Coleen Nolan

A woman says her father left the hotel before her wedding ceremony to her long-term girlfriend, highlighting his apparent lack of acceptance of her sexuality. Although she and her wife enjoyed the celebration, his actions left her deeply hurt and uncertain about repairing their relationship. Coleen Nolan advises her to explain her feelings, affirm that she is happy and committed to her wife, and allow her father to take responsibility for rebuilding the relationship. She also recommends FFLAG as a source of support for the family.

A woman says her husband's best friend repeatedly makes crude comments about other women and worries that his wife may not know about his behaviour. Coleen Nolan advises her to challenge or ignore the comments, avoid gatherings where the man is present if necessary, and let her husband maintain the friendship separately. She recommends against informing the friend's wife, warning that it could create unnecessary conflict because the wife may already know what he is like.

A mother asks agony aunt Coleen Nolan how to handle a friend who frequently turns up uninvited, stays for hours and uses their teenage daughters’ friendship to remain involved in her family’s life. Nolan advises setting clear boundaries, using brief refusals without excuses, and making clear that the daughter cannot stay over if house rules about alcohol or late nights are broken. She also encourages the mother to stand by her parenting decisions without worrying about appearing boring.

A reader asks Coleen Nolan whether to attend a friend’s 40th birthday party after learning that a married man with whom she previously had an affair will be there with his wife. Although the reader is remorseful and now in a stable relationship, Nolan advises her to avoid the party, citing the risk that alcohol or an accidental comment could expose the affair and humiliate the wife. She suggests claiming illness and celebrating with the friend separately.

A newlywed says her longtime best friend was negative before the wedding, forced a hen-do date change before cancelling, wore an off-white dress, left early and appeared unhappy in photographs. Coleen Nolan suggests the behaviour may stem from jealousy, insecurity or personal unhappiness, while stressing that it is no excuse. She advises the reader to ask whether something is wrong, seek honesty and, if necessary, accept that the friendship may have changed and focus on the positive wedding memories.

A mother struggles with her adult children maintaining a relationship with her controlling ex-husband, leaving her feeling hurt and misunderstood. Coleen Nolan advises focusing on personal well-being, being honest with the children about how the situation affects her, and maintaining open communication while accepting that their bond with the ex cannot simply be ended.

A woman who ended a long-term relationship struggles with missing her ex despite his mood swings and the emotional toll they caused. Coleen Nolan advises that missing him is normal but not a sign she should return, urging her to remember the distress the relationship caused, reduce contact, and give herself time to heal.

A woman overwhelmed by her grieving mother-in-law’s constant visits seeks guidance, as the situation is straining her marriage. Coleen Nolan advises acknowledging the mother-in-law’s grief while setting boundaries, encouraging the husband to lead the conversation, involving friends for support, and suggesting bereavement resources such as Cruse. She recommends helping the mother-in-law find positive routine changes to begin moving forward.

A single mother struggles with an uneven childcare arrangement after her friend takes on more work, leaving her to cover additional childcare without discussion or compensation. Coleen advises raising the issue openly, suggesting they plan future childcare more fairly and consider paid help for extra days. She warns that avoiding the conversation could lead to resentment and harm the friendship, and encourages a calm, constructive discussion to restore balance.

A man seeks advice after his friend’s wife drunkenly attempted to kiss him while their spouses were in the kitchen, leaving him unsure how to handle an upcoming holiday together. Coleen Nolan suggests discreetly addressing the incident with the woman to set boundaries before the trip, avoiding further flirtation, and reconsidering future double-date dynamics while keeping the situation from escalating.