Table of contents for 15 February 2024 in Chat

On a normal afternoon, over a pub lunch with her partner, Michelle’s life changed forever. She found herself at the scene of a terrible accident and used her first aid skills to save a life. The victim, Kay, is now Michelle’s close friend. She and her entire family couldn’t be more grateful. And, in a small way, Michelle’s changed another life. Mine! Her story has inspired me to sign up for a first aid course. Maybe she’ll inspire you too. Have a great week,…

TRUE-LIFE I was basking in my deckchair when my neighbour, Sarah, then 55, popped her head over the fence. ‘Hello,’ I smiled. ‘Isn’t it a beautiful day!’ It was May 2020, and COVID-19 lockdown rules were being relaxed. And as we chatted, a bloke with black hair and brown eyes wandered by. ‘Hello, I’m Meynard,’ he said with a smile. ‘I live on the next street.’ ‘I’m Juanita, and this is Sarah,’ I replied. After some chit chat, Meynard went on his way. But he was back the next day, chatting to me as I relaxed in my garden. ‘I’m retired,’ I told Meynard, filling him in about my struggle with back pain and type 2 diabetes. ‘I didn’t leave the house much, even before lockdown,’ I sighed. A carer…

What does actor Emma Thompson say is the worst gift she has ever received? To find out, solve the crossword then read down the shaded squares to find the four-word prize answer. WIN £1,001 Puzzle 4 ACROSS 11 Taken illegally (6) 12 Pride and _, classic novel (9) 13 Curse (4) 14 Headlong rush (8) 15 Slushy rain (5) 16 Magazine boss (6) 17 Half-man, half-horse (7) 18 Saying sorry (11) 20 Loft (5) 22 Butt in (9) 24 Educate (5) 28 Liberty (7) 29 US city (7) 32 Wax pencil (6) 34 Used one’s ears (8) 36 On time (8) 37 Slumbering (6) 39 Commanded (7) 40 Progress (7) 45 Vampire slayer played by Sarah Michelle Gellar (5) 47 Moving staircase (9) 48 Grieve (5) 51 Game also known as ping-pong (5,6) 53 English city (7) 55 Item of clothing (6) 56 _ Newton, scientist (5) 58 Avoiding alcohol (8) 59 Practise boxing (4) 60 Amuse (9) 61…

Tongue trouble Q There are red patches over my tongue! My GP says it’s geographic tongue and to ignore it, but isn’t there a cure? Debs, Oldham A Up to 3% of us are affected by geographic tongue, women more than men. The condition occurs when smooth, red, slightly swollen, inflamed patches appear on your tongue, surrounded by white lines. They look a bit like drawings of countries on a map, hence the name, and they gradually change their shape and move around. They don’t usually cause any symptoms, although they might occasionally feel sore or burning. Geographic tongue often appears out of the blue and we don’t know the cause; however, allergies, dermatitis, stress, diabetes and the skin disease psoriasis can all be triggers. The patches are harmless and usually disappear by…

3 ways to… check your credit report It’s important to know your numbers – here’s the how and the why. 1 Why it matters Credit reports are like your financial CV – they contain information such as a list of your credit accounts and whether you’ve made payments on time and in full. Whenever you apply for credit, the lender will check your credit report, then what’s contained in it will be a factor in whether they’ll accept you or not. It can also determine how much you can borrow and the interest rate you’ll pay too. 2 Check for free Credit reports are compiled by credit reference agencies. The three main ones are Experian, Equifax and TransUnion – each of them holds a report on you and it’s worth checking all three. You can do…

To my boy, From the moment I saw your face, I knew I was made to be your mummy. That our little family of two was going to be the making of us both. My precious first glimpse of you didn’t happen as a nurse lifted you into my arms, after labour. Yet it was just as special. You see, I’d longed to be a mum and, as I was single, I’d set out to do it on my own, using donor sperm. But by 2020, my three attempts at IVF had failed. ‘Something doesn’t feel right,’ I confessed to my mum – your nanny. IVF had left me feeling rotten. And though I had savings for a fourth try, I decided it wasn’t for me. So I started to…

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TRUE-LIFE When Will Holmes founded Starts Right Here, his nonprofit organisation, he had one goal. Help at-risk young people in the city of Des Moines, Iowa. Growing up in Chicago, he’d had a rough childhood. Joined a gang aged 13, looking for the protection and love he didn’t get at home. Yet gang life only led to him witnessing a friend’s murder at 15. Then he was almost beaten to death himself. After surviving, Will – also known by his hip-hop name Will Keeps – moved to Des Moines in his 20s to start a new life. Sudden violence He launched Starts Right Here, to mentor troubled kids and provide them with a safe place so they didn’t have to resort to a gang. It’s not about what you’ve been…

Q Since I started antidepressants I’ve felt better, but my sex drive has bombed and I can’t orgasm. What can I do? Mary, Belfast A It’s great that your mood’s improved but up to a quarter of people find that modern antidepressants, known as SSRI drugs, knock their sex drive or orgasm. SSRIs can also cause erection difficulties in men and vaginal dryness in women. It’s worth hanging on, though, as these effects often disappear within two or three months. They can also start to ease off after a few hours, so taking your pills early in the morning could allow for sex at night. Speak to your doctor, who might suggest a lower dose, a different antidepressant or even a drug ‘holiday’. This is when you leave off the…

