Talk To Me: I'm worried about my partner who is overweight and drinks 

Psychologist Caroline Martin is here to answer your questions on whatever issues you are dealing with in life, from work pressure and stress to loneliness and grief

#If he hasn’t acted on his fears, then yours may only bring guilt or, even worse, shame.#

My partner is overweight and drinks daily. I’m very worried about his health, as his family has a history of heart disease. He gets defensive whenever I bring up the topic, and says I’m nagging him. We’re both in our early 50s and have two teenage children, and I’m concerned he won’t live to see them grow up. What can I do?

The rituals we create in our relationships can act as a vital life force.