COLUMNIST and trained counsellor Fiona Caine offers guidance on another set of reader dilemmas.

I'VE FALLEN FOR A COLLEAGUE OVER ZOOM

With regular work Zoom calls, I’ve got to know people better. There’s one man that I have really hit it off with. We have so much in common and we’ve started online chatting privately, becoming friends.

There’s so much to worry about right now, and to have someone I feel I can trust is wonderful. However, far from being happy, I am now confused.

I’ve realised that my feelings have changed to love, but I am not sure how he feels about me.

I want to tell him how I feel, but if he rejects me, I am worried this will ruin what has become a very important friendship. Should I tell him?

FIONA SAYS: MAYBE ENJOY IT FOR WHAT IT IS FOR NOW

He might feel the same way or he may regard this as a good friendship and no more. There is no way of knowing unless you try to find out.

I would suggest caution though. You both need this friendship right now, and as it can’t progress to anything more intimate until lockdown ends, why risk it?

Once we’re all free to move around again then I’d still caution you to tread carefully. You don’t want to ruin a good working relationship and although you believe you’ve fallen for him, when you meet him, you may find you feel differently.

CAN I GET A DIY DIVORCE?

Over the past 15 years or so, my husband and I have lived separate lives. We haven’t slept together, we hardly talk, and the only time we eat at the same table is when our children visit, which isn’t often.

Lockdown has made me realise that I have wasted too much time. What I should have been doing is making a new life for myself . Are DIY divorces possible, and if so, how does one go about it?

FIONA SAYS: YES - BUT YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND WILL NEED TO TALK

I would normally encourage couples to consider counselling and giving their relationship one last chance but, after 15 years of living apart, together, it doesn’t sound like this would help.

It is possible to ‘Do-It-Yourself’ and providing the divorce is straightforward and both partners can agree about any assets - like your house - then it shouldn’t be too costly.

Although you and your husband are out of practice at talking to one another, I do think you’re going to need to do this, however. You need to agree together how things will be divided up.