Chat -julkaisun 13-Jun-2019 -irtonumeron sisällysluettelo

Holly had a feeling that her partner was playing away so she laid a trap and waited to see if she was correct (p6). Would you do that same? After a childhood plagued by bullying, Catherine has some tough choices to make when it comes to raising her own daughter (p36). And brave Jessica shares how she rebuilt her life after her second chance of happiness was cruelly ripped away (p10). We’ve also more gripping real life, cracking crime stories, your fave prize puzzles, top tips, health advice, fab fashion (p12) and beauty (p35) and gin and tonic bakes (p48) and more. Have a great week!…

Nuno says, ‘It's true. I felt f***ing dumb, like an idiot. But, to be honest, the relationship was already passing, so I was not sure about things. ‘Holly changed her attitude during the pregnancy. I believe that it was the pregnancy hormones. ‘I was feeling sad, not happy. I did speak about it, but there was no point. ‘I was catfished - she got me. I was quite surprised. ‘Things in the end were for the best. We are not together, but for the sake of the baby we have a nice friendship.'…

Clean up  Here's a good way to get the most out of the last, small bits of soap. Cut into the side of a sponge, pop in the slivers and, when you damp it, the suds come through and every bit's used. Gina Storey, North Shields Cot desking…  When my youngest child had outgrown her cot, we fixed a board to the bottom and created a perfect little desk for her and her big brother! Jason Cartlidge, Telford All in a row  If you have a lot of rows in a knitting pattern, write them down on plain paper, and laminate or cover it with something wipeable. You can then cross off the rows with a whiteboard pen as you go along. When you're done, just wipe it off, ready…

Sex is windy Q I always seem to fart during sex! Some guys find it a turn-off. Can I stop it? Isabella, Dymchurch A Your rectum lies behind your vagina, and active sex can squeeze out any gas! Try a poo before, if possible, and avoid gas-producers such as pulses. A change in position, or charcoal biscuits to absorb bowel gas, might help. Scent switch-up Q My husband and friends say I smell different! Could something be wrong? Andrea, Swindon A Most likely it's recent illness, new pills, a change in diet, or maybe you're sweating more due to extra exercise, or your menopause? If no reason, check with your GP, as rarely, BO changes can point to diabetes, liver, kidney or thyroid problems. Write to Dr Martin Edwards at…

Q I was lucky enough to visit a spa recently, and was amazed how much the beautiful scents relaxed me – I felt on cloud nine afterwards! How can I recreate a bit of that feeling at home without breaking the bank? Caroline Brown, 48 A Bringing that wonderfully relaxing spa feel to your own home is easier and cheaper than you think. First of all, invest in a few essential oils. They are not too expensive, easily available and last for ages. Lavender oil is a must. It is proven to calm and relax the mind, and if I ever have trouble sleeping, I add  a few drops to my pillow. Next, I’d recommend mandarin oil. Citrus scents are instant mood-boosters, so if you want to be energised, this…

Q What’s the most difficult food for you to eat? A Soup and cereal are almost impossible for me to manage. They go in my mouth, but pretty much come straight back out. Salads are also difficult, or anything too hard. Q Did you worry about Roseanne having Bell’s palsy? A I know it isn't genetic, but I have worried about it in the past - as it can happen to anyone. At least I will know how to deal with it if she does. Q What’s the worst remark anyone’s ever made to you? A I've heard everything! But the worst was probably when me and Seoirse were on a bus and a man walked straight up to us and asked whether Seoirse had been beating me up. We…

Just have to get this off my chest… My family and I live in Wales, my in-laws live abroad. They visit regularly, as we have a little boy, their only grandchild. But it's starting to feel more like running a B&B than a family get-together when they come - they always want to go out and we can't afford it. Plus, we have to rearrange our whole house to accommodate them. I don't think they appreciate the trouble it causes! Families, eh? Name and address supplied…

Jessica Criswell, 32 Heart thumping, I read the message again. I can find you a safe place to live. I couldn’t believe it but my old school friend Justin Mullins had just sent me a lifeline... It was March 2010, and Justin had contacted me out the blue on Facebook. And when I’d confided that my husband Tom was violent, he’d offered to help me escape with our son Aeiden, then 5 months. The thought terrified me. He had dragged me along the driveway by my hair I’d met Tom in December 2008 when he’d been doing construction work at the care home where I worked. Tall and handsome, he’d been a real gent. At first... Within four months, I’d fallen pregnant. Only, Tom’s temper soon started to show. Our…

Kellie Cantwell, 31, Limerick Falling pregnant for the first time should be joyous and exhilarating. But for me and my boyfriend Andrew, 22, our happiness was short-lived. It was January 2011, and all we’d ever wanted was a family. But at our first scan, we were given some devastating news. ‘I’m afraid the womb is empty,’ the doctor told me. ‘What does that mean?’ I asked. The doctor shook his head. He explained it was an ectopic pregnancy – when the egg implants itself outside of the womb – and carried too great a risk. ‘The baby’s not where it’s meant to be...’ Our only option was a termination. In the aftermath of the procedure, I worried I’d never become a mum. But doctors encouraged me to keep trying. And…

