THEY’LL BE SO SAD WE’VE SPLIT

Dear Coleen

I’m a 27-year-old woman and I recently broke up with my boyfriend of four years. It was really upsetting because we adore each other, but there’s no spark any more and by the end we were just great mates.

My problem is, my parents absolutely love my ex. I’m an only child and he’s like the son they never had. I know when I tell them they will be absolutely heartbroken and I’m expecting tears from my mum.

I keep putting it off – have you got any advice?

Coleen says

Break-ups can be really tough on the family, too, because each person will have formed their own relationship with your ex. And I’m sure your parents imagined or at least hoped that you’d end up together, so it will come as a big disappointment.

However, you need to be real here – you can’t stay with someone to please your parents and I’m sure they wouldn’t want you to be with someone who, ultimately, wasn’t right for you. Your happiness is still what matters most to them.

So, take a deep breath and spill the beans. What’s good is the break-up was amicable and you’re still friends. As endings go, it’s the best you can hope for.