Design For Life: I waited too long for my ex and now he’s engaged to someone else

This week, expert Fiona Brennan advises a reader who is devastated at the news that her old flame is about to marry another woman

First love often leaves a long-lasting imprint on us. Illustration: Getty

Dear Expert,

I was in a relationship with a boy for four years during my teens. We broke up when we went to college, but stayed in the same friends group. The main reason for our split was that we were too young, really. In my head I had always thought we would be with other people for a while, but then find our way back to each other.

Recently, however, he announced his engagement ...