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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Lifestyle
As told to Doosie Morris

The moment I knew: I was a ball of emotions. He reassured me: ‘You can run, but run to me’

Olivia Carr, with her partner Rob at an award ceremony in 2023.
Olivia Carr, with her partner, Rob, at an award ceremony in 2023 Photograph: Olivia Carr/supplied

I’d been engaged four times and was married, but I’d never been in love. As Covid hit and I turned 40, I decided I could no longer live that way. I left my husband the day after my birthday.

I learned at a young age how to protect my heart by building walls around me. When it came to romance I just went through the motions. I was basically numb; the strongest emotion I felt when it came to intimacy was fear.

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