How can I persuade my elderly parents to downsize – and get rid of some stuff?
Dear Annalisa, My parents are 84 and in fairly good health, although my dad has a few issues. I am in my late 50s and was…
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…
I was brought up in an abusive family. Should I cut them off
Dear Annalisa, I’m going through prolonged issues that have churned up painful memories of my childhood and adulthood. It’s difficult to know how to go on, as my…
My mother’s grief is making our relationship toxic
Dear Annalisa, I am a woman in my late 30s, married with two small children with a rewarding and demanding career. I live some hours’ drive away from…
How can I take back control of my life when my parents support me financially?
Dear Annalisa, I am a woman in my early 20s, an international student, in the first year of a five-year medical degree. I’m completely financially dependent on…
My mother-in-law is so possessive about our unborn baby. What can I do?
Dear Annalisa, I’m pregnant with my first child. My husband and I waited a long time to tell my in-laws because we knew all hell would break loose…
My parents failed to guide me through my education. Do I confront them?
Dear Annalisa, Our eldest just started university. We have provided every conceivable support up to now, and also committed to shouldering accommodation costs for the next…
My parents have always made me feel so angry. Can I find a way to assert myself?
Dear Annalisa, Ever since I was a child, I haven’t quite identified with my parents’ worldview.This became very apparent when I had an intense discussion about treatment for an…
Having my parents and sister here for Christmas will ruin it. How do I tell them?
Dear Annalisa, My parents and sister always want to have Christmas with us, because my husband and I have small children and apparently Christmas is “rubbish” with no kids…
I secretly contacted my father – now my mother refuses to speak to me
Dear Annalisa, I am 36 years old. I hadn’t seen my father since I was five, but at the age of 25, after a particularly difficult crisis and lack…
Annalisa Barbieri 
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