I moved to live near my sister and now she just uses me for childcare

DEAR DEIDRE: I DROPPED my busy life in London to be near my sister in Wales because her boyfriend was being abusive.

They’ve since split up but she doesn’t seem to be in the least bit grateful to me for moving to support her.

I’m a woman of 25 and my sister is 23. I’m struggling to fit in with her life as she’s very sociable.

She always palms her little boy off on to me.

I do love my sister and my nephew but it is all becoming a bit too much.

I gave up my job, my friends and my social life for her sake.

I’m new to the town and, as a lesbian, I feel as though I don’t fit in, yet I feel as though all I’ve done is no big deal to her.

DEIDRE SAYS:  Moving was a generous gesture but it sounds as though your sister has got through her crisis and no-one enjoys being expected to be grateful.

This doesn’t sound like the best environment for you.

Your sister has found her feet so say your moving was temporary and you’re making plans to move back.

My support pack Standing Up For Yourself will help you to get this over to her without it leading to a row.

To help widen your social circle, check out Meetup.com, “the world’s largest network of local groups”.