You helped me leave my abusive relationship

DEAR DEIDRE: After years of misery in a toxic relationship, I knew I had to leave but I was wavering.

My partner used me to cook, clean and give him sex, and always put me down. He also drank too much and was abusive when drunk.

I’m 38 and he’s 42. We were together for 10 years.

You made me realise my gut feeling was right: he was never going to change.

You sent me your support packs on Abusive Partners and Dealing With A Problem Drinker and recommended I spoke to a counsellor.

I dithered but, when he started falsely accusing me of an affair, I decided it was finally time to walk away.

Thank you Deidre for helping to give me the push I needed.

I am now so much happier and freer, and wish I’d left years ago.

I’ve been going on trips he never wanted to go on, spending time with friends and feeling confident and attractive again.

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m so glad you found the strength to leave a relationship that was spoiling your life and looked set to get worse.

I hope things continue to improve for you and that you find happiness.