MY FIANCÉ IS DISABLED AND I CAN’T COPE

My fiancé and I are both 25 and a month ago he was in a horrific accident in which he broke his back and sustained brain injury.

The doctors have told us there’s a 50/50 chance he’ll walk again and that the true nature of the brain injury will only be clear in a few months.

I’ve tried to stand by my fiancé but I find it difficult to deal with his disability. I also want my partner to complement my good looks as people tell me I’m beautiful.

I can’t see myself marrying him if he can never walk again – the idea horrifies me.

What should I do? I know his family will hate me for leaving him but wouldn’t it be more cruel to let him think I still care for him when my love for him is gone? Virginia, email It generally takes at least two years to recover from a brain injury as only after this period will the effects be viewed as permanent.

But I’ve seen patients with brain injuries who are still able to live a full and rewarding life and hold down good jobs, even though it does take a bit more effort.

The inability to walk doesn’t make someone less of a person. But your feelings on the matter make it clear you’re not up to the challenges living with a disability entails.

Although he might be really sad when you leave him now, it would be to his benefit eventually.

We all have a “language of love”, which is the way we show and like to receive love from our partner.

Ideally a couple should speak the same language. And it’s clear the two of you don’t.