Posts By: Barb Godin

Barb Godin

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—The Family Dynamic

Dear Barb: I hope you can help me with my problem.  I grew up in a very dysfunctional family, where everyone was arguing, fighting, not speaking for years, holding grudges, the whole gambit.  About 20 years ago I decided to try to change things and bring my family together.  Initially it seemed some of the… Read more »

Dear Barb—Moving In

Dear Barb: Hi, my boyfriend and I have been dating for four years and we moved in together three months ago.  We got along great while we were dating, but not so much now.  We seem to argue a lot more about finances—I am a saver and he is a spender.  When we were dating… Read more »

Dear Barb—Life-Long Decisions

Dear Barb: My boyfriend and I have been dating for four months.  We get along great and have lots of common interests.  I was even thinking he may be the one for me.  All that changed last week when we learned his ex-girlfriend is two months pregnant and he is the father.  I was devastated… Read more »

Dear Barb—Last Visits

Dear Barb: My sister-in-law has just been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer and only has weeks left to live.  The dilemma I am having is whether I should try to see her before she passes.  She has always lived a couple of hours away and has not been close to her family.  My husband—her… Read more »

Dear Barb—A Family Business

Dear Barb: I just started a new job that I am enjoying.  My cousin knew the boss and got me in.  The problem is I do not like my direct supervisor, who happens to be the boss’s son.  I have been trying my best to get along with him, but we just seem to butt… Read more »

Dear Barb—After COVID

Dear Barb: Well, it looks like the pandemic is coming to an end.  I am finally looking forward to the future, although my mom does not share my view.  She has health issues, so has been quite isolated in her home for over a year.  She still won’t leave her home for fear of catching… Read more »

Dear Barb—The Less Things Change

Dear Barb: Hi, I have been working at the same place for over twenty years and I am so burnt out.  I need a change, but I am so fearful of making such a big move.  What if I don’t like the new job, or I don’t get along with my coworkers.  My husband is… Read more »

Dear Barb—Dating on the Line

Dear Barb: I was in a long-term relationship and, unfortunately, it ended last year.  Since then I have been trying to meet people online and it doesn’t seem to be working for me.  I have been on a lot of dating sites and been chatting with a few guys.  The messaging seems good for a… Read more »

Dear Barb—Grudges

Dear Barb: I am from a large family, and we have experienced a lot of dysfunction and estrangement between family members.  Many of my immediate family members hold grudges and don’t speak to each other for years at a time.  Cousins, siblings, even grandparents have been estranged.  I don’t understand why people act like this. … Read more »

Dear Barb—Camping Conundrum

Dear Barb: My family has been anxiously waiting to go camping.  Twice our reservations were cancelled, but we finally got to go last weekend.  We always go to provincial parks; we like the natural settings and the peacefulness of nature.  Unfortunately, we didn’t experience any of that last weekend.  For one thing the gypsy moths… Read more »