the seemingly mundane attains an uber cool factor thanks to the likes of Paris, Nicole or Lindsay being seen in, on or under such item.

So, do you buy into it? Personally, I love reading about the mischief Kate Moss has been in this week, the latest baby Brangelina have adopted and who Lindsay Lohan is hanging out with, but I’m not about to run out and get myself a Chihuahua or adopt a Third World orphan because Paris or Angelina have gone and done exactly that.

When I first started working at MTV, I was a bit star struck the first couple of times I met celebs but soon came to realise that hey….they’re human too. Yes, they may have a whole posse of hair and makeup artists, body guards and managers, but when I sat down one on one, more often than not, they are really easy to talk to and hang out with. Mandy Moore is one of the nicest girl you’ll ever meet. Nick Lachey is so good looking he makes you blush plus he made me laugh so much my cheeks hurt. Jack Johnson was so cool and easy to talk to, I felt like taking him home to meet my Mum!

They are normal people living extraordinary lives and that’s why we are fascinated by them. But, perhaps remind your friends that whilst stars may be our style icons and it’s cool to be inspired by them, it is far cooler to be an individual who has no desire to look, act or eat like a Paris, Nicole or Angelina clone.

Q. I have a complete fear of speaking in public. Every time I think about it my heart races and I get completely overwhelmed by nerves. What do I do?

2 Cents: Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Most people would rather jump out of a plane than speak in front of a crowd. What if I choke and go blank? My mouth won’t work? What if I say something stupid? What if everyone sees my legs trembling? All these fears seem so real at the time but they are just that, fear, which is a powerful emotion yet nonetheless one you can overcome. The first time is the worst and once you get that first public speaking notch under your belt it becomes a lot easier. I guess my best advice would be – prepare, practice and pre-empt.

If you want to share issues, opinions or just need to get something off your chest, email yvette 2cents@bellaboobabe.com