DEAR BEL,

MY PARTNER and I had been together 30 years when he died after a short illness in January.

You always think that you will be together for ever, but sadly it wasn’t to be. I have always known that he was leaving the house (his property, not mine) to his daughter and was OK with that decision.

In fact, he probably did the right thing considering inheritance tax. I am allowed to live in the house until I want to move, but I have to wait for the inheritance he has left me to afford my own property.

I am so miserable here, and feel that I am just the caretaker of the house we shared.

I can’t make any changes to the property, but just have to live in it as it is. I try to keep busy and keep things clean and tidy, but my heart isn’t in it any more.

I have two dogs — one we had when we were together and one that I have got since as companion to my other dog.

I feel utterly trapped and desperate to move back to my home town. I have even thought about trying to get a mortgage so I can leave here.

Since I am 66, I am not sure if this is even possible — but feel I need to do something.

I am drinking every evening and eating too much, too. I just feel so miserable and don’t know what to do next.