Dear Mariella
Mariella Frostrup, the Observer's agony aunt, offers words of wisdom
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My life is full of religion and education – but no menAt only 27 years old, a high-performing woman fears she is having a midlife crisis: she feels her conservative and Christian beliefs have prevented her from finding love. Mariella Frostrup encourages her to emerge from her chrysalis
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I want to leave my partner of 15 years. Am I being selfish?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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I left my home for freedom in Europe but I’m terribly lonelyAn 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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Should I abandon my son to my alcoholic husband?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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Two lonely teenagers who just can’t seem to make friendsLoneliness 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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How can I get used to my boyfriend’s low sex drive?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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My boyfriend cheated on me using Skype sex. Does it matter?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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I’m 26, a virgin and attracted to a woman twice my ageA 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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My best friend met the love of her life – and I can’t copeA 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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I’m American and devastated. Why did we vote for Trump?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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I dislike my lazy adolescent stepdaughterA 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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My wife is hooked on advice columns, and deeply suspiciousMarried 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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I’m deeply in love – but terrified of it endingA 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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My wife had cancer but my family didn’t call or visitA 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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I’m happy with my boyfriend but don’t want sexA 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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My nieces don’t know they were conceived by donor spermA 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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Should I tell my estranged, abusive mum I’m pregnant?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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Why is it so hard to find a guy I like as well as fancy?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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Mum has died, dad is weak… our family is falling apartA 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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I’m pregnant and want this second baby – but not the manA 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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‘I’m menopausal, having great sex with my ex-husband – and confused’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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I share a bed with my stepbrother and now we are falling in love. Help!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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Chronic illness is wrecking my marriageSomehow you have to fight back, says Mariella Frostrup. Begin by taking the dogs for a walk
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My friends have all grown up but I still want to partyYou 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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I want to be a famous singer, but my parents won’t let meFollow your ambitions, Mariella Frostrup sympathises, but maybe look for a little career insurance too
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We planned to have sex – then my new boyfriend vanishedGhosting is on the rise, says Mariella Frostrup, so take heart, you’re not alone
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I’m happy now, but don’t know what to do with my lifeYou 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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My partner and I are at breaking point over BrexitA woman fears her relationship is in danger of collapsing into petty squabbles, says Mariella Frostrup
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My family has been sidelined in my young grandson’s lifeA 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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I want to end my relationship but my girlfriend is too clingyA man, 30, is trying to leave his needy girlfriend. Mariella Frostrup sympathises with him calling it quits
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My dad won’t talk to me because of the man I marriedAn 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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I’m becoming menopausal and it’s already getting me downA 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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I’m cold and angry towards my mother – how can I stop?A daughter both resents and appreciates her mother. Mariella Frostrup suggests that she explain her feelings
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My ex-wife is angry that I’m happy with my new partnerA 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 teen daughter is refusing a family trip with my partner