1. Read Frances Whiting’s column for the Courier-Mail about her childhood and her appreciation for her mother: http://www.couriermail.com.au/news/opinion-thanks-for-always-being-there-for-me-mum/story-e6frerdf-1226437571360. How does Whiting’s relationship with her mother compare to Lulu’s? How does her childhood compare? How has time caused their respective relationships to grow or change?
2. Write a letter to your first love. Where do you think he, she, or it is now? How have they changed in your eyes? How do you think you’ve changed in theirs? Discuss your emotions and any new revelations that arise.
3. Imagine you’re writing a column, much like Frances Whiting, and young, heartbroken Lulu de Longland has written in to ask for your advice: she’s just discovered that the love of her life and her best friend have been having an affair behind her back—what would you say to her? Then, fast forward years later: Lulu has just received the invitation to Josh and Annabelle’s wedding, and she’s agonizing over what to do—what do you tell her? Discuss with the group; you may be surprised by the varying advice!