'It keeps the magic alive'
Sue Willis, 75, lives in Surrey. Her partner of 15 years, Rupert, 77, lives in Denmark.
As my children ran around my best friend's garden, in walked her brother. It was 35 years ago but I can still remember his chiselled jaw and lovely bum! I'd become friends with Rupert's sister, Ana, after we'd met as young mums. Rupert was raising his children in Denmark but he'd visit in the summer and we'd take all the kids swimming together. We were both divorced single parents with a shared love of classic cars, and Ana was always trying to get us together. We had feelings for each other but the timing wasn't right.
Then, 15 years ago, it was. Rupert was in the UK over Christmas 2008 when Ana called. 'Come over!' she'd insisted. Now both retired, we could just be. I went to Denmark for a week. 'Will you stay longer?' Rupert asked. So I did!
I loved living with him in his home by a fjord. He set me up my own area in his workshop, and we'd do woodwork and silversmithing together. I taught him to sail and we'd take his dog on walks in the woods. I'd come home regularly to see my family, often with Rupert too. But one of my children, Pip, 45, has special needs. Although she lives in an assisted living home, I needed to be in the UK for her.
We both wanted to be in the country our children were in, so in 2016 we started to live apart, together. It wasn't something we needed to discuss, it just evolved. My trips home got longer and longer until I couldn't really say I lived in Denmark any more.
We communicate most days and have enjoyed lovely adventures in Madeira, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Cornwall, Norfolk, Jersey and, most recently, the island of Islay for my birthday.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
10 OF THE BEST Buys for CHARITY
Look great and support Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October
How to HAGGLE
Save those £££s by plucking up the courage to negotiate
Your wellbeing
LATEST HEALTH SOLUTIONS FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY
Here to help
LET COUNSELLOR KEREN LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD
Good to GLOW
Plant your bulbs now for a lovely bright start to spring
Painted VASES
Prettify empty jars and bottles with this quick craft project
Escape to OXFORD
Delve into the city's rich cultural heritage for a wonderful weekend
Sail through menopause WITHOUT WEIGHT GAIN!
Middle-aged spread may seem inevitable - but it really doesn't have to be
Woodland wonders
When you go down to the woods, you'll find a whole new world teeming with life
'We should all be dancing'
Singer and actor Toyah Willcox on overcoming adversity, ageing and Strictly Come Dancing