I feel abandoned and lost when my husband goes away for work

DEAR DEIDRE: MY stomach goes into knots when my husband’s job takes him away.

I think I have abandonment issues, because I hate being left alone.

It’s ridiculous – I am a grown woman of 52, and my husband is 58.

In my mind he has a wonderful time away from me and forgets all about me.

But he usually calls to say he is missing me, so I really shouldn’t be freaking out like this. It is just how my mind works.

It’s a jealousy thing. I’m left all alone, with no fun and no one to go out with.

My world revolves around my husband and I count down the days until he returns.

I feel ridiculous behaving like the world is ending when he goes away.

I feel pathetic and such a loser for depending on him so much and feeling so low when he is away.

My entire focus is on his life and it’s only now I realise how short-sighted I’ve been.

DEIDRE SAYS: If you fear abandonment in your relationship, it may be due to having been physically or emotionally abandoned in the past.

My Counselling support pack explains how you can get help to deal with any hangover from your past.

It would ease the loneliness if you made new friends or took up new hobbies or interests so you are not so reliant on your husband.

If you don’t work, think about a part-time job or volunteering.

My support pack Widening Your Social Scene has lots of other suggestions.