How can I stop my dad watching porn on his phone at home? He may be dealing with grief or depression, but whatever the cause, your dad needs help to reset his boundaries The Guardian - UK · Apr 5, 2024
Living with my depressed husband is ripping me apart. What can I do? I have sympathy for him, but I’m concerned by the pressure on you. You deserve to be happy, and cannot do all the emotional work for both of you The Guardian - UK · Mar 29, 2024
My friend copies things I say, wear and do, and watches my house. Is this stalking? You are right to feel uncomfortable, rather than flattered, by such extreme imitation. Short of cutting her off completely, there are ways to gradually disentangle yourself The Guardian - UK · Mar 22, 2024
I’m finding it hard to accept that I may never have a daughter Try not to dwell on what you feel is missing, but instead focus on the positive relationships and values you can nurture with your sons• Every week Annalisa Barbieri addresses a family-related problem sent in by a reader The Guardian - UK · Mar 15, 2024
Notes on chocolate: it’s time to start looking forward to Easter Life has taught me that the best things sell out early, writes Annalisa Barbieri The Guardian - UK · Mar 10, 2024
My sister-in-law has treated her family terribly. I avoid her but still feel bad about it It’s not up to you to fix this, but it might be worth asking her what’s going on The Guardian - UK · Mar 1, 2024
My best friend and I disagreed over talking about sex – now she’s no longer speaking to me It sounds as if there might be something else at play here. Either way, I’d think seriously about whether you actually want the friendship to continue The Guardian - UK · Feb 23, 2024
How can I overcome the fear that my depression makes me a bad parent? Like all mothers who worry about ‘passing something on’, your thoughtfulness and awareness will help make a difference The Guardian - UK · Feb 16, 2024
I live with a younger man who denies our sexual history Your partner feeling uncomfortable talking about sex is one thing, but someone erasing your past is a problem The Guardian - UK · Feb 9, 2024
Have a bathroom each: tips for a successful multigenerational holiday With an easyJet promotion encouraging families to holiday with grandparents, we ask how to ensure it works well The Guardian - UK · Feb 2, 2024
I’m longing to return to the place we used to live. But could this just be nostalgia? Nowhere is perfect. Is it really the old place you’re longing for, or just the fear of permanence where you currently live? The Guardian - UK · Feb 2, 2024
My dad is getting old. Should I make an effort to improve our relationship? You and your father both seem to have a black-and-white way of thinking: your way or no way. But maybe you have more in common than you think The Guardian - UK · Jan 26, 2024
‘I’m proud of my daughter but not her sloppy lifestyle: should I intervene?’ If your daughter is as successful as you say, it’s probably best that you, as the proud father, keep your nose out and let her be herself The Guardian - UK · Jan 19, 2024
I’m in an abusive marriage – how do I find the courage to leave? Your husband’s behaviour is entirely his own fault – but before you take any action, ring a helpline for advice The Guardian - UK · Jan 12, 2024
The Guardian - UK · Jan 5, 2024 How do I stop my anxiety spilling over into my children’s playdates? Freeing yourself from the pain of past experiences will help you to guide them through the trials of childhood
The Guardian - UK · Dec 30, 2023 Don’t flake, don’t dump friends and don’t hold grudges: experts on what not to do in 2024 Guardian writers including Marina Hyde, John Crace (and a few other successful types) reveal what they won’t be doing in the coming year
The Guardian - UK · Dec 29, 2023 I’m a widower, and I’ve lost all confidence – how do I move forward? You’ve done an amazing job raising your two daughters after your wife’s death, but it has taken a toll. Get help to explore your ADHD diagnosis and unresolved grief
The Guardian - UK · Dec 22, 2023 My brother is trying to defraud our mother’s estate Don’t be bullied. Any shady dealings will be revealed by the probate process, so let the solicitors get to the bottom of this difficult issue
The Guardian - UK · Dec 15, 2023 My husband’s been shut out of our friendship group. I don’t know why You can ignore this or try to resolve it. Asking what’s going on, in a curious rather than accusing way, is a brave thing to do but it will be clarifying
The Guardian - UK · Dec 8, 2023 How can I encourage my young daughter to leave the house at weekends? Sometimes we locate problems in our children that are rooted elsewhere. Try to work out what you’re worried about, and learn how to enjoy downtime with her
The Guardian - UK · Dec 1, 2023 How do I get rid of the ‘good girl’ label that has always plagued me? There has been an absence of adults that are prepared to see the ‘real you’. You need to find a place where your feelings are taken seriously
The Guardian - UK · Nov 20, 2023 ‘Don’t get into the it’s-not-fair game!’ How to survive the hell of sibling rivalry – as a child and a parent No one squabbles as hard, as long and as often as brothers and sisters – over toys, clothes, music, who is most loved, who has the best life … But there are ways to detoxify almost any relationship
The Guardian - UK · Nov 10, 2023 I’ve always wanted to visit England – and feel hurt that my two sisters have planned a trip there without me Ask them why, which may encourage them to take responsibility for hurting you. Then look into going on your own or with a group
The Guardian - UK · Nov 3, 2023 My friends are in debt but won’t rein in their lifestyle. And I feel pressured to keep up Money is tight for many of us, but not everyone responds to this in the same way. Don’t be drawn into difficulties yourself for the sake of seeming supportive
The Guardian - UK · Oct 27, 2023 How can I persuade my elderly parents to downsize – and get rid of some stuff? After a lifetime of working to have nice things, it can be distressing to be asked to declutter and move. Getting a professional to help can make the process less of an ordeal