Coleen says

SHE might be having a little life crisis. These can happen at all stages and I don’t think it’s that unusual at your mum’s age.

Her husband is no longer here, she’s just hit her 70s, she might be thinking about her own mortality and be worried about what she’s going to do with the rest of her life.

Sit with her and ask what worries her.

Tell her you’re missing the fantastic, enthusiastic person who used to love life and you’re wondering why she’s lost her mojo.

And maybe encourage her to do things with you rather than on her own to help get her out of her current rut and start enjoying life more – days out or a weekend away, for example.

She might just need someone to come along and distract her from the day-to-day and remind her of what a great person she is and that there’s still plenty to enjoy.

I READ with interest the letter about workplace bullying (Dear Coleen, Nov 30). I myself had to leave two jobs due to being bullied.

I walked away from one because I was the new girl. The other, I fought up to tribunal stage.

Neither option was easy and, in my experience, other staff members are reluctant to stand up for you for fear of offending the boss.

I’d suggest your reader writes to HR and copies in the head of the company, saying she sees no other option but to leave.

If they value her, they should do something about it. But she must be prepared to leave, as they might not help. I wish her lots of luck.

Sue Davis, by email