My in-laws never pay their way and it drives me mad. How can I break this habit?
Dear Annalisa, Both my mother-in-law and sister-in-law are ridiculously mean when it comes to others. They don’t hesitate to buy things for themselves, but they take…
I’ve never stood up to my domineering in-laws. Is it too late to learn?
Dear Annalisa, I am a 48-year-old woman, and it recently occurred to me, like a bolt of lightning, that I am not able to be assertive. I…
Why is my mother-in-law still so angry about her ex’s affair?
Dear Annalisa, My husband is one of four, and they all have children of their own. His parents divorced when he was young after his father had a long-standing affair…
Should I let my son see a relative who is on the sex offender register?
Dear Annalisa, A few years ago, my brother-in-law was arrested, cautioned and placed on the sex offender register (SOR) for two years, for downloading child abuse images. He denies it,…
Gifts from my partner’s mother have strings attached. How do I stop her?
Dear Annalisa, I’m struggling with the avalanche of presents my partner’s mother sends: expensive gifts, often in duplicate and triplicate. I’ve thanked her and tried to say that…
My father-in-law criticises my parenting. How do I deal with that?
Dear Annalisa, My husband’s parents live nearby and have been a great support since my son was born last year (my family live abroad). They regularly help out…
My in-laws are manipulating our children. How do I stop them?
Dear Annalisa, I am worried my in-laws are trying to turn my children against me. They are mainly civil on the surface, but they’ve never liked me…
The 11 step guide to being a good guest. The Guardian.
Being a good guest starts before you arrive. Reply to any invitation as promptly as you can. (If you can’t accept, say so early.) The answer to…
My fiance’s sister is jealous and talks about me behind my back. The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa I met my fiance on a blind date about five years ago – we moved in together after a year of dating, bought a…
My son-in-law insulted my son’s partner and it has caused a family rift. The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa Our daughter, son-in-law (SiL) and granddaughter, visited us last year, at the same time as our son and his partner and another couple. When…
Annalisa Barbieri 
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