Wife is demanding divorce after I accidentally smashed her vase

DEAR DEIDRE: ACCIDENTALLY smashing my wife’s favourite vase has brought an abrupt end to our marriage.

I apologised and tried to reconcile, but after 25 years she has started divorce proceedings.

I’m 56 and she’s 53. I can’t get through to her.

She says the vase was the final straw and she’s had enough of my grumpiness and short fuse.

Admittedly, I have felt low for a long time and haven’t been able to muster any enthusiasm for anything, but I’ve always loved her.

The last thing I want is a divorce. How do I make her see sense?

DEIDRE SAYS: I’m sorry that this news has come out of the blue.

It sounds as if you’ve both been unhappy for a while.

Please see your doctor as it sounds like you may be living with depression.

Consider relationship counselling. Tavistock Relationship (tavistockrelationship.org.uk) provides reputable counselling.

If you seek help your wife is more likely to consider staying.