Jeni Beviere, 42, Pembury Arriving at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, I had a feeling of dread. This can’t be good, I thought. It was May 2016, and my son Josh, 9, had been referred to hospital with suspected pneumonia. For the last fortnight, he’d been withdrawn, constantly sleepy and had no appetite. He didn’t even seem to have enough energy to play his video games. At first, me and my husband Andy, 41, thought he had flu. But it never let up. And, after three trips to the GP, I began to worry when we still had no answers. I felt sure that this wasn’t just flu. Something was wrong. I knew it in my gut. My mum Helen, 72, took Josh to the GP for a fourth time, as I…

Amanda Harrison, 38, Poole Pushing my youngest, Lukas, 1, in his pushchair, I stopped to wipe sweat from my forehead. ‘We’re going to be late, Mum,’ groaned my other son, Joshua, 7. He was right. But, out of breath, with pains shooting down my leg, I couldn’t go any faster. ‘Sorry,’ I sighed, desperately trying to quicken my pace. It was like this every morning on the school run. While my eldest three made their own way to school or college, I’d take Charley, 10, Joshua, 7, and Jacob, 6, to school with Lukas in the pram. It should’ve been a 10-minute walk, but it took me half an hour. ‘Mum, you’re too fat,’ Jacob giggled as I thudded along the pavement. ‘Don’t be rude,’ I scolded. Although I couldn’t…

Aries 21 March - 20 April It’s one of those glorious times where you try something new and find it’s a lot easier than you expected, or that you’ve got a real talent for it. And you make money on it, too. How good is that? Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April - 21 May What you buy now will take every penny you’ve got but, for you, it’s a bargain. No more will you look enviously at others and wish you had one like that - because you have, and you couldn’t be happier! Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May - 21 June Smart ideas don’t always have to be new ones. You can re-use something and give it a modern spin. A…

Palmer’s Coconut Oil Firming Lotion, £7.99, Superdrug  We know that Palmer’s products are heroes when it comes to nourishing skin, but this one promises to firm and tone too. Aldi Luxury Pomegranate Hand & Body Lotion, £2.49 If you’re all about the fragrance, this is the one to go for. We can’t get enough of this lovely scent. Nivea Q10 + Vitamin C Firming Body Lotion, £7.50, Asda The Duchess of Sussex is reportedly a fan of this range. If it’s good enough for Meghan, it’s good enough for us! Eucerin Dry Skin Intensive Lotion, £13.49, Superdrug This is especially formulated for dry and sensitive skin. If you are prone to conditions such as atopic eczema, this is for you. Garnier Body Summer Body Moisturising Lotion, £6.49, Boots A must…

Jeane Trend-Hill, 50, London Shimmying my way onto the dance floor, I reached into my handbag and dug out a packet of fags. ‘Give us one,’ my friend Catherine asked, grinning cheekily. At 18, we’d recently started going out to bars and nightclubs. It was 1986, and back then, everyone I knew smoked cigarettes regularly. My friends and I would treat ourselves to colourful cigarettes with fancy gold filters before hitting the pub. Like most people, I knew smoking cigarettes wasn’t exactly healthy. But dancing away to all the hits, I didn’t have a care in the world. ‘I was too weak to know what was going on’ In those early days, I’d smoke around 10 cigs on a night out and didn’t really bother during the week. But before…

Coronation Street Meet the Baileys! After playing Mrs Tembe in Doctors for eight years, actress Lorna Laidlaw joins the cast of Corrie as Aggie Bailey, who moves into No.3  with her builder husband Ed and sons Michael and James. And they certainly make their presence felt as noisy renovations begin on the fusty former home of Norris! Emmerdale Ellis in danger? After being stabbed on a night out in Hotten, Ellis has a panic attack when he spots someone who he thinks is his attacker, Max. When Billy finds out what’s happened he calls Max and tells him to stay away from his family, but Max replies with a threatening message, which causes Ellis to have another panic attack. When Billy goes to sort it out face to face, he’s…

Stephanie Lawson, 35, Bristol Packing my clothes into a rucksack, I counted down the seconds on the clock. ‘Another hour to go,’ I sighed impatiently. It was April 1994 – and me and my big brother, then 12, were going to stay with our mum and stepdad Ian for the weekend. Our parents had separated two years earlier, and we lived with Dad. But we loved spending weekends with Mum and Ian. ‘What shall we do tonight, kids?’ Ian asked as we fastened our seatbelts in the car. ‘Cinema!’ we chanted in unison. Ian was a scout leader, great with kids. He was always playing games with us and cracking funny jokes. The perfect stepdad. Soon after, when I was 11, my brother and I went to live with Mum…

