How do I find a man?

I AM 44, a single mum and my twin sons are about to go university.

I have raised them on my own since my husband left me nine years ago and in all that time I have never had a proper relationship.

With my sons about to leave home, it’s hit me that I’ll be on my own for the first time and, to be honest, that scares me a lot. I’d love to meet someone and try again for a special relationship.

None of the men I know through work and volunteering at a local hospice are available, so how do I go about finding a new partner? -JL

Fiona says: This is more common than you might think. The pace of modern life means that there is often too little time away from work and family to meet new people.

It’s one reason why there has been an explosion of online dating, social media services and phone apps in recent years. These services are certainly worth exploring. Some are dedicated to finding love, others to making friends and meeting new people.

Don’t limit yourself to these services though, try other activities like a new sport or join a walking group, start an evening class or join a social club.

It doesn’t matter what you do, as long it allows you to meet new people.

Our love life has ended

Although I love my husband, I have not had a physical relationship with him for over three years.

We never discussed stopping, it just seemed to happen. At the time, he was very stressed at work and I was wrapped up in sorting out my mother’s affairs after she died.

We’re now in our 50s and very happy together; he’s hardworking, caring and provides a good home for me and our daughter so, should I just accept that sex between us is over? - BB

Fiona says: Sex-free relationships are fine providing both people are happy with the arrangement.

What your husband thinks about this is impossible to guess, which is why you need to find a way to talk about it. You could perhaps start the process by talking to him about the issues that might have triggered the change in your sex life. You could also talk to a Relate counsellor (www.relate.org.uk).