Columnist and trained counsellor Fiona Caine advises a woman unsure about an age-gap relationship.

CAN IT EVER WORK LONG-TERM WITH A YOUNGER MAN?

Eighteen months ago, I went on holiday to Spain and fell in love with one of the other people in our tour group.

We had a wonderful, passionate time together and I suppose you could say we’ve become serious about one another - I certainly feel as if I love him, but I can’t believe he really loves me.

He’s nine years younger than I am and I’m sure he’s going to want to have children. I’m 41 now and I think it’s too late to start a family! He’s indicated a couple of times he wants to propose. I would love to accept, but can such an age gap really work?

FIONA SAYS: IF YOU WANT TO BE TOGETHER, WHY NOT?

If he knows how old you are and it doesn’t bother him, why should it bother you? There are loads of men who prefer a relationship with an older woman.

You say you’re worried about your nine-year age gap, but there are plenty of women who have partners considerably younger than that.

As for having babies, it doesn’t sound like you’ve had any discussion on this subject, so how do you know what he wants? Thanks to better medical care, women are now having babies older, so it might not be impossible.

I do think it’s something you should talk about before you make any decisions about marriage though, which is the same for all couples. If you truly love this man, please don’t let something as insignificant as nine years spoil things between you.

IS MY MARRIAGE DRIFTING?

When I got married two years ago, I thought my husband was the most wonderful person I’d ever met. He was loving, kind and supportive. We were so happy together, but the past few months have changed him. I can’t remember the last time he said he loved me. Are we drifting apart?

FIONA SAYS: COULD YOUR HUSBAND BE DEPRESSED?

Whilst lockdown has brought many couples closer, it has also driven many apart. It's possible that this is what is happening to you, or it’s also perfectly possible that your husband is depressed.

I’d encourage you to try and distract him - he’s probably spending too much time either thinking or doing nothing as the pandemic continues.

If you can at least get him outside for a walk regularly, it could start to make a difference - fresh air and movement can help a lot. If that doesn’t improve things for him, then it may be time to talk to his GP.