Trust is also something I find difficult. I’ve never trusted anyone to stick around, always presuming they’ll leave, and I constantly question whether a partner’s feelings towards me are real. I think this boils down to a general mistrust of relationships. I’ve seen how a relationship can fall apart dramatically, and with that as my first and closest example of an adult relationship, it most likely became my blueprint.

Daly, who’s also the co-founder of online divorce services company Amicable, believes it’s never too late to alter these reactions and behaviours and break the habits a childhood experience of divorce might have created.

“Firstly, recognise and validate your feelings. It’s OK to acknowledge that your childhood experiences have left an impact. Then, take proactive steps to break unhelpful patterns. Therapy – especially approaches like cognitive behavioural therapy – can help unpack and reframe these influences.

RAIN is a good mindfulness exercise to practise when negative emotions or anxiety surface.

R: recognise what you feel.

A: allow yourself to feel this.

I: investigate what you feel – look for what might have triggered you and your reactions to certain situations.

N: nurture different, more positive feelings to replace the negative.

Lastly, communicate openly with your partner. Sharing your concerns can foster understanding and strengthen your connection. Remember, if you’re aware of these, it gives you the power to rewrite your relationship story.”

“I’m a child of divorce – 40 years on, this is how it’s still affecting my relationships”