It can be a mistake to guess how people will react to ‘shocking’ news. With sensitivity, time and love, many hurdles can be overcome

• Every week Annalisa Barbieri addresses a relationship problem sent in by a reader

About 10 months ago my 27-year-old daughter came out as gay. This was a surprise as she had previously only dated men but we have adjusted to the change and fully support her lifestyle choice as long as she is happy. She has a girlfriend who we have met many times and they have a close relationship.

My daughter’s friends and family are all aware of her new relationship – but she has not told her elderly grandmother (my mother) as we are all concerned about her reaction. My mother comes from a very bigoted family and although she does try to “move with the times”, I do fear that hearing the news about my daughter will stress her so much that it will affect her health.