I am slowly finding strength to carry on with life after husband’s sudden death

DEAR DEIDRE: WHEN my husband passed away ­suddenly, my world fell apart.

He was 49 and died from a heart attack.

Thank you for helping me carry on

If I hadn’t written to you for help, I’m not sure that I would still be here now.

To the outside world, I was the brave widow, smiling and doing OK. But inside, I was dying.

I spent half the day crying, binged on junk food and talked to him as if he was still there.

I wore his clothes, wrapping myself in his jumpers to remember his scent, even putting on his socks and pants.

It felt so unfair to lose him without warning, to be a widow at just 47.

You were kind to me and sent me your ­support pack on bereavement. It was a real comfort.

Amazingly, you stayed in touch to see how I was getting on – it made me feel less alone.

I have joined a waiting list for ­counselling and started to take small steps to getting better – such as eating healthily,

Bit by bit, I am healing. Thank you Deidre.

DEIDRE SAYS:  Any infidelity takes time to come to terms with – whether it’s with a male or female.

It is possible to strengthen a relationship after one partner has cheated but you both have to be ready to work really hard at rebuilding the trust.

Only you can decide if you want this.

And your girlfriend needs to consider whether there is a side to her sexuality she still needs to explore.

My support pack Bisexual Questions may help her.

The best place to start would be with some relationship counselling. For help, reach out to Tavistock Relationships (tavistockrelationships.org).

NEXT IN TODAY’S DEAR DEIDRE I keep thinking about my ex-boyfriend and I am worried I will fail my degree

READ DEIDRE’S STORIES Freya confronts Beth as she thinks Eric is having an affair

GET IN TOUCH How the page works and how to contact us