The art of listening has been lost in these polarised times
The BBC’s Listening Project turns seven this month. It offers a window into a gentler, more compassionate BritainWhat was it? At first I couldn’t tell. I was listening to the radio on my headphones, and a woman was...
How we live together: the ‘life wives’
We’re on the same wavelength – it’s like she can read my mindZahra Jones, 40Amy and I have known each other for nearly 25 years. We met while working at Habitat in Chester; it felt like meeting a...
Many women fleeing domestic abuse face poverty, report finds
Respondents in England say partners use economic abuse as method of controlVictims of domestic abuse face the choice of their families being plunged into homelessness and poverty, or staying with the abuser, a report has found.More than two-thirds...
Domestic abuse survivors and children sleeping rough, survey finds
Women unable to get refuge place also having to sofa-surf or stay with abuserSurvivors of domestic abuse and their children are being forced to sleep rough as they struggle to find safe accommodation, a report from the leading charity...
My son has special needs. Should I tell him I’m not his biological father?
Secrets in families are rarely a good idea, says Annalisa BarbieriI have a son, aged 22: J. He was born with physical disabilities and special educational needs. He’s a happy, well-adjusted young man: he’ll never be able to live independently, but...
Blind date: ‘He probably thinks I’m looking for an Irish passport’
Emily, 26, charity worker, and Barry, 24, maths teacherBarry on EmilyWhat were you hoping for?A laugh, good conversation and nice food.First impressions?She needs to work on her French – she picked the wrong dessert.What did you talk about?London...
Be honest, be kind: five lessons from an amicable divorce
Consciously uncoupling is possible: choose your battles, build a support network and learn to play the long gameIt’s not always infidelity that leads a couple to split – sometimes a marriage simply runs out of steam and both...
A feminist’s guide to raising boys
Before I became a mother, I thought my feminism was a battle fought and won. But having three sons has challenged everythingIt’s always the things you think will be a doddle that end up causing most heartache. When...
I have become far too close to my best friend
I know our friendship is too one-sided, but I cannot bear the thought of being without her. How do I maintain a healthier relationship?I met my best friend a year and a half ago. She’s fantastic and caring,...
How we met: ‘I proposed in the toilet queue at a festival – she...
The first of a new series. Charlie Clark was mourning his father’s death when a friend took him to a gig. ‘I wasn’t in the mood for chatting up girls,’ he saysCharlie Clark, 36, and Kerrie Clark, 34,...
I met my girlfriend’s parents – and realised I once slept with her father
She is everything to me and I was going to propose – but now he has told me to end it with herFive years ago, I went through a bi phase and used to sleep around with pretty...
Are you a screen-snubber whose phone use is ruining your relationship? Take this test!
A third of people in relationships are being ignored because their partners are staring at smartphones. Are you a snubber or a snubbee?A YouGov poll has revealed that a third of people in a relationship have fallen victim...
