Coleen says

FIRST of all, two very important points. You couldn’t have done anything to stop your parents ending up in this situation and you’re not to blame.

From what you’ve said, it sounds as if they’ve been drifting apart for a while and they’ve finally decided to do something about it.

Don’t be scared to confide in your parents and explain how you’re feeling – they’re going to expect you to be upset and also to have lots of questions.

It seems as if things are quite amicable between your mum and dad and I’m sure you’re their priority.

In terms of reassurance, my two sons have grown up into wonderful, happy young men and have a great relationship with both me and their dad, even though we split when they were very young.

As for your friends, I’m sure they will be nothing but supportive. These days there are plenty of single-parent families, kids with divorced parents and so on.

I WANTED to say thank you so much for your response to my letter about my mum not liking the fact I’m a lesbian and that I had only dated guys to make her happy (March 16).

After taking your advice, I think my mum is finally accepting that I’m gay and we seem able to talk about it without her telling me “it’s wrong”.

I’m also looking into dating a lovely lady at the moment.

So thank you once again. Laura, via email