My wife asked for a divorce out of the blue – what did I do wrong?

DEAR DEIDRE: My wife has told me she wants a divorce which means I’ll lose everything I have worked for. It has come out of the blue. I don’t know what I’ve done wrong.

I thought things were great. We’ve been married for three years and we both have good jobs but I have been given a promotion within the company which means a move to Scotland.

She was ready to start our new life but now she’s changed her tune and apparently our relationship is over.

She’s 34 and I’m 37. We have a rescue labrador and he’s my world. My wife works from home so he’ll have to stay with her. If I take this job I’ll be going alone.

I’m heartbroken it’s come to this.

DEIDRE SAYS: Perhaps your wife had been thinking that things weren’t right for a while and you didn’t see the signs.

The best time to tell you was when you were on a high, thinking about your exciting future. But you deserve an explanation at the very least.

Find a moment to talk and tell her that you need a better understanding and suggest a few sessions of counselling with a therapist at Tavistock Relationships (tavistockrelationships.org, 020 7380 1975).

They can help you to separate with dignity if things are truly over. My support pack called Mend Your Broken Heart will help you if you have to go it alone.