I'm in a crisis over my sexuality but can't talk to my family openly about it

DEAR DEIDRE: I AM in crisis over my sexual identity and wish I could talk to my family honestly.

I am a single mum of 27 with a daughter aged four.

I’ve mainly had heterosexual relationships but had a girlfriend for a year in my teens.

Last year I decided I should pursue relationships with women and I met one eight years older than me.

We fell in love and for several months it was wonderful.

She works long, unsocial hours and as we found it increasingly hard to meet, she became emotionally abusive.

I broke up with her because she was bad for my mental health.

I think I still want a relationship with a woman but life would be so much easier if I was straight and could talk openly to family.

My team and I are working safely from home but we are here to help you as always.

Send an email to [email protected].

Every problem gets a personal reply, usually within 24 hours weekdays.

You can also send a private message on the DearDeidreOfficial Facebook page.

Follow me on Twitter @deardeidre.

DEIDRE SAYS: Some people are not very understanding but there is much more openness these days.

Being LGBTQ+ isn’t generally the worry it was.

I know family support helps but being honest with yourself about what is right for you is more important.

You can find help explaining to your family via Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (fflag.org.uk, 0300 688 0368).

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