Paloma Faith's relationship with Leyman Lahcine ended because he wanted more attention.
The 42-year-old singer split from her long-term partner two years ago and she has suggested one of the reasons they separated was the demands of their daughters, one aged six and another who turns three this month, meant she could no longer devote as much time to the artist as she could before they had their children.
She added to The Times newspaper: “Men like to be put first and resentment builds.”
And although Paloma has done some dating, she doesn't think it's the right time for her to embark on a new relationship.
She said: “It’s nice to have a cuddle, but what people want from a relationship I’m not able to give at this point. Men struggle to be put second."
The 'Only Love Can Hurt Like This' hitmaker believes all relationships come under strain when children are involved.
She said: “We put on so many different masks in relationships, then when you have children you see each other at your absolute worst, when you’ve not slept for a year. It’s really hard. I think people who stay together are amazing. I don’t know anyone who says, ‘I love my husband’; they all say, ‘He’s the most annoying person!’”
Paloma admitted the amicable relationship she has with Leyman can be "confusing" because they get on so well she sometimes questions why they split.
She said: “These breaks-ups are a far cry from the cut-and-runs of youth where you just don’t see each other again.
"When you have young children you have to [keep in touch] because you’re constantly doing handovers. That can get confusing.
"I have a really good relationship with the kids’ dad so sometimes it’s like, ‘What are we doing? Why are we not together?’
"But the key to the success of our relationship now is absence of expectation. Expectation leads to disappointment.”
Though she is slowly getting over the split, the former 'Voice UK' coach still has "moments" of devastation and expects to be hurt when she knows Layman has truly moved on with his life.
She admitted: “I still get moments when I’m just devastated. I’m sure I will when [Leyman] tells me he’s having a kid with someone else. But then I can write an album about that!”
