You helped me save my relationship

DEAR DEIDRE: Due to a difficult childhood and a series of abusive relationships, I’ve always found it hard to open up or trust people.

My partner of five years was lovely, but I was so insecure I kept creating arguments and pushing him away.

I’m 38 and he is 42.

When he found out I’d lied about meeting an ex, he broke up with me. I wasn’t cheating, I just hadn’t told him because I feared he would be angry.

I loved him so much, and knew he loved me. But he said he couldn’t trust me any more. I asked you for help – should I try to win him back or accept that it – and I – was a lost cause?

You sent me your support pack, Looking After Your Relationship, and suggested that we had counselling.

You said I should go first, and then hopefully he would join me when he saw I was getting help. It worked!

Once he realised I was serious about changing, we talked everything through. He agreed to come for some counselling too, so he could better understand me and we could work on our relationship.

DEIDRE SAYS: It’s wonderful to hear this. Now I hope your relationship gets even stronger.