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 brother’s fear of Covid has stopped him socialising. How can I help him?
Dear Annalisa, I am worried about my brother and wondering if there is any way to help him through his fear of Covid. It’s prevented him going…
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…
What’s the best way to tackle my sister’s violent outbursts?
Dear Annalisa, I’m a woman in my 20s struggling to know how to respond to my younger sister’sviolent outbursts. She is also in her 20s. They happen…
My younger brother isn’t doing anything with his life. Is he depressed?
Dear Annalisa, My brother and I have a very close relationship and were fortunate to have a very happy childhood. He is the baby of the…
My friend stole her boyfriend from my sister – should I snub their wedding? The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa Declining a wedding invitation is a big statement in my group of friends. It has caused a breakdown in relationships. Now, one of my…
My sister helped me to escape our family – now she’s abandoned me. The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa I am the youngest of a brood of girls and left home at 17. My father was very strict and my mother lived abroad…
My estranged father wants to get in touch, but I don’t want to see him. The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa I’m a 29-year-old professional, engaged to a great man, living and working abroad, fit, healthy and happy. My estranged father has contacted me saying…
My husband’s parents just don’t seem to care about family divisions. The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa My husband comes from a large family. There appears to be a hierarchy that exists within the family, where the older brother and sister,…
My brother, who lives at home, is abusive to my mum. I worry he’ll hit her. The Guardian.
Dear Annalisa I am the eldest of four children of a single mother. I have two sisters and a brother, who is the second child. He…
Annalisa Barbieri 
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