If smacking worked, then life would be simple - people would just be beaten until they behaved

VIRGINIA'S ADVICE

No one's invited Deborah to join them for a Millennium Night celebration, and she can't bear it. She can't have her own party, because all her friends have now made plans and are going out. What should she do?

Ten years ago Greg had a love-affair, and his wife left. She then returned , but constantly made him feel guilty. Now she's admitted to a meaningless one-night stand when on her own. He's furious and wants to leave, but loves his daughter. What should he do?

Cathy's met a keen 12-year-old clarinettist who says she can't go abroad with the school orchestra because her instrument is so bad. Cathy wants to give her a new one, but she knows that the girl's parents, whom she hasn't met, are, though poor, very proud. What can she do?

RECENTLY I went to the doctor. It turned out to be a disapproving French locum. Not only did he tell me that I must never take Nurofen Plus again (fat chance; I'm convinced they contain all the nutrients for a healthy life, and take at least two daily), but he gave me a prescription for precisely one pill. One pill! Golly, I felt cheated. Because there's one thing I do like, and that's my pills.

Helen, who is newly divorced, has met other single women through Sally, a friend and young widow, who lives quite far away. Helen's become friendly with one, Ann, who lives close by, but Sally's upset and says she shouldn't see Ann without going through her. Helen doesn't want to lose either friendship

A widow, June, has married a 63-year-old `upper-crust' widower, who's generous and loving. But whereas she tells him all about her finances, he's too embarrassed to reveal his. Why? And what should she do about it, because she wants to know what the future may hold?

When Annabel's apparently nice neighbour invaded her garden, and tore down branches and ivy, they agreed he'd consult her in future. Four years later he's done the same, and cut down a tree. Police will prosecute if she wants; a solicitor says she could claim damages. She doesn't want a row. What should she do next?

Graham's called his first baby Clementina after his mother, who died the day the child was born. Now his best friends are to call their new baby Clementina too - after an aunt. When he objects, they virtually say, `Like it or lump it. There's no copyright on names'. Is he silly to feel hurt?