COLUMNIST and trained counsellor Fiona Caine answers another set of reader dilemmas.

I’VE DEVELOPED FEELINGS FOR AN OLD FRIEND

I’m a woman of 44 and have been happily married to a lovely man for 19 years.

ALSO READ: Fiona Caine with more reader dilemmas

Recently I met an old friend I hadn’t seen since we were 19 and at university together. She has never married or had a family, but has instead worked at her career and is very successful.

My problem is that I think I’m attracted to her, something I've never felt for a woman before.

I am fairly certain she feels the same way. What is going on with me?

FIONA SAYS: IT’S OK TO FEEL THIS WAY

If you still love and are attracted to your husband, then perhaps seeing an old friend has brought back exciting memories of being 19 and experiencing the freedom of university life together.

It’s exciting to come across an old friend again. So, re-establishing a strong bond after years apart is bound to involve a measure of love and attraction to one another.

We’re all beginning to understand that human sexuality and attraction is not as simple as perhaps we might have thought.

I LEFT MY ABUSIVE HUSBAND - BUT MISS HIM

Three months ago, I left my husband, taking my three-year-old with me.

He hit me frequently and it took a lot for me to gather up my things and run.

I’ve now spoken to a solicitor and have started divorce proceedings.

My family are supporting me, and I should be relieved and happy. My husband was cruel and vicious. He did some pretty dreadful things to me, but despite this, I think I still love him.

What’s wrong with me?

FIONA SAYS: YOU’RE GOING THROUGH A KIND OF BEREAVEMENT

There is nothing wrong with you at all.

You’ve shown great courage. Anyone who has had to cope with domestic violence knows how difficult it is to find the courage to escape. What you now need to do is hang on to the knowledge that you’ve made the right decision.

I’m sure you do still love him - but who you love is the man you thought you married, not the man he turned out to be.

You might find it helpful to contact Gingerbread (gingerbread.org.uk) the organisation for single parents and their children which can provide day-to-day support and practical help.

Email help@askfiona.net for advice.