Having an affair during LOCKDOWN

One woman reveals why she doesn’t regret breaking the rules to see a married man

- SAMANTHA BRICK

Paul* and I have been together six and a half years. He asked me out during Christmas 2013 and I initially turned him down. But when I discovered he was separated and living with his mum, I eventually agreed to go on a date with him. We had a pizza together, didn't stop chatting the whole night and the evening ended with a kiss – but nothing else.

My daughter, then 15, knew I’d gone out with him and was happy for me. I’d split from her dad when she was little – and while I’d had other relationships, when Paul asked me out I’d been single for three years.

I heard from him a few days later, and after a couple more dates it was inevitable that we slept together at my house. While my daughter was delighted about this new man in our life – and one that was clearly putting a spring in my step – the same couldn’t be said for everyone. Paul’s 20-something child was far from happy about us.

Eventually, he decided to return home and back to the marital bed – but, even so, we continued to see one another. I certainly didn’t relish the idea of jumping into an affair and becoming his mistress – who does? And at times it hasn’t been easy – but then most relationships aren’t without their hardships.

Sexually, we are incredibly compatible. I’m not ashamed to admit that I enjoy sex – and, far from being awkward, it was great fun exploring each other for the first time. That’s why I knew without hesitation that I wanted to continue seeing him.