There was a time, pre-kids, when being invited on a weekend break by a new boyfriend would have had me stuffing my suitcase with glee. But in April 2015, with a three-year-old son to think about, organising my schedule was much more complex. ‘I could do the second weekend in February or the last one in March,’ I said, in response to my then-boyfriend Josh* inviting me on a trip to Manchester. ‘Oh,’ he replied, irritation clear on his face. ‘I wanted to go this weekend, can’t you get a babysitter?’ And that was when it became obvious that our short relationship was already fizzling out.
I’d split with my ex in 2013 when our son was just a year old. We’d been together for eight years and it was a while before I felt ready to start dating again, but when I did, I quickly realised it was a minefield.
Denne historien er fra March 14, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra March 14, 2022-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?