I wrote the book I wish I had had seven years ago. Choosing to leave a long marriage is the most difficult decision many people will make in their lives. It is cliff-hangingly ghastly. You know you will hurt some of the people you most love in the world. And you do.

At some point, you realise it’s not a choice anymore. It becomes survival.

This is the survival kit.

It’s a summary of everything I learned about how to leave well and love better in the second half of life. Having gone through it all relatively blind, I hope to make it just a tiny fraction easier for you.

And having come through to a brighter, happier place, I just wanted to let you know it’s possible. Don’t listen to the loud voices that may try and convince you to ignore the wilting of your heart. All they say about soul mates is true – when you finally, one day, accept your own soul and reach for your own late love.