Barbara Godin is a graduate of Athabasca University. She writes the “”Dear Barb” and the “Women of Interest” columns. As well, Barb has written many personal interest stories and enjoys connecting with others through her writing. She has been writing for The Voice since 2003.
If you enjoy reading Dear Barb, you can also purchase her curated collection, Dear Barb: Answers to Everyday Questions at her website, http://www.barbgodin.com.
Dear Barb: I began my first year of college in September. I am about halfway through my first semester, and I’m finding it very difficult. Not just the studies, but financially I am having a hard time budgeting my money. I applied for and got student loans and grants, plus my parents gave me a… Read more »
Dear Barb: I have been in a serious relationship for two years. The problem is, I am beginning to wonder if this is an unhealthy relationship. Most of the time I feel anxious because it seems my boyfriend doesn’t trust me. My mom has noticed a difference in me since Jay and I moved in… Read more »
Dear Barb: Hi, I am a man in my fifties who recently lost my wife to cancer. We were married for 25 years and have three adult children who are on their own. Our marriage was happy, having all the normal ups and downs that most marriages have. My wife has been gone for almost… Read more »
Dear Barb: I am a student in my early twenties. My mother was a single mom. After my dad moved out mom never remarried, but she had lots of relationships and live-in boyfriends. I don’t doubt that she loved me, but she was a partier. Our house was always filled with people, and I felt… Read more »
Dear Barb: Hi, I have been reading your column since my mom started taking courses at AU. I am only 16 years old, but I think I have a problem. I have tried to talk to my mom about it and she says I am worrying too much and that I am just shy, but… Read more »
Dear Barb: My fifteen-year-old son is going to be a father again! Three months ago his 15 year old girlfriend (at the time) gave birth to a baby girl. I am a grandmother at 35, not what I planned for my life, or my sons’ life. In fact, I am almost finished my degree at… Read more »
Dear Barb: I am 22 years old and have been married for two years. I met my husband when I was fifteen and we dated five years before marrying. He was the most wonderful boyfriend. We got along great, and I always knew I would marry him and have a family. But now I am… Read more »
Dear Barb: Hi, I have just moved from a small town in south-western Ontario to downtown Toronto. Wow, what a change! I am finding life very hectic and stressful. I have stopped driving to work; I couldn’t deal with all the stressed-out drivers rushing here and there. And the cost of parking is crazy. Public… Read more »
Dear Barb: Hi, I enjoy reading your column every week, but I have not seen my problem yet, so I thought I would write, as it may help someone else. I grew up as the oldest daughter in a family of four. My parents separated when I was nine and we rarely see my dad. … Read more »
Dear Barb: My parents divorced when I was ten. My dad remarried but my mom never did. It was a nasty divorce, and my parents remained enemies throughout my life. My mother has become extremely bitter and angry towards men in general. She had a few relationships but nothing lasting. Now she is just a… Read more »