I have been living in shame and most times, I’m very depressed. When I was living with my uncle, one of his friends did something very bad to me and I have not been able to say it out until now. I was violently raped and on my own, I went to the hospital. I was told that I need to get a pap test and other tests as there could be damage from the force used.

I MET my current boyfriend six months ago and we seemed to hit it off from   the word go. A few weeks ago, after our last date, he just stopped calling.  I’ve tried his mobile, left messages and sent texts, but haven’t heard a word  from him.

I HAVE a son who is in his late twenties and has a good job. He used to live at home until about a year ago when he went to share a flat with a friend.

I WAS diagnosed as HIV positive a couple of years ago. I was referred to a  teaching hospital and the medication I received is keeping me well, but I get  depressed and have withdrawn from friends and go out alone

Unfortunately, you’re now focusing on how awful
he was at first, and you’re letting that make you wary of how he is now.
But try thinking of it all in reverse. Think how much strength it has taken him to
shift from being awful to being pleasant. Think how much he must love you in order to change his character, and his approach to life so dramatically