I’ve only had one serious relationship, it ended some years ago but I still can’t get over it. I miss my ex often, sometimes in a physical and overwhelming way that feels like a kind of madness. The only respite is when I meet someone new to be crazy about. I recently realised I have… Read more »
Posts By: Maggie Macleod
Co-parenting Christmas – how to deal with the holidays if you’re separated
If you’ve recently gone through a divorce or a separation, Christmas can be a stressful time of year. What was once a chance to spend quality time with the family can now serve as a reminder about how much things have changed – and can bring up some complicated emotions for you, your ex-partner and… Read more »
How to cope with loneliness and loss this Christmas
Christmas can be a wonderful time of year if you have lots of close family and friends around to celebrate with you, but if you’re alone, don’t get on well with your family or you’re generally feeling down it can be really hard. You’re ‘supposed’ to be having a great time and everyone around you… Read more »
How to decide whose family to spend Christmas with
It’s amazing how the simple question of who to spend Christmas with torments so many of us year on year. Our 2014 research report The Way We Are Now found that 90 per cent of people would like to spend Christmas with immediate family with only 54 per cent thinking that including extended family members… Read more »
My boyfriend’s daughter is sabotaging our relationship
My relationship with my partner is being ruined because he’s torn between me and his daughter. She doesn’t want us together. She blackmails him emotionally. Due to illness, I currently don’t work – although I have done most of my life – and I swear she holds this against me. He’s only been with one… Read more »
My teenager has joined a gang
Finding out your teenager has joined a gang is extremely worrying and upsetting for any parent. It can leave you concerned they’ll end up on the wrong side of the law or in a violent situation. You may want to talk to them, but aren’t sure if you’ll be able to get through. Perhaps you’ve… Read more »
My partner wants to get married but I’m not ready
It’s not uncommon for a couple have different degrees of readiness when it comes to commitment or marriage. Perhaps your partner’s started dropping hints and you’re not quite sure how to react. Perhaps you’ve reached a point where it’s clear they’re expecting you to ask. Or perhaps you’ve started to argue about it and aren’t… Read more »
My husband won’t accept our daughter is gay
Our daughter is a clever, kind and loving young woman who recently came out as gay. I’m proud of her for being brave enough to be honest about this and be true to who she is. However, my husband is refusing to accept it. He acts as if it’s just a phase – despite our… Read more »
How to stop arguments spinning out of control: using time outs
Have you noticed that arguments with your partner often blow up before getting resolved? Do disagreements easily pass the point of no return? Do you sometimes both say things you’ll regret later before one of you storms out? Are issues only ironed out after an apology? Many couples bring this destructive pattern of conflict to… Read more »
How do I tell my grown-up children I’m getting a divorce?
Our youngest son (18) recently left home to move to another city. Things haven’t been good between me and my husband for a while (i.e. five years or more), but having time to talk about things properly has made it clear neither of our hearts are really in this anymore and we’ve decided to separate… Read more »