Maggie says

Wait until your mum comes home and see if the holiday has helped her get her confidence back.

It sounds as if she has lost her belief in her own competence to cope with new situations.

It’s not unusual as people age for them to become less sure of their ability to cope with challenges which they once would have taken in their stride.

Clearly the mum you knew was a strong woman who had a long marriage, raised her family, held down a good job.

Dear Maggie

We live in a three-bedroomed semi-detached villa with a lovely garden which we’ve spent a lot of time working on to get it the way we wanted it to be. We have good neighbours, and our two children are happy at their local school.

But my husband took my breath away recently when he declared it was time for a move. I can’t understand why. When I talk to him about, it he just says he thinks it’s a good idea.