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Amanda (Lucy Punch) and her toxic mother Felicity (Joanna Lumley) in Amandaland.

Being jealous of your daughter is natural, Joanna Lumley says. But it goes deeper

There comes an age when mothers look at their daughters with a complicated cocktail of pride and something that feels like “I wish I was you”. 

  • Kate Halfpenny

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At 65, I got to return to active parenting when caring for my adult daughter.

At 65, I thought my active parenting days were over. Then came a trip to Thailand with my daughter

In those first few days of recovery, as she lay in hospital, I remembered what it was like when she was small – the way time seems to stop when your child needs you.

  • Lesley Podesta
Pedestrians seemingly no longer keep to the left.

Dear fellow pedestrians, keep to the left, you drongos

Visitors are already warned that while it’s not a crime to walk on the right, people will think you’re an idiot. The warnings aren’t working.

  • Claire Heaney
Author David Sedaris has been touring Australia this month.

Once my favourite author, David Sedaris has become a first-class prat

I thought it would be impossible for a writer who revels in shock value to get me offside, but then he started talking about wealth.

  • Annemarie Fleming
Genevieve Novak wonders about the impact of catching glimpses of unsuitable films when she was a child.

How to apply the principles of moving house to the rest of your life

If only you could sort everything else into “keep, donate, toss” piles.

  • Genevieve Novak
Yarraville has changed enormously over the past 30 years, rising from the shadow of its industrial past to become one of the more sought after inner west addresses.

My suburb is known as the Elwood of the west, but it’s actually better (apart from the stench)

On warm summer evenings, when the streets are full of punters, you can understand why it was named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world.

  • John Weldon
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Dating needn’t be about finding Mr Right, it can be a way to learn about yourself.

I dated a dozen guys last year. It didn’t work out but I have no complaints

Gen Z may be the lonely generation but I’ve found valuable experiences by putting aside my shame and signing up for online dating.

  • Lucia Frazzetto
Sunny Leunig (right), with his brother and father, Michael Leunig.

Michael Leunig was my father. He didn’t want a state funeral, but he didn’t deserve to be ignored

Dad’s work meant a great deal to a great many people. It seems appropriate that his contribution be recognised by the government.

  • Sunny Leunig

My Catholicism lapsed long ago, so why can’t I let go of the relics?

Sometimes logic doesn’t explain the hidden feelings and belief systems we carry in our hearts, or the sentiment we ascribe to certain items.

  • Caroline Zielinski
Women’s birth plans have become increasingly elaborate in recent years.

Looking back, my birth plan was delusional. I wouldn’t change a thing

When I went into labour, I wasn’t cracking jokes in the delivery suite. But now, I recognise absurd mirth in the day, and in the expectations I held for how it would go.

  • Wendy Syfret

Original URL: https://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/topic/real-life-614