My mother didn't think seeing friends was important. She gave up being a full-time lawyer when I was 7 to become my manager. I was cut off from every other relationship because she was so overprotective. Even to hang out with a friend, permission had to be sought, a chaperone had to be found.

I didn't go on a date until I was 20. My mum sent a bodyguard with me, and we had to meet with her afterwards.

I fired my mother. On the eve of my 21st birthday I realised I needed to be able to have a relationship with more than just one person. Immediately everything changed - it was as though when she couldn't be a manager, she had lost interest in being a mother. I haven't seen her for years.

I was really backward until I met my boyfriend, Lionel. I've been with him for nine years. I'd never bought a pint of milk or crossed the road by myself. He's older than me and has helped me to grow up.

Marriage doesn't mean much to me. My parents' many divorces make me think that just because you're married, it doesn't mean you won't cheat on each other.

My best friend told me that I'd ruined her life. It was tough on her when I went away. From the age of 12 I rarely went to school. She would save me a place at lunch, but never know if I was going to turn up. We're friends again now though.

My father disappeared for ten years of my life. When he resurfaced, he said he'd become a Buddhist monk, which was odd because he'd always been a bit of a womaniser. Then I found out it was because he'd gone bankrupt and he asked me for money. That made me so angry that I wasn't upset any more.

To think that some children are loved unconditionally is strange for me. It's amazing to see parents who offer love and advice without expecting anything back.

Oddly, I don't know if I'd be where I am today without Mum. Without that hot-house environment, my promise wouldn't have been nurtured in the same way. Am I grateful to her? I'm just not sure.

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