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: 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

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