My son was devastated after his relationship ended – but so are we

DEAR DEIDRE: AFTER welcoming her into our family, my son’s girlfriend has broken up with him and he is devastated.

But I’m heartbroken too. She is a lovely girl and I think she made him a better, happier man.

When he was with her he became calmer, more stable and focused.

My son is 23 and his ex is 24. They met as students at university five years ago.

I’m 53 and my wife is 52.

It is no exaggeration to say that we imagined wedding bells and even future grandchildren.

But she ended the relationship because she said she didn’t see a life with him.

He is reeling, and I’m worried for his mental health.

However, it’s hard to console him when we are also so upset.

I feel like I’ve lost a daughter.

DEIDRE SAYS: Seeing your child in pain is distressing.

But if his girlfriend doesn’t want to be with him, there’s nothing you can do to change that.

Even if the relationship seemed perfect, there may be elements that you didn’t know about.

You need to try to set your own feelings aside, and support him.

Give him my support pack, Mending a Broken Heart, and reassure him this pain won’t last for ever.