BUDGET BUY FANCY FLORAL FOR KIDS…

Boyfriend keeps me secret Q I met a guy six months ago and I’m really happy. The only problem is he’s never been in a relationship with another man – and while I’m out to all my friends and family, he’s not. This means we’re keeping our relationship a secret, and I hate it. How can I help him come out? Karl, 29 A I understand that you want to help your partner on his journey, pet. But him coming out is not your decision to make. He might not want to come out ever, and that’s his choice. It doesn’t mean he doesn’t value you, flower. All you can do is support and love him. If that’s not something you can do, maybe this is not the relationship for you.…

9-15 February 2024 Aries 21 March-20 April Remember, you have all of the knowledge and wisdom you need to fulfil your most important goals this month. Trust in yourself and you’ll make it happen! ● Call 0905 817 0690* for more Taurus 21 April-21 May In the lead-up to the New Moon on 9 February, nurture yourself. The days preceding this new start will allow you to relax, so enjoy the downtime. ● Call 0905 817 0691* for more Gemini 22 May-21 June Sometimes you can be distracted from your true desires. However, by remaining present and open you will be more able to follow your heart. ● Call 0905 817 0692* for more Cancer 22 June-23 July You may find you need to ask an important man in your…

Q I like to take good care of my skin, but how often should I be using face masks? Elaine Miller, Shenfield, Essex A Face masks can be an effective way to boost your skin’s health. Focusing on what your complexion needs is the best way to choose the right mask. Each formula will be different and require you to apply and use it at varying times. W7 Vitamin Glow Face Mask, £6.95, w7makeup.co.uk, helps to brighten your skin naturally and only needs to be used for 10 minutes, twice a week. If your skin needs a little TLC and a detox then L’Oréal Paris Pure Clay Detox Mask, £7.95, Superdrug, will help clarify and unclog pores for a clearer complexion. Use up to three times a week for 10…

H&M In-Between Days Dry Shampoo, £6.99, H&M Refresh and cleanse greasy hair in between washes with this applescented dry shampoo. It boosts volume while also absorbing oils. Catrice Soft Glam Filter Fluid, £7.99, justmylook.com Use this luminous liquid as a tinted day cream, an illuminating primer or as a liquid highlighter. Available in nine shades, there’s a colour for everyone. Bubble Bounce Back Balancing Mist, £14, Boots Infused with balancing willow bark extract, this mist toner works to calm redness, balance oils and add a dose of hydration to your skin. Faith in Nature Mint Body Wash, £5.99, Holland & Barrett Packed with the scents of uplifting mint, this 99% natural-origin body wash invigorates your senses. Use each day to energise and deeply cleanse. Max Factor Lip Glaze, £9.99, Boots…

BEHIND THE BIG CRIME TRUE-LIFE Zachary Sabin came from a big, loving family. He was born in Wichita Falls, Texas, on 2 September 2008, and while his parents divorced in 2011, they shared custody. He and his brother would switch between their mother Angela Tuetken’s home, and their father Ryan Sabin’s house in Black Forest, Colorado, every other week. By 2020, Zach also had four more half-siblings and four step-siblings. They’d play trains and trucks or do crafts together. He had adoring grandparents, and an endless list of devoted aunts and uncles. And while Zach was only 11, he had big dreams of being a zookeeper one day, perhaps a vet. So long as it involved animals, he’d be happy. Zach loved to read in a quiet corner, too. Sometimes reading…

How do you unwind on a Sunday afternoon? My fave way to spend a Sunday afternoon is to curl up in my armchair with a good book and a cuppa. Can’t forget some chocolate too. What was your dream job growing up? I always wanted to be one of Charlie’s Angels, but my back-up plan was to be a librarian. Less glamorous but I’d get to read all day! If you could be anyone for a day, who would you be? As a huge George Clooney fan, I’d be his personal assistant, so I’d get to spend the whole day up close and personal with gorgeous George. Your go-to film that never gets old? I could watch the movie Pretty Woman over and over. It’s such a funny, feel-good film…

In the Marvel Cinematic Universe, what is the first name of the character whose brother is called Pietro? The answer to each clue (apart from the first) begins with the last letter of the preceding answer. The shaded squares will spell out the one-word prize answer. WIN £100 Puzzle 2 1 South Pacific island (6) 2 Harrison Ford film franchise (7,5) 3 Husband or wife (6) 4 Large, African mammal (8) 5 Chatty (9) 6 Bird of prey (5) 7 Compass bearing (4) 8 Male singing voice (5) 9 _ Keep Fallin’ on my Head, song (9) 10Father Christmas (5,5) 11 Our sun, for example (4) 12 US political party (10) 13 Male relative (6) 14 Madame T ussauds exhibits (8) 15 School bag (7) 16 Climbing equipment (6) Your answer:…

