How do I find a balance between work, family and my new partner?
Dear Annalisa, I live with my teenage children and my mum, who had to move in because of ill health, having lost my dad a few years…
My friends haven’t been there for me since my dad’s death
Dear Annalisa, My dad died unexpectedly a few months ago and I can’t shift the resentment I feel towards some of my oldest friends, who have barely…
My friend is working so hard it’s affecting her health and family. How can I help?
Dear Annalisa, I have a friend in her mid-40s. She is the most senior member of a team in a very large organisation, and has a husband and two…
My stepson lives with a girlfriend twice his age. Should I be worried?
Dear Annalisa, A few years ago I got married and became step-parent to a teenager (now in his early 20s) who was raised by his alcoholic and…
Should I still see my difficult sister now our parents have died?
Dear Annalisa, My sister is 12 years older than me, in her early 70s. We have always had a “seesaw”“ relationship. When it’s good, we go on holiday…
I’m worried my mum is rushing into marriage with her new boyfriend
Dear Annalisa, My mum recently broke up with her boyfriend of 11 years, a man I view as my father. Two months later, she rekindled her relationship with…
My wife finds her mother’s rightwing rants hurtful. Should we cut her off?
Dear Annalisa, My wife is constantly made extremely upset by her mother’s behaviour, which has always been difficult but has progressed to new levels. My mother-in-law is a solitary…
Living alone is making my anxiety spiral, but I’m too ashamed to reach out to friends and family
Dear Annalisa, I’ve always been an anxious person, but have never been formally diagnosed with anxiety or prescribed medication to alleviate the symptoms. Last year I…
My husband has no friends and is too reliant on me. How can I help him?
Dear Annalisa, I have been with my husband for 20 years. During the first few years, he would occasionally hang out with about four friends. I’ve…
My sister is drinking heavily while pregnant. How can I help her stop?
Dear Annalisa, I’ve just come back from a trip with my sister, who is pregnant with her first child. During our time away (we were in…
Annalisa Barbieri 
You must be logged in to post a comment.