I pushed my ex-girlfriend away because I’m a workaholic and gym addict

DEAR DEIDRE: I PUSHED my ex-girlfriend away because I am a workaholic and gym addict and now I’m full of regret. She wanted us to spend weekends away and nights out together. But I was so focused on myself that I would make excuses. I would say it was too expensive, when I actually just […]

DEAR DEIDRE: I PUSHED my ex-girlfriend away because I am a workaholic and gym addict and now I’m full of regret.

She wanted us to spend weekends away and nights out together. But I was so focused on myself that I would make excuses.

I would say it was too expensive, when I actually just wanted to perfect a work presentation or get in some extra training.

I am 31 and my ex is 27.

I want to win her back but she won’t return my calls or messages. I’ve started to feel really low and don’t know how to stop it. I have taken up smoking again after quitting five years ago and I’m drinking too much most nights.

I realise I need to change my ways. I’m even thinking about swapping to a less pressured job so I can have more spare time, but that can’t happen overnight.

I’ve tried to tell my girlfriend about my plans, but she is not remotely interested.

My parents were always terrible with money, which is why I think I’m such a workaholic.

DEIDRE SAYS:  Being a workaholic can be a damaging addiction and often there are underlying emotional drivers.

A bad childhood experience means you feel compelled to build financial security by working every hour you can.

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