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Virginia Ironside

Virginia Ironside's dilemmas

Inside Virginia Ironside

Virginia Ironside's Dilemmas: 'What is it about men and farts?'

Monday, 11 August 2008

Dear Virginia, I love my boyfriend very much, but he has bad personal habits and still appears to find crude toilet humour deeply entertaining. For example, he finds burping and farting very amusing, and his smelly feet are a constant source of hilarity. And that is by no means the worst of it. I'm not a prude, but I cringe at his behaviour. When I ask him to stop, he just laughs. His mates are just the same. I know it sounds silly, but I'm starting to get really upset. What can I do? Yours sincerely, Zara

Virginia Ironside

Virginia Ironside: Divorce hurts – and it hurts the children most of all

Thursday, 17 July 2008

When my parents separated – I was 14 at the time – I remember the terrible mixture of horror and relief that I experienced. Both my parents were, in their own way, shell-shocked by what had happened, with very little room in their shattered lives to explain to me what was going on.

Work relocation poses an unnecessary situation

Thursday, 28 February 2008

I've worked for the same company for 16 years. My family are settled in a city where my children love their school and we have a community of very good friends. But now my business is being relocated to a place that no doubt has its charms, but isn't for me. I either go or I take a pay-off, but it's not a very good one. What can I do? At 52, I'm unlikely to get another job.

Should I move to save my job?

Monday, 25 February 2008

Dear Virginia, I've worked in the same company for 16 years. My family are settled in London, my children love their school, and we have a community of very good friends. But now my business is being relocated to Coventry – a place that no doubt has its charms, but isn't for me. I either go or I take a pay-off, but it's not a very good one. What can I do? At 52, I'm unlikely to get another job. Yours sincerely, Ed

Should I let my daughter enter a modelling competition?

Monday, 25 February 2008

Dear Virginia, My 14-year-old daughter was stopped in a shopping centre and asked to enter a competition. It involves a photographer taking pictures of her, which are then put on the internet. People dial an 0845 number to vote, and if she wins she gets on some agency's book. My husband says she's far too young, but she's longing to do it. What should I do? Yours sincerely, Frances

Virginia Ironside's Dilemmas Valentine's Day Special

Thursday, 14 February 2008

My family run a long-established and internationally renowned business. Last month, my dear papa died, and I succeeded him as head of the firm. My problem is that I have fallen in love with an American woman, twice divorced.

I feel I am managing someone else's relationship

Thursday, 14 February 2008

I'm caught in a trap. I'm friends with a couple who've split up, and they both confide in me. When he asked me what he should do, I told him, and after he'd done it, his ex-partner asked how she should respond and I told her, too.

University 'drop out' daughter is making me frustrated

Thursday, 31 January 2008

Our 20-year-old daughter has dropped out of university and is living at home. She has always been a problem child and is not nearly as talented as her younger brother. She seems to be very angry and confused and refuses to talk to us about anything. My husband's getting fed up and wants to kick her out to earn her own living, but I feel reluctant. What do you think? Yours sincerely, Valerie

Do you ever get over a broken heart?

Thursday, 24 January 2008

I went out with someone 10 years ago - I'm 30 now - and I can't forget him. I lost my virginity to him, got pregnant and then had an abortion. Eventually he dropped me. I go out with people now, but always hark back to this one man. Getting in touch with him might make things worse, but I can't go on like this. What can I do? Yours sincerely, Lynn

My six-year old son is lying to me

Thursday, 17 January 2008

I am in despair because I have found that my six-year-old son has been lying to me. I've only caught him out twice - once when he said he hadn't broken something when he had, and once when he said he'd finished his supper and it turned out he'd put it in the bin when I wasn't looking. I really worry. Should I punish him next time he does it?

I can't cope with in-laws' lengthy stay

Tuesday, 8 January 2008

My son, his wife and two sons came to stay last autumn when they were waiting to move into a new house. Sadly, the deal fell through, and although they're looking for another property, it's getting too much for me.

My family are putting me in a difficult position

Monday, 7 January 2008

Dear Virginia, My son, his wife and two sons came to stay last autumn when they were waiting to move into a new house. Sadly, the deal fell through, and although they're looking for another property, it's getting too much for me.

I feel so embarassed after Christmas party encounter

Thursday, 3 January 2008

I feel so ashamed - I went to our office Christmas party and got drunk, and a bit out of control.

