SUZIE HAYMAN AND SUSAN QUILLIAM CAN HELP
Help! I’m worried I smell ‘down below’
Q My first boyfriend said I smelt really bad ‘down there’ and that was why he wouldn’t give me oral sex. My husband said he loved my odour but, by that time, I was too wary to let him near me in that way. Since divorcing, I can’t stop thinking about how bad I may smell, so I haven’t dared to enter a new relationship. I think I’m talking myself into being single for life.
SUSAN SAYS
A I’m so sorry your first boyfriend criticised your odour in the cruel way he did. But given your husband loved your smell, there was probably nothing wrong then and there won’t be anything wrong that will put men off when you start dating again. Get a check-up to make sure you don’t have an infection, which can alter your vaginal smell. But given the all-clear, relax – and start saying ‘yes’ to oral sex!
He’s a different child
Q My eight-year-old grandson has always been such a sunny, kind child. But the last few visits have been a nightmare – he’s a different child! He’s aggressive, foul mouthed and not only pinched his baby brother but hit me. I know he’s had a lot to deal with. His dad was a bit ‘free with his fists’ and left them a while ago when his brother was born. But surely that can’t entirely explain such a change?
SUZIE SAYS
A Unfortunately, it can. He has a man hit out when upset, then the dad he loves in spite of this behaviour abandons him. And he probably blames his brother because, after all, Dad left when he came along. It’s not his fault and what he needs is understanding and care. Encourage his mum to speak to the school and their GP to make a referral for support – both individual and family therapy. No blame is attached, it will just be the help you all need.
The weekend was ruined
Q I went on a weekend break with some old friends and one new one, who I offered to share with. I wish I hadn’t! She said I should join her for a run before dinner on the first night. I told her I wouldn’t be able to keep up, and joined the others for a drink. The next day she made a string of disparaging comments about my fitness,
