I think I’ve forgotten how to have sex

DEAR DEIDRE: Since I gave birth to my son, I haven’t had a single relationship and I think I’ve forgotten how to have sex.

I love my son dearly, but I feel like I have no life other than work and childcare. It’s making me feel really down.

I’m a 29-year-old single mum. My son is eight.

All my old friends are going out, having fun, and most are happily partnered-up.

They stopped bothering to contact me when I kept saying I couldn’t go out because I needed a babysitter. Plus, we have nothing in common anymore.

The result is I have no social life.

While I’ve been on a few first dates, the men I met were only after sex and none of them was mature enough to take on a child.

I have a demanding job as a carer. On weekends, when my son’s dad has him, I just catch up on my sleep.

But I’m miserable. There must be more to life than this?

DEIDRE SAYS: Being a single mum can be lonely, but you sound depressed.

Do make an appointment with your GP and tell them how you’re feeling, so they can help.

Read my support pack on depression for more advice, and also take a look at Feeling Lonely and Social Life For Single Parents.

Once your son is a little older it should be easier to date.

And don’t worry – when you find someone you connect with, sex will come naturally’.