I was able to move on from lover and found new partner with your advice

DEAR DEIDRE: BY the time I realised I’d fallen in love with my friend with benefits, he had a new partner.

I felt sad because I knew we could never be more than mates, and I didn’t know how to navigate our relationship.

Was I better off ending the friendship?

I’m a 28-year-old man and he’s 29.

We’ve been friends for three years and casually slept together many times.

You were so understanding.

You acknowledged how hard unrequited love is to deal with, and confirmed to me that had he wanted to be in a relationship with me, he’d have shown or told me.

You suggested I talked to a counsellor and read your support pack, Moving On.

You pointed out that close friendships often last longer than romantic relationships, and it would be a shame to lose his.

But a break could do me good. The advice you gave me helped me accept we would only be mates.

Now I’ve met someone new myself. I’m glad my friend is still in my life and I’ve even taken my new partner to meet him. Thank you.

DEIDRE SAYS: I am so pleased you have accepted things weren’t meant to be with your friend, and are happy in your new relationship.