I’ve fallen in love with a younger man. Can it work?

QEighteen months ago, I went to Spain and fell in love with one of the people in our tour group. It was the first time I’d had a sexual encounter on holiday. We’ve stayed in touch and we’ve become serious – I feel as if I love him, but can’t believe he loves me. He’s nine years younger, never been married, and I’m sure he’ll want children. I’m 41 and I think it’s too late to start a family. Can such an age gap really work?

Have you concealed your age from this man? If he knows how old you are and it doesn’t bother him, why should it bother you? There are loads of men who prefer a relationship with an older woman.

You say you’re worried about your nine-year age gap, but there are plenty of women who have partners considerably younger than that.

The actor Hugh Jackman’s wife is 13 years older than him; the French President’s wife is 24 years older, and look at Joan Collins’ with a husband 32 years her junior!

QWhen I got married two years ago, I thought my husband was the most wonderful person I’d ever met. He was loving, kind and supportive of everything I did. We were so happy together, but the past few months have changed him. He used to cuddle me a lot but now the only time we are close is during sex. I also can’t remember the last time he said he loved me. Are we drifting apart?

While lockdown has brought many couples closer, it has also sadly driven many couples apart. Whilst it’s possible that this is what is happening to you, I think it’s also perfectly possible that your husband is simply depressed. That’s something a great many people are going through, as we cope with the pandemic and contemplate a difficult future.

Depression can drive people inwards and they may seem less engaged with others around them. If it’s not depression then it could equally possibly be inertia – there’s nothing to do, so he doesn’t feel like doing anything.

A AWrite to Fiona Caine c/o Annie Lewis, 1000 Lakeside, North Harbour, Portsmouth PO6 3EN or annie.lewis@jpimedia.co.uk Fiona regrets that she cannot enter into personal correspondence, nor pass letters on to other readers.