The pain of abandonment is huge.

The partner you loved and cherished for so many years has decided you are no longer required. Past your sell by date. Of no use to them anymore, so tossed out like a piece of garbage. Abandoned with barely a backward glance.

In an attempt to keep this a gentle, light-hearted read, each chapter is divided into letters of the alphabet, rather like a dictionary of distress, something you can dip into at any time.

I am not an expert, merely someone who has survived one of life's great traumas and has come through it as a stronger, more resilient person.

Pat Backley.