Relationship breakdown

These issues concern us because we invest so much time, effort and personal security in a relationship. If a woman has low self-esteem, she may believe her partner will leave her for someone better. Sometimes this can become a self-fulfilling prophecy as she drives her partner away by becoming too 'clingy'.

Ask yourself if there's evidence the relationship is going wrong and tell your partner how you feel. According to relationship counsellor Denise Knowles, "Talk to your partner frequently and honestly about your relationship - airing the good and bad points." If you can't find any reason for your concern, you may just need to boost your self-esteem, perhaps by taking an assertiveness course. It may also help to look back at your own life to pinpoint the root of the problem, for instance did you have a stable home life? Did your parents fight a lot? Knowing will help you deal with them. If you can't do this alone, a counsellor will be able to help.