In a few weeks time, Annie’s going to be going away with her dad which coincides with Amelia and Rosie going on holiday with their Dad. Josh has decided to go and stay with his cousins for a few days, so today I decided to book myself a few days away. I found the perfect place – a cosy little boathouse right on the edge of a cove, where I can watch the tide ebbing and flowing, hear the waves crashing on the rocks, and the seagulls overhead. A place I can be alone, snuggled up on a plump sofa, wrapped in a thick blanket with a book in one hand and a glass of Baileys in the other, with nothing to do but read, drink, eat, sleep, and relax for three whole days.

When I told Phil that I wouldn’t be able to see him that weekend, he wanted to know why I hadn’t asked him to come with me. Even though I tried to explain that I really need some time for myself, he made such an emotional scene that I ended up caving in and saying that he could come too.

I wish I were stronger and able to actually honour my needs as I said I was going to do, rather than give in to someone else’s needs and demands, because I feel so guilty if I don’t.