A 2AM phone call from your long-distance boyfriend of 9 months that starts with “I didn’t mean to get this drunk, and I walked Ashley home…” isn’t usually something to be happy about.

I trust you implicitly. You’ve never let me down, never hurt me (unless I’ve begged nicely) and you’re a source of consistent reassurance while I build my sense of self-worth back up from an intensely abusive ex-partner.

I had absolutely no reason to doubt you.

If I’m completely honest, being half-asleep, there was a moment of panic. The stubbornly persistent part of me that still believes I’m not worth your time or affection, despite the solid year of work I’ve done to quieten it, suddenly got very loud.

"Of course he found someone else. Why would he stick around with a broken mess like you? She’s prettier, smarter, there’s no distance…"

I know that reaction probably showed in my voice. I know you worried you’d hurt me.

“She’s wasted and I didn’t want her or her friend walking home by themselves through the city, I just wanted them to stay safe, but I’m on my way home now.”

But aside from that split second where my insecurity got the better of me, I had no doubts. I know you wouldn’t hurt me. Of course you’d never cheat. Of course you’re just being you and looking out for the people you care about.

Shut the hell up, self-doubt. Sayonara, insecurity. Ciao, anxiety.

You did three things:

• Acknowledged that Ashley and her friend were drunk and didn’t judge or shame them for it.

• Realised that, although being 6’5” means random assaults are less of an issue for you, for a 5’-nothing girl they’re a very real possibility, drunk or sober.

• Went out of your way to make sure she and her friend got home safe.

The feminist in me may have fan-girl’d slightly.

And the more I thought about what you’d done – gone out of your way to make sure someone was safe despite not being in the best state yourself – the happier I became.

I heard somewhere you should always judge a man on how he treats the women in his life he doesn’t know that well, and/or has no intention of sleeping with. Ashley and her friend fit both of those criteria.

It’s just another reason I think I’ve chosen the right man – as my mother is forever reminding me, “he’s a keeper”.

So, actually, despite the momentary self-induced panic, I love that you called me and I wouldn’t change anything. I love that you did the right thing and helped out. I love that you made someone else feel as safe as I do with you.

I’ll forever tell this story and make light of the momentary anxiety of a drunken-and-half-asleep-at-2AM-almost-miscommunication, but behind that laughter will be a proud girlfriend who knows her other half is a good, honest, caring guy.

So as much as a 2AM phone call from your long-distance boyfriend of 9 months that starts with “I didn’t mean to get this drunk, and I walked Ashley home…” isn’t usually something to be happy about, I’m so glad I got this one.