Laura Collins

A man who recently came out to his parents seeks guidance on telling long‑time friends who have often made homophobic jokes. The advice encourages him to expect support, consider sharing the news gradually or with a close friend first, and remind his group that he remains the same person. Negative reactions, if any, should be given time to settle, and he is urged to live honestly and confidently embrace his identity.

A husband frustrated by the loss of his previously active sex life due to his grieving father-in-law moving in seeks advice as he feels tempted by a colleague’s interest. He is urged to avoid an affair, show compassion to his father-in-law, and communicate openly with his wife about boundaries and long‑term expectations. He is encouraged to consider whether his wife may also be reassessing their previously adventurous sex life and to help her support her father while maintaining their relationship.

A man who helped raise his stepdaughter develops inappropriate feelings for her after she returns from university, leading him to consider distancing himself. The column advises him not to cut her out but instead seek therapy, set clear boundaries, and build a healthier adult life, including pursuing appropriate relationships, to preserve their father‑daughter bond.

A woman whose new partner wants to form a throuple with his ex seeks advice on whether to agree. The advice warns that jealousy and imbalance are likely, and suggests the boyfriend may be acting out of self-interest or avoiding a breakup. She is encouraged not to agree out of fear of losing him and reminded she deserves a relationship aligned with her own needs.

A married man in his fifties seeks advice after losing sexual attraction to his wife and beginning an affair with a much younger colleague who now wants him to leave his marriage. The guidance stresses the emotional, familial, and financial risks of divorce, the potential instability of a relationship with a significantly younger partner, and the importance of considering long-term consequences. Couples counselling is recommended before making any irreversible decisions.

A woman preparing to marry her fiancé worries that a wild sexual encounter with his sister years earlier might resurface and damage the relationship. Laura Collins advises that the past incident caused no harm, is irrelevant to the present, and is unlikely to be revealed by the friend involved. She cautions that sharing unnecessary details about past sexual experiences may create problems, encourages assessing how the fiancé would react, and suggests discussing the dilemma with the friend before deciding. Secrets that do not affect the current relationship may not need to be disclosed.

A woman learns from an anonymous caller that her husband may be having an affair, a revelation that aligns with his recent distant behaviour and lack of intimacy. Advice urges her to confront him directly, seek support from close friends, and prepare for any outcome. The guidance highlights the importance of clarity, emotional strength, and considering whether the marriage can or should continue, with counselling as a possible step if both partners wish to rebuild the relationship.

A woman questions her marriage after discovering her husband’s secret porn addiction despite their strong sexual relationship. Laura Collins advises that such behaviour often stems from stress or emotional issues rather than a partner’s inadequacy, and encourages open communication, empathy and professional support. Organisations specialising in sex and porn addiction are recommended, alongside cognitive behavioural therapy, with reassurance that the couple can rebuild stability once emotions settle and treatment begins.

A 19-year-old man who cheated on his long-term girlfriend seeks advice after confessing and being forgiven despite enjoying the encounter. The columnist argues he is too young to commit, suggests his girlfriend should have ended the relationship, and warns that future infidelity is likely. She advises ending the relationship to prevent further hurt and to allow both partners to move forward.

A daughter worries after her father decides to marry a much younger woman he met on holiday in Thailand, fearing the relationship may be exploitative or end in heartbreak. The advice urges withholding judgment, meeting the fiancée before forming opinions, and recognising the father’s right to happiness after past emotional hardship. It encourages supporting him while advising caution with major decisions such as marriage.

A woman struggles with long-term sexual dissatisfaction because her boyfriend has never brought her to orgasm, leading her to fear damaging his feelings if she reveals the truth. Laura Collins advises her to communicate openly, guide him during sex, participate more actively, and explore other forms of stimulation. She notes that satisfaction depends on both partners, encourages experimentation, and suggests seeking a sex therapist if the couple cannot resolve the issue independently.

A woman in her twenties seeks advice after her mother’s new boyfriend begins making flirtatious and inappropriate comments toward her, leaving her uncomfortable and unsure how to tell her mother. The columnist advises her to speak honestly to her mother in private, provide clear examples of his behavior, and allow her mother to address the situation, while offering emotional support for whatever follows.

A woman who enjoys consensual fantasy roleplay with her boyfriend feels pressured when he asks to act out their cuckold scenarios in real life. The advice urges her to recognise her discomfort, communicate clear boundaries, and avoid agreeing to sexual situations she doesn’t genuinely want. It highlights a power imbalance, encourages prioritising her own needs, and stresses that fantasy does not obligate real‑world participation, noting that if her boyfriend cannot accept her limits, she should feel free to walk away.

A woman in her fifties, devastated by her husband’s ongoing affair, considers cosmetic surgery in hopes of winning him back. Laura Collins advises her not to pursue surgery for his sake, to stop supporting him domestically, and to prioritise her own wellbeing. She encourages seeking emotional support, considering therapy, and asking him to move out, noting that life may ultimately be better without him.

A woman struggles with her boyfriend’s premature ejaculation, which leaves their sex life unfulfilling despite compatibility in all other areas. The advice emphasizes that the issue likely causes him distress as well, and anxiety may be worsening the problem. Recommendations include pausing penetrative sex, exploring other forms of intimacy, communicating openly about approaching climax, and seeking medical or therapeutic support if needed, with reassurance that the relationship need not end if both partners are willing to address the issue.

A woman engaged to a supportive partner continues longing for the ex who left her and has since married. Laura Collins advises that unresolved hurt may be distorting her feelings, urging her to focus on the present rather than an idealized past. She stresses that the current partner deserves genuine love and that proceeding with marriage while conflicted would be unfair, recommending ending the relationship if she cannot commit fully.

A woman struggles with a secretive boyfriend who avoids sharing details about his life, including his job, home, and children. Despite enjoying their time together, his disappearances and evasiveness leave her anxious about the relationship’s future. The columnist urges her to confront him directly about whether he is married and what he wants long term, advising her to leave if he cannot offer a transparent, committed partnership.

A woman in a long-term relationship with a child becomes intensely attracted to a female coworker and contemplates an affair. The columnist stresses that cheating is the same regardless of gender, warning that confessing her feelings to the coworker risks damaging both her relationship and the friendship. She is urged to consider the consequences for her family, reflect on what may be lacking at home, and explore couples counselling before taking any drastic action.

A man torn over dating a woman who previously slept with several of his friends is advised to ignore peer judgment and focus on her current character and their connection. The columnist stresses that past sexual history should not determine someone’s worth or future relationship potential unless it indicates a pattern of unfaithfulness. The reader is encouraged to pursue the relationship if he genuinely likes her rather than allowing friends’ mockery or outdated double standards to influence his decision.

A reader describes escalating physical abuse from her girlfriend and uncertainty about moving in together. The column advises that abusers rarely change, warns that violence typically escalates, and urges ending the relationship. It encourages seeking professional support and provides domestic abuse helpline resources, stressing safety and the importance of reaching out for help.