Holly Standing, 27, Chertsey I was having one of those unexpectedly great nights. Just an evening of card games and drinks with friends back in December 2017, but I was having such a laugh. Stepping outside for a ciggie, one of the gang – Nuno Da Costa, 44 – tailed behind me. We’d met the year before, through friends, found ourselves at the same parties. Truth be told, he seemed a bit odd, awkward. But we’d never got to know each other. Until that evening… A few drinks down, we chatted over a smoke. ‘Ever considered dating an older man?’ he smiled. Is he flirting?! For the first time, I noticed his piercing blue eyes. ‘I’ll cook you dinner,’ he said. And, just like that, we’d set our first date…

Married couple Rajesh and Nupur Talwar were successful dentists at a clinic in Noida, a city near Dehli in India. Their daughter Aarushi, 13, attended a prestigious public school, while they lived in a posh apartment in an affluent neighbourhood. Hemraj Banjade, 45, was their live-in domestic help, and he ran the household with the help of a maid. But when the maid arrived for work at 6am on 16 May 2008, no-one answered. She rang the doorbell three times. Finally, instead of Hemraj answering as usual, Nupur opened it. Nupur asked the maid if she knew where Hemraj was – but she had no idea. Two doors and a gate separated the apartment from the outside, where the maid waited to be let in. Both of the doors were…

About PMR Q My shoulders and hips are stiff and painful, especially in the morning. My doctor's diagnosed polymyalgia (PMR). Will it get better? Sheila, Huddersfield A PMR is a form of arthritis, causing morning stiffness due to inflamed joints. Treatment usually means steroid tablets, often for a year or more, until the disease burns itself out. Work is painful Q My new job involves taking notes - but after a few minutes, my fingers hurt and spasm. Emese, Hoxton A Sounds like writer's cramp, a form of dystonia - abnormal muscle contraction. A bigger pen and a looser grip can help, or switch to a keyboard. Rarely, Botox injections are necessary. Iron deficiency Q I'm anaemic. My doctor wants camera tests of my stomach and bowel, but why can't…

The next day, I found myself sitting with my doctor – in tears. ‘I’m worried I’m going to suffocate to death,’ I wept. I was expecting him to reassure me, tell me I was fine. But he didn’t. ‘You’re very overweight,’ he frowned. I’d heard it before. From him, from my kids. Only now, I was really listening. I worried that I was going to suffocate to death He signed me up to the National Slimming Clinic, where I’d be given diet-and-exercise advice and seen weekly by my doctor. At first, I felt cynical. I’d tried so many weight-loss programmes before. Only, this time, I was ready to change. At my first appointment, my blood pressure was checked. ‘It’s high,’ the nurse said, but reassured me I could get it…

Be practical  Remember that when you book a hire car, you're booking the car category, not the exact make and model in the picture. Although premium options might seem appealing, high-end and larger cars usually come with bigger deposits and higher insurance excesses - as well as using more fuel. While a smaller, more sensible choice might not look quite as good on social media, your bank balance will thank you - a small car in Spain for a week in July starts at around £69, compared to £109 for a premium option. Be organised  The hire-car company must insure everyone who's named as a driver on the rental agreement, which means passing on the cost for any extra drivers to you. What's more, older and younger drivers are considered…

Catherine Parr, 28, north London Walking into the classroom, a dozen eyes turned to me. I felt their stares follow me to my desk, stalk me around the playground at lunchtime. Back home from school, hours later, I looked in the mirror. ‘Mummy, what’s wrong with my face?’ I asked my mum Anne, then 40. I was 4 and this day at school was the first time I’d realised I was different. Since I was 2, my smile had slanted upwards, the left side of my cheek, mouth and left eye had drooped. ‘You’re special. It’s good to be different,’ Mum told me. But it didn’t feel so good. At primary school, I was picked on every day. ‘Wonky face!’ kids would shout at me. ‘Clown!’ Eating in the canteen…

Winging it We were discussing birds and the fact that penguins are a species that can’t fly. My 6-year-old son, Robbie, said, ‘How do we know they can’t fly? Maybe they just haven’t been flapping their wings hard enough.’ Kay Maddocks, Waltham No more pet deaths How sad to read first Carol Hartnell’s story (10 Jan issue) then Gaye Fisher’s (21 March issue) about the deaths of their dogs. My cat Smokey was killed – also by an unleashed akita dog – a few years ago. The attack on our cat happened when the dog came up our drive and into our front porch. We told the police but, unfortunately, although the owner was caught, he’d given the dog to someone else and fled to another area. Now Gaye’s campaigning…

When 38-year- old Gergana Prodanova arrived in the UK in December 2015, she wanted to build a new life for herself. Having left her native Bulgaria, she settled in Exeter, Devon, and found a flat in Mount Pleasant Road. Gergana hadn’t taken the decision to leave Bulgaria lightly, but she felt she had no choice. He didn’t take kindly to her breaking free... For 16 years, she’d been in a relationship with Kostadin Kostov, 44 – and although they had three children together, it had hardly been domestic bliss. In fact, their relationship was complex and troubled, as Kostov was a jealous, controlling man who was repeatedly violent towards Gergana, particularly when he’d been drinking. Over the years, Gergana had found it difficult to escape Kostov – but by the…