Dear Mariella
Mariella Frostrup, the Observer's agony aunt, offers words of wisdom
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A woman is struggling to get her daughter to be more positive about her partner. Mariella Frostrup advises her not to foist a new family on the teenager
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A woman who married her longtime partner two years ago now wants to separate. Mariella Frostrup wonders why it’s taken so long to address the issues in their relationship
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An Iranian man is struggling to make friends in Germany. Mariella Frostrup says he must embrace anything and everything until he finds his feet
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A woman, whose son protects her from her abusive husband, wonders if she should leave without a trace. Mariella Frostrup responds
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Loneliness is a state of mind – so stop thinking in those terms and just be yourselves. Mariella advises two teens looking for friendship and love
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Don’t, says Mariella Frostrup. Your partner’s low libido will always make you feel unappealing. Either he must get help or you should find a better match
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A woman in her 20s has discovered that her beloved partner has been having online sex with porn stars. Mariella Frostrup says she is right to worry
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A young man is jealous his female friend of 50 has fallen in love with another man. Mariella Frostrup says it’s time he finds his own – realistic – sexual relationship
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A woman feels bereft because her friend has less time for her. Mariella says stamping her foot because she’s getting less attention is not the way forward
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One woman, scared by her country’s election result, sees no chink of light. Remember the millions, like you, trying to make the world a better place, says Mariella Frostrup
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A woman complains her husband’s teenage daughter is too busy taking selfies to help out. Mariella Frostrup suggests ways of trying to befriend her
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Married to a problem page addict, a man finds himself constantly being suspected of having affairs. Mariella Frostrup considers the case from an agony aunt’s perspective
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A young woman enjoying a blissfully happy relationship is haunted by the idea it won’t last forever. Mariella Frostrup says it’s a blueprint for future relationships
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A man says his mum and siblings did nothing while his wife had a masectomy and chemotherapy. Mariella Frostrup says he must demand answers
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A 27-year-old says she values her partner but feels no lust towards him. Mariella Frostrup suggests ways to create an erotic charge
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A woman is worried her sister’s teenage twins haven’t been told they’re not their parents’ biological children. Mariella Frostrup wonders why she feels so strongly
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A woman expecting her first child wonders whether to contact her mother, who has mental health problems. Mariella Frostrup says there may be benefits to doing so
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A single man in his mid-30s laments how hard it is to find Mr Right. Mariella Frostrup says don’t be so demanding, enjoy your friends and lovers and wait to see if love will blossom
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A girl whose mother has died and whose father and older sister argue is worried about keeping the family together. Mariella Frostrup says communication is key at this tragic time
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A woman with an unplanned pregnancy says she is not sure about her relationship with the father. Mariella Frostrup questions how ‘unexpected’ the conception was
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A woman who split from her husband seven years ago finds that, as she struggles with her mental health, he is by her side and in her bed. Mariella Frostrup responds
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A 17-year-old is confused about her feelings for her mother’s boyfriend’s son of the same age. Mariella Frostrup says they need separate spaces – and help from responsible adults
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Somehow you have to fight back, says Mariella Frostrup. Begin by taking the dogs for a walk
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You can’t force others not to move on with their lives, says Mariella, so perhaps consider why you’re so reluctant
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Follow your ambitions, Mariella Frostrup sympathises, but maybe look for a little career insurance too
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Ghosting is on the rise, says Mariella Frostrup, so take heart, you’re not alone
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You can have a good life without a high-flying career and material gains – but it’s wise to give yourself options, says Mariella Frostrup
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A woman fears her relationship is in danger of collapsing into petty squabbles, says Mariella Frostrup
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A grandmother who was closely involved in her grandson’s care says their relationship has been diluted since the child’s parents split acrimoniously
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A man, 30, is trying to leave his needy girlfriend. Mariella Frostrup sympathises with him calling it quits
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An Indian woman who had children with a Jamaican has been alienated by her father. Mariella Frostrup recommends trying for a reconciliation
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A woman who is progressing in her career has hit a wall with the menopause. Mariella Frostrup advocates investigating HRT to challenge the difficult symptoms
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A daughter both resents and appreciates her mother. Mariella Frostrup suggests that she explain her feelings
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A twice-divorced man wants his children and partner to be together at family occasions. Mariella Frostrup says a harmoniously blended family is something that needs to be worked at
My life is full of religion and education – but no men