Daily Star agony aunt Jane O'Gorman addresses four reader dilemmas, offering blunt advice on dealing with a persistent ex, a mother's past favouritism, a partner who hides you from his circle, and a girlfriend's holiday infidelity. Her guidance focuses on setting boundaries, seeking truth, and recognising self-worth.
Ex-boyfriend won't take no for an answer
A reader, who dated her ex for five years from age 19, says he still demands sex and calls her a 'spoil sport' when she pushes him away. She explains that she has moved on and no longer fancies him, but he continues to flirt because his garage is next to her new job. He recently suggested a romantic weekend away and told lewd stories in front of her colleagues.
Jane advises the reader to tell her ex that she is not his possession or plaything. She says dating history does not give him an eternal hold, and he needs to hear that she is serious. Jane suggests arranging a heart-to-heart and warning him that she will report him if he makes a nuisance of himself.
Mother's past favouritism resurfaces
Another reader describes a childhood where her mother loved her sister but hated her, punishing her for minor issues and banishing her at 16 for kissing a neighbour. Now married with children, the reader says her mother wants to reconnect after her sister moved to Canada, but refuses to discuss the past.
Jane advises inviting the mother over again to hear the truth about why she was so cold. She says the reader should not feel guilty about cutting her mother out of her life if she cannot forgive her, adding that the sister has clearly gone her own way.
Partner hides relationship from friends and family
A third reader says she has been with her partner for a year but has not met his friends or children, who suspect she is a gold digger. He admitted he prefers to keep people apart, and his old friends don't like 'newcomers'.
Jane expresses concern that the man won't introduce her as his cherished partner, questioning his pride and backbone. She suggests the reader take a break and think carefully about her value, concluding that she deserves better.
Girlfriend's holiday betrayal
A final reader says his girlfriend got drunk daily on holiday, went off with a group of men, and bragged about having sex with two of them. Back home, she acts like nothing happened and tells him to 'chill out' when he raises it.
Jane says the girlfriend's behaviour was serious and that the reader likely spent a lot of money on the trip. She advises him to dump her and move on, noting that she can't be trusted, and reminds him never to let anyone call him uncool for standing up for himself.
