Dear Coleen

MY EX’S MUM SAYS I TURNED HER SON GAY

I’m a gay man aged 28 and about a month before lockdown my boyfriend called off our engagement out of the blue. He’s younger, at 23, and has always struggled a bit with his sexuality, although he’s out to his family and close friends.

However, when his parents found out we were engaged, they went nuts, apparently, which is why I’m sure he broke up with me.

I’ve been on my own since, which has been really hard, although my friends are in touch a lot which helps. My ex’s mum actually called me one day and went mad at me, accusing me of all kinds of stuff, from “making her son gay” to “taking advantage of him” and “leading him down the wrong path”. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

How do I get over this?

Coleen says

Wow, I’m sorry you’ve had to go through this. It sounds like your ex’s parents struggle with their son’s sexuality, too, and you’re an easy target to launch their bile at.

Look, I know you’re hurting and heartbroken, but I think you’re best out of it. If your ex can’t stand up for your relationship, then he’s not ready to commit to anyone.

Focus on yourself and taking positive steps to rebuild your life without him in it. Of course it’ll take some time to heal, but you’ll come out stronger and wiser.

It’s great you have good friends around you, and you could also try online counselling if you need extra support.

I hope that now you’ve had a glimpse into what’s going on with your ex and his parents, you can feel better about moving on. None of this was your fault – all you did was love your partner and you didn’t deserve a call like that.