I love Chris...but it’s not an easy relationship

JUSTINE Sullivan, 44, a television producer, and partner Chris, 46, an animator, live in London with their two sons.

Justine says: ‘When I met Chris, it was his interesting and quirky personality that attracted me to him.

‘However, what were fun and even endearing characteristics when we were young and childless became difficult and frustrating when our relationship progressed. He was unable to put himself in my shoes and see that I needed help and support with the children, he was inflexible and couldn’t do more than one thing at once.

‘What he did do had to be in a certain order and he took everything literally. He bought sacks of DVDs after he was told by an accountant he could offset them against tax.

‘He was also terrible with money – for years, I thought he was bi-polar.

‘His diagnosis has not changed him but it has helped me to understand things and manage my expectations.

‘To say he doesn’t feel or empathise is insulting – he feels things very deeply and is a sweet and very generous man – but he often doesn’t know how to say the right thing at the right time.

‘It’s not an easy relationship to have at times.

‘But I really love Chris, the children adore him and we do have good times.

‘He also has the ability to make me laugh so hard I actually cry.’