My partner wants me to move in with her but I like having my own space

DEAR DEIDRE: MY girlfriend is desperate for me to move in with her, and although I love her, it’s the last thing I want.

But I’ve got myself in a corner, making one excuse after another to duck the issue.

Now we can’t go more than a week without arguing.

We are going on holiday soon and my partner gave me an ultimatum, saying she wanted a moving-in date otherwise our relationship is over.

I hastily agreed to move in after the holiday but now I am dreading going away, knowing I’ll spend the whole time concocting another excuse.

I am 44 and my partner is 43. We have been together for almost six years.

I live in the South East and my partner lives in the Midlands.

She has three children and two of them have special needs and learning difficulties, the youngest being more severe.

I am more than happy with our current set-up – I drive to hers on Thursday and stay over until Monday night.

But over the last year she has become fixated on me moving in.

I like having my own space and although I love her children, I find them very demanding.

She is becoming moody and always picking a fight. I am not sure what to do.

DEIDRE SAYS: Being a step-parent is challenging, even when children don’t have additional needs.

She is becoming resentful because she senses you are putting her off, and without a straight answer, she won’t understand why.

You would be far better off having an honest conversation.

So take a deep breath, tell her you love her and explain you like your current set up.

There is no shame in admitting that you aren’t ready to take on her family full time.

My support pack, Standing Up For Yourself, will help you to have this conversation.