I feel like I have let my girlfriend down because her birthday didn’t go to plan

DEAR DEIDRE:  I BOUGHT decorations and balloons and ordered a cake for my girlfriend’s birthday this month.

I wanted it to be special, as her dad died six months ago and she’s been through a tough time.

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I feel like I have let my girlfriend down because her birthday didn’t go to plan[/caption]

I booked us in at a lovely hotel for a romantic dinner but it’s all gone wrong.

I’m 37 and my girlfriend is 35, with a ten-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.

She had an argument with her daughter’s father and now he says he won’t look after her, so we can’t go away.

I accepted we’d just have to have a family day out instead but my girlfriend is desperately upset and angry.

I feel I’ve let her down. I’m stuck for ideas now the day will include all three of us.

DEIDRE SAYS: You didn’t let down your girlfriend and are in no way to blame. The real issue is between her and her ex.

She might be kicking herself for getting sucked into a row with him.

Families Need Fathers can advise her how to negotiate calmly with her ex over contact arrangements (fnf.org.uk, 0300 0300 363).

For ideas, visit websites with your girlfriend and her daughter such as great-days-out.co.uk.

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