Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

The 5-Minute Interview: Denise Robertson, agony aunt

'If you're not happy, do something about it'

Elisa Bray
Tuesday 14 February 2006 01:00 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Denise Robertson, 71, the agony aunt on ITV's 'This Morning' is backing Flora's Spread the Love Week, a campaign to bring romance back to Valentine's Day

The state of romance and Valentine's Day today is ...

I went to buy a Valentine's card for my husband and they all had "to my husband" and "to my boyfriend". There's supposed to be an element of mystery; it's being spoilt. Everybody needs love.

A phrase I use far too often is ...

I'm a writer so I tend not to repeat myself. When life really gets on top, I say: "God, I wish I was dead." It upsets my husband. I have made a vow not to use it.

I wish people would take more notice of ...

Other people's feelings. There is not only a lot of bullying in schools, but a lot of workplace bullying. A lot is simply thoughtlessness.

The most surprising thing that ever happened to me was ...

Falling in love three times, especially the last time when I was widowed 10 years ago. Then I fell head over heels in love with my childhood sweetheart whom I hadn't seen for 43 years. I was twice widowed, but I'm very conscious that I'm lucky.

A common misperception of me is ...

That I'm commonsensical. I'm good with other people's problems, but my own life is a bit scatty.

In a nutshell, my philosophy is this:

We are meant to be happy. If you're not happy, do something about it.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in