My son is a heroin addict

Wednesday, 19 December 2007

Dear Virginia, I have discovered that my son is a heroin addict. I can't tell you how upset I am. He has agreed to try to get clean in the New Year, but we can't afford private rehab, and no NHS places are available. I have given him money for drugs because he says that otherwise he'll steal to pay for them. My world has been torn apart. I want to help him, but how? Yours sincerely, Marjorie

I don't need material gifts for Christmas

Thursday, 13 December 2007

I am a widow, and getting on a bit. Rather than wanting more material possessions, I am trying to get rid of them, so I really don't want any Christmas presents!

My wife and I are in the middle of a divorce

Monday, 3 December 2007

Dear Virginia, My wife and I are in the middle of a divorce. She's employed some really ruthless, expensive lawyers. Whenever the two of us meet, we get on fairly well, but the lawyer seems to be driving a rift between us. My wife says she'll change hers if I change mine - but mine is a family solicitor, and gentle compared with hers. He says he's never come across lawyers like hers before. What can I do?Yours sincerely, David

I want to move on but I feel guilty

Monday, 19 November 2007

I had a brief fling with a man. At first I thought he was great, but I went off him. He was far more interested in me than I was in him. I told him how I felt, but he's pestering me with texts and calls and has even appeared at my door with flowers.

Should I expose my lover's secret to his wife?

Tuesday, 13 November 2007

I'm having an affair with a married man. He keeps saying that he'll leave his wife for me, but he never does.

Should I issue my boyfriend with an ultimatum?

Monday, 5 November 2007

I've been going out with my boyfriend for six months and our relationship is now getting pretty serious. The problem is that he still continues to see his ex-wife and his baby son, though I've never met them.

My mother-in-law told her grandson that Father Christmas doesn't exist

Monday, 29 October 2007

Dear Virginia, I am so angry. When my mother-in-law looked after her four-year-old grandson for the day, she apparently told him that Father Christmas doesn't exist. He was confused and upset. She had already annoyed us by giving him a toy gun, of which she knows we disapprove. What should we do? Now I'm concerned that her stupid remark will ruin Christmas for all of us. Yours sincerely, Hilary

More virginia ironside:

Heading Out In Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland Nightlife in Pictures

World in Pictures: August 2008

  • A Pakistani model wears a creation of a local designer S. Arshad Hussain, highlighting the jewelry, during a fashion show in Karachi, Pakistan on Friday, Aug. 29, 2008. Hussain says he wants to revive the golden fashions of the late 50s when the local fashion was liberal and progressive. (AP Photo/Shakil Adil)
  • Democratic presidential candidate, Sen. Barack Obama kisses his wife, Michelle Obama, after giving his acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention at Invesco Field at Mile High in Denver Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
  • Madonna performs on stage at the first German concert of her 'Sticky and Sweet' tour at the Olympic Stadium in Berlin on Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber)

Stunning images from around the world

Belfast Telegraph foursomes

  • Ballymena GC Team Paul Mark and Tim Patton with Club Orange manager Denise Catney and personality girl Linzi Corr
  • Loughall GC Team David Chawick and Jason Wilson
  • Magee Island Match and Handicap Secretary Trevor Geddis drives from the 10th tee

Photographs from the tournament

In Pictures: Flooding Northern Ireland

  • A car abandoned on the Westlink Road is seen at the junction with the M1 Motorway in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Saturday, Aug. 16, 2008. Severe flooding swept across Northern Ireland Saturday after torrential rain.
  • This bike fan was unconcerned about the bad weather which led to the Ulster Grand Prix being cancelled
  • A bridge is swept away as the River Straid burst its banks at Nursery Road in Ballymena on Saturday afternoon

Wet and wild photographs from around Ulster

Family Notices

Most popular

Olympics closing ceremony

  • A general view showing the Olympic flame during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China.
  • A general view showing the Olympic flame during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China
  • Performers are seen during the Closing Ceremony for the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games on August 24, 2008 in Beijing, China

Spectacular show closes 2008 Games

Yell-bow: Hungarian weightlifter's terrifying elbow injury

  •  Janos Baranyai of Hungary competes in the weightlifting event at the University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Gymnasium during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
  •  Janos Baranyai of Hungary competes in the weightlifting event at the University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Gymnasium during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
  •  Janos Baranyai of Hungary competes in the weightlifting event at the University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Gymnasium during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China.

