The Latest Breaking News from Annalisa Barbieri

I’m out of a job after issues at the schools where I worked. Is it my fault?

It feels as if your work and your identity are fused. You’ll get through this, but you may have to use this time to consider other careers

The Guardian - UK · Apr 26

I was bullied when I was young and now find it very hard to make friends

Your history of being picked on at school has a lot do with your feelings of being ‘faulty’. Getting involved in a group of mixed ages would help avoid memories of childhood

The Guardian - UK · Apr 19

I’ve spent 20 years treading water and fear that I’ve wasted so much time. Am I depressed?

It’s time to turn your attention to your internal landscape rather than the next building project. Make you your next project

The Guardian - UK · Apr 12

I expect friends to let me down so I play the victim. How can I stop?

Pessimism can be a form of self-protection, so it might be helpful to reflect on where this pattern started

The Guardian - UK · Mar 8

My best friend’s ex is turning my partner against her. How can we heal our friendship group?

Things will get better in time, but it’s not your responsibility to resolve this

The Guardian - UK · Mar 1

I’m worried my boyfriend’s use of AI is affecting his ability to think for himself

Overdependence on chatbots is a growing problem, and though your boyfriend’s ADHD may be a factor, he needs to find the root of his anxiety

The Guardian - UK · Feb 22

My husband has started a friendship with a woman he used to work with. Am I right to be worried?

It’s possible this is a platonic relationship, but your concerns are valid and your husband isn’t providing any reassurance

The Guardian - UK · Feb 15

We offered my friend a room to help her out, but four years later she’s still living with us

You need to check where you stand legally, but I fear you’re being taken advantage of and will have to ask her to leave

The Guardian - UK · Feb 8

PMDD is ruining my life. What can I do?

You’re already doing all the right things for your premenstrual dysphoric disorder, but perhaps it’s time to ask others for more help

The Guardian - UK · Feb 1

I adore my husband, but I feel like a fraud at his church

Couples not sharing religious beliefs or going to each other’s places of worship isn’t unusual, but perhaps there’s something else going on here

The Guardian - UK · Jan 18