Well we had a planned conversation last night which started on time, was civil, kept to the subject and left us both on an emotional even keel.

So that's good, isn't it? So why later in the evning did I feel that it hadn't been quite even.

Perhaps it is paranoia, I don't know.

The plan I had laid on the table a few weeks ago was for me to put self-employed business on back burner, running it as an evening or week-end role and to look for regular waged work.

Last night wife said she can see that there is a demand for my business and I should go for it. Full-time try and hit the Xmas demand.

Left a message with X2B asking what he intends to do about the dreaded overdraft..we are squared up about the obvious financial commitments between us..He pays me child maintenance, but then takes it back for the rent that I have to pay him...so simple.

He responded with a scribbled note, stating that he will give me a few bob when he can, but that I have to understand that his life has moved on that he has new commitments and that he needs to save to rent a house which will happen before christmas.

What new commitments?..why the rush to rent..he has a room at the mess and pays £200 for room