I had been with a domineering partner for 5 years, I was 30 when I finally asked myself why do his feelings matter more than mine in this relationship? It was time to end it, not an easy thing to do when you are with someone who calls the shots!

“The next person who comes into my life needs to bring something special or it’s a no go.”

I thought too bad, I will be alone but I have a great job and beautiful friends. I will make my own life. I made a decision one night “the next person who comes into my life needs to bring something special or it’s a no go.”

I was single for about 2 years, my whole energy had changed, I valued myself. Then one night I “picked up in a pub” literally. I call it the night the heavens opened up and dropped the most wonderful man into my life. I have been cherished, supported and loved through cancer (double mastectomy, bald and sick) without missing a beat.  He held my hand through the good times and the bad. So here we are 28 years on and all I can say is:

 “It has never been hard, love shouldn’t be hard and it certainly shouldn’t hurt!”

Pauline, 60 | Sydney, Aus