Leanne Barlow's dilemma

Dear Dr Jane,

I'm a bit worried. I hit 30 this week and my world's been shattered. I didn't think my husband had planned anything for my Birthday (and I ended up in the pub), but it turns out he DID have a surprise for me – my long-lost mother, who says she's been living only a few miles down the road from me my whole life but – I'm sorry – I just don't believe her. I reckon she must have lived somewhere else for at least some of that time, or why would she speak the way she does? On top of that, my other sister Toyah (who's my step-sister by the way), rang to say she'd missed her train from London and that she'd have arrived too late for my party, so wasn't coming now. I'd have thought they'd have had more than one train a day out of London, and as my party started at 6.00 (and would have gone on until at least 11.00 – with it being in a pub and all), you'd have reckoned she'd have caught the next one, wouldn't you? Besides, if she was coming all that way, surely she'd have been staying-over? Do you think she's hiding something from me too? Then my step-mum and dad didn't turn up either, so it was all a bit upsetting, but not half as upsetting as finding out that I've now got a proper half-sister too, especially as she looks way older than me. How did all this happen? I'm so confused, Dr Jane. What should I do? I can't even turn to drink (as it'll set my husband off again, and God knows where we'd be then). Are pills the answer?

Leanne

Dear Leanne,

This is a terrible situation, but I'm afraid there's not a lot I can do to help with this one. I suggest you face up to the fact that she's your mother, and be glad that you've got a real 'look' of her, and less of a look of your dad, and also that you look younger than your half-sister. There's always a silver lining there somewhere – if you look hard enough.

Give it time. Your mother's accent might improve (as will your relationship), over time, but I don't recommend taking pills. Swallow your pride instead, and get yourself round to a Factory-owning friend's flat and drink some good red wine – but not too much mind; not if you're thinking of becoming pregnant in the near future. Let your friend have the lion's share. I don't think she'll complain See how that goes, and make sure you have a mint on the way home so your husband doesn't smell in on your breath, or you'll find yourself pregnant sooner than you think.

Dr Jane.

PS I got a bit carried-away this week, so there's TWO other sections on the 'Corrie Corner' section of my blog! http://bit.ly/mR1QVz