Learning points: I miss daughter of my ex-partner — what should I do?

IIt is very easy to stay in a relationship because you fear being lonely or fear the unknown, writes Richard Hogan

I recently separated from my long-term partner. He had a daughter from a previous relationship when we met. He never told me he didn’t want another child but over the last year things became strained when I started to talk about having a child. I love his daughter, don’t get me wrong, but I always wanted to have a child of my own. I turned 36 this year and I suppose I have felt the pressure of getting old. I want to have a child but I feel like time is running out for me. I really dread Christmas now, being alone and not having anyone to share it with. As I said, I loved his daughter and we had a very close relationship but I haven’t seen her since we separated. I’ve tried to contact her but she hasn’t returned my calls. I didn’t realise that when he left me I would lose his daughter too. Any advice on how to get through this Christmas would really be appreciated.