‘FAMILY SHOULD BE THE PEOPLE YOU CAN TRUST’

Woman’s agony aunt Suzie Hayman says, ‘Just because you’re related doesn’t mean you have to get on. And family can be just as toxic as anyone else. I tend to believe that when people are hurtful, difficult or even malicious it’s always for a sad reason – something in their past or present pushes them that way. But it’s not your job to be their therapist, or their punchbag.

‘It’s harder to decide to break away from family than it is from friends or acquaintances since family should be the people you can trust and turn to. So it can feel especially painful to come to the realisation that contact with them is doing you no good, and never will. There are times, however, when it can be the only thing to do. Look after yourself and those who are important and kind to you, and make the cut if you need to.’