Redundant Midlife

Advice and guidance from our life coach

Father Christmas is fat, grey and old. I’m exactly the same, and yet no one wants me in their house at Christmas. What can I do?

December 4, 2021 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

Everyone loves Father Christmas. People invite him into their houses with offers of mince pies and wine, think he’s cute and in some instances sit

My work suit no longer fits, and my birthday suit isn’t what it was. What can I do before I return to the office?

April 27, 2021 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

During lockdown my body shape has changed. Even my birthday suit no longer fits me like it did, and sags in all the wrong places. Now I’m being asked to go back out into the world and return to the office. What can I do to squeeze some extra years of life from my suit collection and save myself the embarrassment?

I have been offered a promotion at work but it could mean sacrificing my friends. Should I take it?

March 8, 2021 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

I have been offered a promotion at work, but it will mean spending more hours tied to the desk and less time focusing on my friends. How do I make the decision to take the promotion or not?

I’m so stressed with lockdown and Covid-19, I’m literally tearing my hair out. What can I do?

December 26, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

Stressed with lockdown and tearing your middle aged hair out? Read how you could help yourself turn to a happier, calmer you and keep that full head of hair

Can I skip giving cards and presents this year and just post a Christmas message on social media, or is that rude?

December 16, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

Being in lockdown means I’m not likely to see many of my friends over the Christmas period. I usually buy them a small gift and get the a card. Do you think it’s OK just to send a generic Christmas message on social media this year? It would save me both time and money, and I won’t be there to see the disappointment on people’s faces.

I have become a grumpy old man. How can I get back to being the thigh slapping, fun guy I used to be?

August 1, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

I used to be a happy go lucky sort of person that laughed a lot. Now I’ve become a grumpy old man who rants about people, things and life in general. I’ve noticed that people who used to hang around with me are hiding away. I worry that even post lockdown I’ll still be alone in a room, reading the Racing Post and shouting at the TV. How can I become fun again?

I hate queuing. I don’t like following directions and I use cash. How will I cope with social distancing shopping?

June 24, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

Social distancing shopping is my worst nightmare. Queuing, following a set route, being nice to people, it all makes my blood boil. What should I do? Go out or shop online?

Social distancing relaxation means friends are now coming to my house. Should I clean it before they arrive?

June 10, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

Since lockdown I have taken the opportunity not to clean my house. Now with social distancing relaxation, all of a sudden 5 friends want to visit my garden. This means they’ll need to walk through my house and maybe even use my toilet. Should I clean before they arrive, or leave them bleach and wipes to save myself a job?

Since lockdown I have been ghosting people I don’t like. How should I deal with seeing them again?

May 24, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

When lockdown started I began ghosting people i didn’t like. When they’re relaxing lockdown, should I go back to being smiley and pleasant when I see them, or continue to cut them out of my life?

I have to decide who to have in my Coronavirus social bubble. Do you think my family would mind if they’re not in it?

May 10, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

As social distancing relaxes, we’re now being asked to consider setting up a Coronavirus social bubble with other people. I’m quite excited by the options of who I could choose. However I’m a bit bored of my family after six weeks, so I’m wondering whether I should ditch them and bubble with some different people?

I’m thinking of coming out. I’m not sure as what, but I feel it could do wonders for my profile. Should I do it?

April 30, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

I am thinking of coming out but am not sure what it is I want to expose. I have spent years being overlooked and hiding in the shadows. What can I do?

I have seeds that need planting and no compost. Should I drive miles to buy some, and break lockdown rules?

April 9, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

I have heard about this Coronavirus thingy, and lockdown rules. However, I have a whole load of Marigold seeds that need planting. Can I drive to the shop to buy compost?

I am in Coronavirus lockdown with my family. This severely restricts my usual activities. How do I stop getting grumpy?

March 22, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

Now we are in Coronavirus lockdown my family is interfering with my normal activities. What should I do to remain sane as I can no longer do what I want?

Coronavirus panic buying made me a raging madman. Now I feel guilty. How can I make amends?

March 20, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

Coronavirus panic buying made me a madman and a fool. Now I feel guilty, how can I make amends?

My wife says I have a snoring problem and is threatening to kick me out of bed. What should I do?

February 18, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

My wife says I have a snoring problem and is threatening to kick me out of bed. Things you can do to deal with the situation.

I’ve been learning the guitar and now dream of being a rock star. Am I too old to rock n’roll?

January 17, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

Being a rock star worries me. I’m just a tad over 50 and play a bit of guitar. I am thinking of putting some of

I’m fat from too many Christmas mince pies and alcohol. Should I do a dry January to improve my health or is it a waste of time?

January 9, 2020 Aunt Marvin Ask Marvin

I have eaten and drunk to excess over the Christmas period, and am now having trouble squeezing back into my suit. I need to lose a couple of pounds, and am surrounded by people talking about dry or “damp” Januaries. Should I join this sober party, or continue with my life of excess?

Category: Ask Marvin