Dear Gloria

is a mum of three and Gloria Hunniford She’s been divorced, grandmother of 10. to deal with the loss remarried and learned she Rip Off Britain, on of her daughter and, In her own words, battles consumer issues. ask Gloria anything… she’s ‘lived a lot’. So

I’ve worked at the same company for more than 20 years, and I have always felt valued. But a few months ago, a new younger colleague joined the team. At first, her feisty nature was great, but now her confidence has started to verge on arrogance. I feel she looks down her nose at me. Whether she means it or not, she’s very blunt and patronising. She says things like, ‘At your age...’

and I don’t want others to think I’m jealous of her youth if I bring it up, but it’s starting to upset me.

Deirdre, East Sussex

Don’t feel pushed out at work – be proud of all the experience you’ve gained, and continue to put a value on yourself. I worked in a very young industry and used to think to myself, ‘My young researchers could be my children.’ Now they could be my

grandchildren! But in the back of my mind, experience, knowledge and credibility always count. Ignore comments like, ‘At your age,’ be proud of what you’ve achieved, and are still achieving.