Why did he have to hit me?

If he didn't adore me, then he wouldn't notice whenever I dress provocatively, flirt with other men or ignore him.

The guy drives me nuts. I never deliberately do anything to upset him, but time and time again he kicks off at the slightest thing.

I understand that he's a very intense and vulnerable person. He's been let down and hurt by all sorts of people all his life.

His mum was a thrill-seeker who had a new boyfriend every few months. His dad was mostly absent, but a complete pain whenever he did turn up (usually drunk and demanding money).

From what I can make out, he hasn't had much luck in love either. One girl went off with his best mate and another did a moonlight flit taking his watch and a load of money with her.

I get it that he's bruised and damaged in many ways, but that doesn't make him any easier to be with.

The other day he flipped out after I was late meeting him.

We'd arranged to meet in a local bar and I had trouble getting away from my boss, who wanted to chat about a new client.

I ran all the way to meet him, where he promptly accused me of sleeping with my boss and then slapped me.