GREAT SEXPECTATIONS: I feel like Bridget Jones at Christmas

In our fortnightly column ‘Great Sexpectations’ we answer your questions on sex, faith and intimacy. Drop us an email on womanalive@premier.org.uk and ask us anything. Here, Marcia Dixon answers someone who feels Christmas reminds her how unhappy she is in her single status.

Dear Woman Alive

I feel like Bridget Jones, perennially single. Generally I am pretty happy in life, I have a position of authority in a good job, a church community, and a cat called Spike who I love. However, there is always the desire and hope for a man to share my life with. I am able to get on with life, but I am dreading Christmas, as being with my family makes me feel like a failure. I have a brother and sister who are both married with kids. My brother and his family are staying with my parents, as am I, and my sister and her family will come for the day. My mum starts planning from September, so it’s a big deal for her, but I hate it. My position as the ‘spinster aunt’ is not one I would have chosen, and I don’t know how to hear God in all this, as I feel I need to be grateful and accept my lot, and not hope for more, in case of disappointment. Can you give me any help and advice?