Janos Baranyai dislocates elbow in competition

Beach boy Bush at the Olympics

  • U.S. President George Bush watches a practice as U.S player Kerri Walsh warms up at the Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008.
  • U.S. President George Bush watches as U.S. team of Misty May Treanor, left, and Kerri Walsh warm up at the Chaoyang Park Beach Volleyball Ground at the Beijing 2008 Olympics in Beijing, Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008.
  • President Bush gestures toward the back of Misty May Treanor as he visits the practice of the U.S. beach volleyball team the 2008 Summer Olympic games in Beijing, China Saturday, Aug. 9, 2008. At right is Treanor's teammate Kerri Walsh.

US President finds time for some volleyball fun

Loadzajobs

Entertainment

War in the Caucasus

  • Russian armored vehicles enter a tunnel, moving toward the border with Russia's North Ossetia, 70 km (43 miles) north of Tskhinvali, the Georgian breakaway province of South Ossetia's capital, on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008. Russia pulled the bulk of its troops and tanks from Georgia on Friday after a brief but intense war but built up its forces in and around two separatist regions and left other positions deeper in the former Soviet republic.
  • Smoke rises from a fire in the Georgian village of Kekhvi, some 15 km (9 miles) north of Tskhinvali, in Georgia's breakway province of South Ossetia on Saturday, Aug. 23, 2008. Many ethnic Georgian villages in South Ossetia and Georgia have been looted and burned down after Russian troops entered Georgia.
  • Fire fighters extinguish a fire on a train carrying oil products after it hit a mine about 10 km (6 miles) east of Georgia's strategic central city of Gori on Sunday, Aug. 24, 2008. Interior Ministry spokesman Shota Utiashvili said the blast hit near the end of the train and one third of its 30 tanker cars were on fire.

A conflict in pictures

Columnist Comments

lindy_mcdowell

Lindy McDowell: Ulster-Scots Hillbillies may shape US politics

This week a television report about how the voters in the Appalachia region of the US could be crucial in swinging the US presidential election threw out some interesting facts. One of them dental.

david_healy

David Healy: Liverpool set to raise their Standard

I know Liverpool fans were disappointed with their side’s performance against Standard Liege in the Champions League in midweek.

cooper_brown

Victoria Brown: My husband has been kidnapped and sent to prison in Mexico

Recent readers of my husband Cooper's column will undoubtedly know that he was having some problems with the immigration authorities here in the United Kingdom.

eamon_mccann

Eamonn McCann: What if Mormons are right and Catholics and Protestants wrong?

Why are the Catholic bishops so concerned about Mormons baptising dead parishioners? The Mormons didn’t invent baptism of the dead. The practice has a significant history within mainstream Christianity. The decision to order its abandonment was taken only after heated debate, and was a close-run thing.

frances_burscough

Frances Burscough: I ran as far as I could but Bolt still caught up with me in end

There was only one place on earth to be last week as the athlete Usain Bolt bolted his way to triumph at the Olympic Games. And it wasn’t Beijing.|On the other side of the world, the entire island of Jamaica was cheering and toasting and singing and dancing ... and I was there, slap, bang in the middle of it all joining in the celebrations even though 24 hours earlier I’d never even heard of the fella.

gail_walker

Gail Walker: Why Jade Goody isn’t that bad

Want to know how wretched one’s life can be? It’s confirmed you have cancer but everyone immediately by-passes concern and goes straight to suspecting the dark art of PR.

Northern Ireland Troubles

In Pictures: The Northern Ireland Troubles

A Conflict in Pictures

Miss Universe

  •  Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza is crowned Miss Universe 2008 on stage during the 57th Annual Miss Universe Competition at the Crown Convention Centre on July 14, 2008 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
  • Miss Venezuela Dayana Mendoza one of the top 15 semi finalists performs on stage during the final of the 57th Annual Miss Universe Competition at the Crown Convention Centre on July 14, 2008 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.
  • Miss Vietnam Lam Thuy Nguyen one of the top 15 semi finalists performs on stage during the final of the 57th Annual Miss Universe Competition at the Crown Convention Centre on July 14, 2008 in Nha Trang, Vietnam.

Nha Trang, Vietnam

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