Q I AM in love with my husband’s best friend and I’ve felt this way for years.

When I’m alone, I can’t help but think about him. When my husband is around, I don’t think of him at all.

He and his wife don’t have any children whilst my husband and I have two.

Sometimes I feel that if I had married this man instead of my husband, my life would be so different.

My husband is a good man, but he shows very little interest in me and is wrapped up in his work and his hobbies. GS.

Fiona says: Your life would indeed have been different, but that doesn’t mean it would be any better.

It sounds as though you and your husband have been drifting along for a number of years and are taking each other for granted. Maybe that’s why you fantasise about his friend.

Rather than continuing to drift, you and your husband need to find the love that brought you both together in the first place.

Start talking, tell him you want more and ask him to help you get back the relationship you used to have.

Q MY brother-in-law has regularly beaten my sister throughout the seven years they’ve been married.

I’ve repeatedly tried to get her to leave him, but she’s depressed and lacking in confidence.

I don’t have enough space for her and her children. If only I could find somewhere safe for her to go, I think I could persuade her to leave. How do I find out about getting her a safe place where people will understand and help her? HD.

Fiona says: Women’s Aid (www.womensaid.org.uk) will be able to offer your sister help, advice and counselling.

They will also be able to offer her a place to go with her children, where she will be safe.

Recognise that your sister is currently doing what she thinks is best for her and for her children, so be careful not to don't judge her. If you do, you may make it harder for her to gain the confidence to leave him.

Your sister will need time and space to plan her escape safely. Riskiest time for domestic violence murders is when a woman has left or is trying to leave.

For some women it takes many attempts before they eventually leave, so do please continue to support your sister even if she doesn’t do what you think she should.

Hopefully your sister will get the support she needs and be able to break away from this abuse, but be aware, it may take time and may try your patience.