scotslass

I cannot imagine ever laughing at anything before a smear. Congratulations. What a tragic waste.

I think you're the one who needs support and sympathy - you shouldn't be feeling you're not "ready" for the things he wants...it's enough that you don't want them now. He has no right to make you feel guilty, or responsible for catering to his "needs", either. That's his problem, and he has to deal with it. Seriously, try to get some proper therapeutic support - your situation sounds pretty serious to me. I think you need to look at learning how to care for yourself, before you worry about caring for another adult. Think about whether your own needs are being met in this relationship - at the moment it sounds as though the emphasis is on your OH's. You are entitled to feel safe, free, and cherished - and above all, you should be able to be yourself - and that includes the right to change your mind about things you want to take part in.

Absolutely. What an advertising opportunity they missed there. I thought the images jarred - the dog alone in the snow, and yet the child is taking it a Christmas present, before wandering back into the warm house. Either the dog is an outdoor dog with no need for home comforts (even Christmas treats) or it's a family pet. Seems John Lewis couldn't decide. I know the attitudes of some country people, especially towards dogs seen as working types...however, they tend not to live in John Lewis land.

The man's deluded. Who on earth is enjoying this? Do they find clowns and custard pies entertaining too? Anyway, I though Kara was brilliant, and Scott too. They can dance - and that is entertaining.

Glad all is well. Hope the sickness passes and that you enjoy the rest of your pregnancy.

I have a friend who does lots of exercise classes and Zumba is her favourite - it's great fun, and you hardly know you're exercising, apparently. I like the sound of that.

And here's another version...(can't hear the music, and it looks a bit more basic)

well, here's one version...

There's something unique about losing your mother - you've become an orphan, no matter what age you are, and it feels horrible. No-one else will ever feel the same way about you, no-one else will ever think of you as her baby. I didn't get on with my mother - I found her distant and harsh and she criticised me all my life...but still, when she died, in my arms at my home, I was bereft - drugs had softened her in her latter months and I caught a glimpse of the mother she might have been. It broke my heart, but I did my best to make those days matter. You've had a Mama who cherished you all her days - why wouldn't you feel absolutely shattered? I think the busy-ness around the funeral time keeps you going...it's the weeks after, when the horrible reality hits home. When my mother finally died, I had a few days where I felt weirdly up-beat - almost relieved - and then...well, I rather lost the plot. I made a mess of my life for a year or so and it took me some time to get things back on track. And I was 52!! Be kind to yourself - don't let people tell you that it's time you were over it - in one sense you will never get over it. Gradually, you'll absorb the essence of your mother - her love and all the things she meant to you - and you'll hold her in your heart.

I agree. I also think it does no good to demonise certain sections of society, as if all the unemployed are "workshy" and all those on sickness benefits are "playing the system", while the rest of us - including highly paid MPs - are beyond reproach. This country is in a mess but we're not going to sort it out by forcing people (and how do we intend to force them?) to work for four weeks at something they resent. That isn't educational, an encouragement or an incentive - it's punitive, though what this government hopes to achieve is unclear. It's the kind of thing angry tabloid-readers might suggest, not our political leaders. Do they really imagine that the lives of those who really do not want to work (and I accept they exist) will be transformed? That four weeks' miserable labour will give them something to aspire to? All this will do is further divide the people of this country - and that's the last thing we need.

It's Jimi Mistry, actor. I certainly didn't think he deserved to go, compared to some. I don't see it as ageist at all. As I've said, she's younger than me - but she is dreadfully overweight, unfit and has no sense of rhythm - so she ain't ever gonna make a dancer. It's not her age, I don't think - it's her total lack of ability.

What lovely news. I don't know what age you are, but I know several late-30s women having their first babies. (One is my daughter-in-law. ) And one woman I know had her first two years ago at 40, and is now expecting her second, at 42. I wish you a happy, healthy pregnancy.

I agree with Merledogs. It's way beyond a joke; I never found Widdecombe entertaining and the fact that she hasn't bowed out just proves she has no dignity. I still wonder if she doesn't realise how truly awful she is.

That's so refreshing to hear. I sometimes wonder why people have children - all you hear is "thank god the holidays are over". I used to hate the end of the school holidays too - I preferred having my children around. Oh, and by the way, teenagers (boys too) are never as cocky and independent as they act. They need as much attention and reassurance as toddlers - it's just harder with older kids because they won't always let you hug them better. I shouldn't laugh, because your childhood sounds sad...but you certainly have a way with words

I've had to stop watching the show - I catch up on Youtube later, so I can edit my viewing. I have just discovered to my horror that I'm older than Ann Widdecombe. I don't know anyone among my friends who is so unfit or ungainly - weight issues and lack of fitness aside, she has zilch sense of rhythm. Has she never danced in her life?? It's horrible to watch, and I'm not convinced she knows how bad she is.

I'm sorry to hear that. Hope she recovers quickly and gets back to normal.

Poor neglected boy....

I think that's a very positive approach. I have an elderly neighbour up north who catalogues every miserable/gloomy/depressing incident in her life - and frequently, in her friends' lives. As she is now 90, this means she always has something to feel unhappy about...this, despite a supportive family, good friends and reliable neighbours. She's just a negative person - I've known her for 30 years and she's never been the sort to see the best in people or situations. She thinks the world is going to pot, she hates the way society is changing, she doesn't like animals or small children - nothing seems to bring her joy. I dread visiting her; it's a litany of dismal anniversaries. They don't. There are things on your list which other people wouldn't dream of doing - I suspect your busy life is not the norm. I joined Facebook too - mostly to share photos with my extended family - but it's often another source of misery and negativity. There are Facebook users whose posts I dread reading; they're so negative about everyone and everything. I'd rather walk my dog, read my books and talk to people who find things to laugh about - life is hard enough.

Well done, Lush. Let's hope this campaign raises public awareness of the horrors these poor dogs face on the track. Lovely dogs.

Thinking of you and your mum, Jazz.

Brilliant!

Thinking of your mum and hoping for good news. The shoes aren't for his benefit, then?

No one - civilian or otherwise - should have to live under those conditions on a daily basis. I don't think war achieves much these days, and I'm not convinced that most people understand what's going on, either. Just imagine trying to bring up a young family, with armed soldiers around, and the ever-present danger of mines and explosives. My father was a Commando in WW2 - he fought other young men because he thought he was doing the right thing, but most of all, because he had no choice. Other people - men with education and power - made decisions about his life, and unlike many of his young comrades, he survived. He said that if my brothers ever joined up, his heart would break - he saw nothing noble about war and the destruction of young lives on all sides. I feel the same.

Matt was excellent, liked Scott, thought Pamela did very well - though I can't stand her - but Felicity Kendall was a disappointment. Very fit, but far too stiff. Maybe she'll relax as the series progresses, but I expected more.