What can we do to stop our son’s post-nursery meltdowns? You think he is being unreasonable; he probably thinks the same of you. But at his young age he doesn’t know how to deal with his feelings The Guardian - UK · May 5, 2023
Notes on chocolate: a Eurovision box of chocolate hits There are no ‘nul points’ in this super selection The Guardian - UK · Apr 30, 2023
My mother’s grief is making our relationship toxic You are not responsible for your mother. You have your own losses – and young children – to deal with The Guardian - UK · Apr 28, 2023
How can I take back control of my life when my parents support me financially? You don’t need to earn your own money to make adult decisions – it comes from taking responsibility for yourself and your actions The Guardian - UK · Apr 21, 2023
My partner doesn’t want me on the mortgage – should I be worried? A power imbalance in your relationship could spell trouble for the future. It’s time to have an honest conversation The Guardian - UK · Apr 14, 2023
I’m sure my friend has an eating disorder. Should I try to talk to her about it? I understand your urge to help but, as you say, the fact that you don’t bring it up could be what makes you a valued friend The Guardian - UK · Apr 7, 2023
How do I protect my bereaved friend from predatory behaviour? Keep in touch regularly. She may get defensive so a gentle approach may help your friend open up The Guardian - UK · Mar 31, 2023
My mother-in-law is so possessive about our unborn baby. What can I do? Set boundaries about contact you’ll have with your in-laws – and don’t put your husband in the position of defending his family The Guardian - UK · Mar 24, 2023
I’m lonely, in my 30s, and find it very hard to make new friends Social anxiety and a dislike of party culture can create a void of loneliness, but there are ways to beat the fear The Guardian - UK · Mar 17, 2023
I feel the pull of family in New Zealand but worry about leaving my London life It’s possible that you are searching for a sense of belonging stemming from your childhood, when you moved around a lot. Don’t rush this decision The Guardian - UK · Mar 10, 2023
I’ll miss my office husband after we’ve retired. How do I get to keep him? Whether your friendship survives retirement depends largely on how he and his actual wife view the situation The Guardian - UK · Mar 3, 2023
My nine-year-old son still wants to sleep in my bed. Should I let him? You’re in charge, and as someone once told me – a mother who is always available never really is The Guardian - UK · Feb 24, 2023
I’m 40 and my parents are still body-shaming me They could be projecting their own issues on to you. You feel attractive, fit and accept yourself – it’s time to zone out their criticism The Guardian - UK · Feb 17, 2023
My adult daughters are angry with me for leaving the country. What can I do? Divorce, grief and illness have been traumatic events for you all, and your daughters’ shared emotions suggest it’s time to listen The Guardian - UK · Feb 10, 2023
The Guardian - UK · Feb 3, 2023 I ghosted a friend after her husband tried to kiss me, and now I feel guilty This all happened a while ago. I think you need to ask yourself who you’re trying to make feel better – yourself or her
The Guardian - UK · Jan 27, 2023 My brother’s fear of Covid has stopped him socialising. How can I help him? Try expressing your concerns more directly – but the pandemic may have been an excuse to change the way he lives
The Guardian - UK · Jan 20, 2023 I sleep for 10 hours a night – but still can’t get up in the morning Your cycle may start later than average, or you may just need more sleep. A sleep clinic may help
The Guardian - UK · Jan 13, 2023 My parents failed to guide me through my education. Do I confront them? Pointing fingers will lead to conflict. Give them an opportunity to share their experience – it may lead to mutual understanding
The Guardian - UK · Jan 8, 2023 What the love of cats taught me about myself Annalisa Barbieri has had a lifelong horror of cats. But with her family desperate for a pet, she finally relented and opened her home to Sidney. Here, she explains how she overcame her fear
The Guardian - UK · Dec 30, 2022 Can I ever heal after the lack of love my birth mother showed me? Your anger is a healthy response, but you must get in touch with that hurt child inside you
The Guardian - UK · Dec 23, 2022 My boyfriend is older, richer and better educated than me. Should I marry him? Find out if he can give you the love you need, because without that, the material stuff counts for very little
The Guardian - UK · Dec 16, 2022 I’m lonely and depressed in my first job. What can I do? The adult world can feel big and scary at first. Can you start by reaching out to people you feel comfortable with?
The Guardian - UK · Dec 9, 2022 My in-laws won’t accept my post-chemo vulnerability. Do I confront them? You are well within your rights to ask them to consider your weakened immune system. You deserve to feel safe – even if the chat causes tension
The Guardian - UK · Dec 2, 2022 After 10 years together, my boyfriend says he doesn’t want children You say this is a massive deal for you, but the ‘state of the world’ question could be equally huge for him. Couples therapy will help
The Guardian - UK · Nov 18, 2022 My friend’s ex gives him no parental rights over their son. How can I help him? I would urge your friend to keep a diary of what’s happening. Not least because one day his son may need to know he tried