My crippling fear of conflict is causing me to withdraw from life
Dear Annalisa, I have been afflicted by shame and guilt, leading to anxiety and very low self-esteem, all my life. Whenever I find myself in conflict initiated…
I can’t face getting on my bike after a serious accident – but I’d love to ride again
Dear Annalisa, Two and a half years ago, I had a serious accident on my bike. I shattered some bones (the surgeon gave me 10 out of 10 for…
My former friends are ignoring me when I try to reconnect. Why does it hurt so much?
Dear Annalisa, Recently, I have become very upset about past colleagues who were once friends or housemates, ghosting or ignoring me on social media. I worked abroad with…
Our place is a mess, but my partner and I still can’t agree who does which chores
Dear Annalisa, My partner H and I have been together for almost five years, and have lived together for about a year. We have a strong and healthy relationship,…
I just found out who my real father is. What do I do now?
Dear Annalisa, I’m happily married with adult children, and grandchildren. One of my children bought me a DNA testing kit and when I received the results I…
My working-class dad sent me to private school – now I feel that I’ve failed him
Dear Annalisa, When I was 11, my parents decided to send me to a private school. They couldn’t afford to: my dad was from a working-class background…
My daughter rarely bathes and her room is smelly, but says she doesn’t care
Dear Annalisa, My 15-year-old daughter has zero sense of personal hygiene. She currently has about a dozen used sanitary towels dropped on the floor, with food wrappers and rubbish.…
My daughter took her own life, and I can’t face talking to anyone about it
Dear Annalisa, A year ago I lost my beautiful daughter, 21, to suicide. It was totally unexpected, and from the outside she appeared to be a normal,…
Why am I so afraid to accept that it’s time for me to retire?
Dear Annalisa, I have worked in higher education for more than 25 years. My plan was to retire at 60, but shortly before that I was offered…
I’m yearning for a third child to recreate the large, loving family I grew up in
Dear Annalisa, I have a strong attachment to my family – in particular my three siblings. We live in different countries but the bond is strong. I have two children, aged…
Annalisa Barbieri 
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