SUZIE HAYMAN AND SUSAN QUILLIAM CAN HELP

Why has my partner now gone off me?

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Q. My partner's a lot younger than I am, but we get on really well. However, since he had his 40th birthday, and his divorce got finalised, something's really shifted. He goes out with his friends a lot more, has started drinking heavily - I don't - and seems quite withdrawn. So I've just issued an ultimatum - he starts behaving like a proper partner or it's over. But so far nothing's changed.
SUSAN SAYS

A. It's sad, but I doubt anything will change between you and your partner. I suspect that he's already emotionally checked out of your relationship. Perhaps his birthday has reminded him life is short. Perhaps his divorce has made him realise he's ready to move on. For whatever reason he doesn't want a 'proper' relationship right now - he wants to be single again. Let him go.

I can't cope with my mother's insults