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'I was so angry at my husband when he took his own life, but I’ll always blame myself’

'I was so angry at my husband when he took his own life, but I’ll always blame myself’

31 December 2023

In a heart-wrenchingly honest account, Melissa Todd describes the visceral shock, guilt and fury she felt in the aftermath of her husband’s suicide.

18
‘We imprison more of our population than anywhere in Europe – but I don't feel safer’

‘We imprison more of our population than anywhere in Europe – but I don't feel safer’

15 December 2023

After a trip to a justice museum, Melissa Todd considers the value of imprisonment – which often means so much more than just a loss of liberty.

21
'Eating meat is natural? So is syphillis, tsunamis, volcanoes and smallpox – nature is often ghastly’

'Eating meat is natural? So is syphillis, tsunamis, volcanoes and smallpox – nature is often ghastly’

24 November 2023

There’s talk of adding warning labels to meat, but Melissa Todd doubts the prospect of death and destruction will win against the smell of bacon...

76
'Eight hours for urgent care? Under-funding NHS will cost more in the long-run'

'Eight hours for urgent care? Under-funding NHS will cost more in the long-run'

03 November 2023

After her friend was forced to wait eight hours for treatment after a nasty accident, Melissa Todd considers the wider impact of our under-funded NHS.

53
‘Revelling in government-sanctioned swear-fests after speed awareness course’

‘Revelling in government-sanctioned swear-fests after speed awareness course’

20 October 2023

This week, columnist Melissa Todd learns about road safety – via Zoom – after a lapse in concentration earned her a place on a speed awareness course.

15
‘Withdrawing treatment for people with anorexia makes their lives seem worthless’

‘Withdrawing treatment for people with anorexia makes their lives seem worthless’

06 October 2023

As treatment for people with anorexia is quietly withdrawn, Melissa Todd questions the humanity of allowing treatable patients to “starve to death”.

8
‘Banks claim they’ll help anyone struggling, but make it so difficult that people give up’

‘Banks claim they’ll help anyone struggling, but make it so difficult that people give up’

22 September 2023

With many struggling to make ends meet, columnist Melissa Todd discovers the ‘help’ promised by banks isn’t as forthcoming as they’d have you believe.

4
‘Loss of my beloved cat reminds me we need death to give life value’

‘Loss of my beloved cat reminds me we need death to give life value’

25 August 2023

After suffering another unbearable loss, columnist Melissa Todd is reminded of the frailty of life and importance of savouring every moment.

2
‘What happened when I went toe to toe with anti-feminist dubbed the female Andrew Tate’

‘What happened when I went toe to toe with anti-feminist dubbed the female Andrew Tate’

11 August 2023

Do men have to work harder than ever to get lower-value women? Here’s what happened when Melissa Todd sparred with controversial YouTuber Pearl Davis.

28
‘What is it about men in frocks that’s considered so harmful to children’s morals?’

‘What is it about men in frocks that’s considered so harmful to children’s morals?’

21 July 2023

Columnist Melissa Todd questions our “weird obsession” with identity after a mixed reaction from the public during a gender-bending photoshoot...

50
Hosepipe bans, sea pollution and bill rises: Why water firms’ ‘farcical mismanagement’ is beyond a joke

Hosepipe bans, sea pollution and bill rises: Why water firms’ ‘farcical mismanagement’ is beyond a joke

07 July 2023

Columnist Melissa Todd takes aim at water companies overseeing interrupted supplies, sea pollution and hosepipe bans – all while hiking our bills.

14
‘Agency staff treated worse than animals – middle class people wouldn’t accept these conditions’

‘Agency staff treated worse than animals – middle class people wouldn’t accept these conditions’

23 June 2023

Columnist Melissa Todd reflects on the reality of being working class after her friend’s appalling treatment by an unscrupulous employment agency.

20
‘Worst thing about disability not the restrictions – but the ignorance and abuse’

‘Worst thing about disability not the restrictions – but the ignorance and abuse’

09 June 2023

Columnist Melissa Todd uncovers the lack of understanding – and even rage-filled abuse – faced by people living with hidden disabilities.

11
‘I’ve been signed by an agent! But why do I feel such a terrified fraudster?’

‘I’ve been signed by an agent! But why do I feel such a terrified fraudster?’

02 June 2023

KentOnline columnist and dominatrix Melissa Todd reveals her joy at being signed by a literary agent – and subsequent feelings of imposter syndrome.

4
'How I escaped the civilisation of Westwood Cross'

'How I escaped the civilisation of Westwood Cross'

09 January 2023

Columnist Melissa Todd is playing with pain for pleasure this year and escaping civilisation, well, Westwood Cross.

8
'Delight in discomfort of strikes – it's making privileged sweat'

'Delight in discomfort of strikes – it's making privileged sweat'

19 December 2022

Columnist Melissa Todd says if the government doesn't listen to striking workers people could die.

94
'Perfections are dull - imperfections make women beautiful'

'Perfections are dull - imperfections make women beautiful'

12 December 2022

Columnist Melissa Todd takes part in a photo shoot.

2
'Loneliness could kill but chat with me won't help'

'Loneliness could kill but chat with me won't help'

05 December 2022

Columnist Melissa Todd has a conundrum, lonely people keep trying to talk to her and it's the last thing she wants.

14
'Opioid crisis wouldn't be such an issue if US drank tea properly'

'Opioid crisis wouldn't be such an issue if US drank tea properly'

28 November 2022

On her travels in the US columnist Melissa Todd was offered every pill under the sun but couldn't find a humble pot of tea.

10
'I went to Oxford with Liz Truss - now she's PM and I'm a sex worker'

'I went to Oxford with Liz Truss - now she's PM and I'm a sex worker'

05 October 2022

A sex worker and dominatrix who went to university with Prime Minister Liz Truss reflects on how their lives took very different paths.

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