BEL MOONEY

Anything can happen if you let it, life is out there waiting so go and get it. Grab it by the collar, seize it by the scruff, once you’ve started living life you just can’t get enough.

ABOUT 20 years ago, my heart was smashed to smithereens when my fiancé broke off our relationship about nine weeks before our wedding.

I grew up in care. He was the one person in the world I trusted and counted on, and his betrayal almost destroyed my faith in humanity.

To this day, I have no idea why he did it and vowed never to let it happen again.

Over the past two decades I have not had any romantic relationships, part from a couple of brief, opportunistic flings.

I have been very focused on my work, which I find satisfying. In my personal life I’m happy with my friends and hobbies, but I would be lying if I didn’t admit I sometimes feel lonely.

A few months ago, a former colleague contacted me on social media and we have since established a close email friendship, which I am enjoying immensely.

Recently, he admitted he had always liked me and would like to pursue a romantic relationship, if I was willing.

He is a gentle soul who has never married (we are both in our 50s, by the way) and I’m fond of him. As far as I know him, I trust him.

I’m certain he would never do anything intentionally to hurt me — but, then again, I believed that of my fiance and look what happened.

I’m deeply torn between wanting to get closer to this man and wanting to protect my heart — which feels as though it is covered with barbed wire and ‘Keep out’ signs.

Please give me your perspective on this situation.