WIDE-LEG STYLE TIP With leg-lengthening powers, this elegant shape looks best teamed with a tucked-in top to show off the waist. SKINNY STYLE TIP This stretchy style is great for showing off your curves. Offset the figure-hugging shape and wear with oversized knits. MOM STYLE TIP With a high waist and a tapered leg, this retro cut is super flattering. Look to dark washes if you want a smarter finish. FROM £14 FLARE STYLE TIP Lean into the 70s aesthetic and team your flares with some heeled boots and a ruffle blouse.…

My partner Kenny handed me a pint of beer and sat opposite me in the pub. ‘Cheers, love,’ he grinned. I didn’t often get the chance to enjoy a lazy lunch date with Kenny, then 47. But it was April 2023, and I’d been feeling lost lately. I didn’t come from a very close-knit family, and never had kids, focusing more on work over the years. Sometimes I felt my life was a bit pointless. I’d been with Kenny for a year-and-a-half, and he knew how to cheer me up. So, with me having a few days off work as a school lollipop lady, he’d taken me to our local, Our Mutual Friend. Only, lifting the cold glass to my lips, I heard an almighty screech. ‘What was that?’ I…

Opening TikTok, my tummy flipped as the familiar face popped up on my phone. Mesmerised, I watched Amber, then 28, crack jokes, chatting about their life. It was February 2020, and I’d followed Amber’s account for a few weeks. Their love of ballet, their courage living with an eating disorder. I admired Amber from afar. While they lived in New Zealand, I was 13,500 miles away in Canada, working as a dental assistant. Then, in January 2021, I commented on one of Amber’s videos. Soon I was chatting to Amber during their live streams. ‘How’s your day going?’ I’d ask. My heart hammered whenever I got a reply. ‘We have dissociative identity disorder,’ Amber said during one stream, explaining that they had multiple identities, so referred to themselves as ‘we’.…

Teenage life is difficult enough. Especially at school. But for Farah, she had something even harder to cope with than popularity, hormones and exams. Because she suffered alopecia – and by 15, she’d lost all of her beautiful brunette hair. ‘Alopecia is an autoimmune disease and it just means my immune system attacks the hair follicles, which causes hair loss,’ says Farah. ‘I started losing my hair when I was about 8 years old. ‘I think it was at the back, it was only a small amount. ‘I only really started to notice and become upset by it once I went to secondary school, once the bullying started. ‘It was a lot more visible as well.’ At first, she went to great lengths to hide her condition from her school…

Roasted chicken and chorizo with sweet potatoes Thrifty chicken thighs get a smoky Spanish twist with this tasty traybake SERVES 6 PREP 15 MINS COOK 45 MINS ● 6 boneless chicken thighs ● 1-2tsp smoked paprika ● 3 red onions, cut into wedges ● 3 cloves garlic ● 300g chorizo, cut into chunks ● 3 sprigs rosemary, leaves removed ● 3 sweet potatoes, cut into chunks ● 2tbsp olive oil ● 250g cherry tomatoes ● 1 red pepper, cut into chunks ● 250g baby spinach leaves 1 Heat the oven to 180C Fan/ Gas 6. Put the chicken into a roasting tin. Season with salt, pepper and smoked paprika. 2 Scatter over onions, garlic, chorizo and rosemary. Add the sweet potato, drizzle with oil and season. Roast for 25-30 mins. 3…

PS… Lip Shine Lip Balm, £2, Primark Lip balm is a musthave for surviving the winter months. Chapped and sore lips are always a problem and this shine-enhancing lip balm is not only a bargain but also a lifesaver. Slather onto dry lips to nourish, soothe and plump, or apply over the top of your lipstick for both colour and care. E.l.f. Cosmetics Instant Lift Waterproof Brow Pencil, £4, elfcosmetics.co.uk Shape, fill and define your natural brows with this smudgeresistant and waterproof formula. The dual-ended pencil and spoolie duo offers a longlasting, highly pigmented finish that brings your eyebrows to life. The precision tip allows you to draw on natural-looking hairs and fill in gaps with ease. We love this grey colour but it also comes in five other shades.…

Chat winners issue 44 (2 Nov 2023) £1,001 CASH A Seed, Blackburn £500 CASH B Thomas, Walsall G Lowerson, Oxted £250 CASH T Trudgeon, Chippenham A Howden, Mirfield £200 CASH A McSweeney, Newton Aycliffe £100 CASH L Busuttil, Manchester W Edmunds, Mold M Zehtabi, Bristol £50 CASH B Pownall, Doncaster K Phillips, Darlington R Allsop, Thorne J Draper, St Helens G Jarvis, Luton L Kirton, Bridgend £40 CASH L Lenaghan, Salisbury £30 CASH C Leeming, Cleckheaton A Raven, Weston-super-Mare Anyone from your town in the list this week..? £25 CASH L Clover, Cambridge S Birkett, Doncaster £20 CASH E Harrison-Smith, Southampton R Richards, York R Cook, Hastings C Smith, Kettering R Wilson, Musselburgh S Burnard, Bude P Sunley, Reading J Wright, Leeds K Seal, Walsall B Reader, Sevenoaks M Orr,…