Dear Janice, I have been online dating for a while now and I’m ready to pack it in.

Don’t get me wrong, some of my dates were potentially promising, but for the usual reasons, distance, age, no spark etc, there wasn’t a match.

However, I was messaging back and forth for three weeks with a lovely lady and it felt like we had a lot in common. We laughed at the same jokes, had similar values, likes and dislikes.

As a result, we finally agreed to meet up at a local park, and for the first time in a long time I was lost for word. You see, she was in a mobility scooter!

My face must have said it all, but the shock just took me by surprise. We went for a coffee and there was a giant elephant in the room. She never mentioned her scooter and neither did I.

We left and never contacted each other again. I did like her, but it bothered me that she didn’t mention something that was clearly a huge part of her life.

Should I apologise and plan another date or just leave things as they are? Paul.

Dear Paul, there is no definitive answer to this one. When applying for a job you do not have to declare your age, sexuality, parenthood, disability etc, so likewise, should she have mentioned this prior to your meet up? That’s the big question. Some would say yes, and that it’s only fair you were aware of such details about this lady prior to your date.

But some would argue that this might have influenced your decision to meet because you had already pre-judge her before you had even said hello.

Perhaps you would have put more importance on her disability than her ability, and perhaps you wouldn’t even have gone on a date. And……. perhaps more importantly, she didn’t even see it as an issue worth raising. You said despite your initial shock you liked her, so ask her out again.

However ... perhaps she didn’t like you!

Dear Janice, my 15-year-old daughter occasionally brings her school friend home for lunch or dinner. She is a lovely girl, and I am pleased they are friends.

The only thing is that her parents are strict vegan and insists that she is vegan too.

I totally respect their decision, but when I offer her what we are eating, she jumps at the chance. I made beef lasagne the other day and she couldn’t get enough of it.

She is very thin and gaunt and doesn’t take any supplements and I worry that she is deficient of the nutrients she must need.

I also am worried that if her parents find out that I have been feeding her food they are opposed to, they will stop her coming to my house and this would upset my daughter.

Feed her. Don’t feed her. Confess to her parents. I just don’t know what to do. Kirsteen.

Dear Kirsteen, personally I believe a 15-years-old has the right to choose what they want to eat. But it may not be that simple.

Her parents have decided to enforce this decision on their daughter, whether it’s because they are controlling, or because they believe it to be in her best interest, only they will know.

Why don’t you ask her mum round for a coffee and a chat and bring up the subject of your young daughters, what they like and dislike and see how the conversation goes?

You can mention that her daughter looks pale and tired and gauge her reaction. Find out what other choices she is allowed to make, or are they all made for her?

I’m afraid if they are making all her decision then there is very little you can do except keep an eye on her and hope that one day she will spread her wings and find herself in a position that allows her to make her own choices.

Dear Janice, one of the couples in our group of friends recently split up. They were always at each other’s throat which made for an uneasy and awkward atmosphere.

However, he has found himself a new partner and assumes he can bring her along to our next night out. The trouble is his wife confirmed she is coming too but doesn’t know about her husband’s new lady. We don’t want to take sides, but they are a volatile pair and we don’t want any trouble, or to have to take sides if things kick off. Audrey.

Dear Audrey. Best to get ahead of the game with this one. These people are your friends and part of your group, so the kindest thing to do is speak to them individually. Although it’s perhaps something you are reluctant to do, one of you should have a quiet word with the wife and update her on her husband’s situation.

Similarly, someone needs to have an honest

chat with the husband and explain that

you all feel it is insensitive at this

early stage for him to bring a new partner into the group.