Aggie Pratt says: I don’t think much of your friends. As for how you would cope, like everybody else in a similar position I should imagine. But get the child benefit paid to yourself, then go without notice. Your friends are probably advising you against leaving because they don’t relish the idea of you on their doorstep lock, stock and barrel. Find a refuge, the Citizens Advice Bureau will help if you have any difficulties; as you are not married the father will have few rights.

Dear Dr. Vernon,
I have recently got married but I am being worn out by my wife. She has a lusty appetite for sex, is a large and very physical woman and just won’t take no for an answer.
Often when I get home from work I am obliged to go straight to bed for passionate love-making. Can you suggest anything I can do to alleviate her demands?

Aggie Pratt says: No. But if you are so effete that you cannot satisfy your wife you can always refuse to try. This will probably result in her seeking satisfaction elsewhere. You surely knew what she was like when you married her or, if you didn’t, more fool you for not finding out.

Dear Deidre,
My sister is to marry but isn’t inviting my daughter or any of the other neices or nephews to the wedding. I’m also shocked at the snub. My daughter is fond of her aunt and is upset too.
I raised my daughter, who’s now 18, on my own until I met my second husband. When I re-married there was jealousy within the family, although they never cared for me when I was alone and desperate.
My sister and her boyfriend live close by and I ring and call round but they never call me. My father has said they want me to be their witness. Why me?

Aggie Pratt says: Your sister didn’t care about you when you were a single parent, she now ignores you and snubs your daughter. I should forget about this uncaring bitch, refuse to be her witness, discuss with your daughter her true worth and sever any further contact. Believe me, you’ll feel better.