Dear Janice, my husband has never allowed me to drive our car as he says women shouldn’t be allowed behind the wheel and that I would be too much of a risk. I’ve accepted the fact to save arguments and relied on him taking me where I needed to go over the years however, recently he lost his licence and all of a sudden, I’m expected to be his chauffeur. I’m don’t feel comfortable driving after all this time, but he says I’ll soon get used to it. I’m 52 and nervous about the whole thing. What do I do? Pam.

Dear Pam, I hope you don’t mind me saying so, but your husband sounds like an old misogynistic dinosaur who is ignorant of the facts relating to women drivers. You could point out that research shows men are four times more likely to commit a motoring office (you say he has lost his licence), and women are in less motoring accidents, but I suspect facts and figures are meaningless to your husband. So, what are your options here? You could hold your own and refuse to drive and who could blame you. Or you could take a driver refresher course and gain confidence again behind the wheel, not to chauffeur him about, but for own self esteem. Let’s face it, it will be daunting after all these years, however imagine the newfound freedom you could have if YOU were in control? Give it a try, if it’s not for you then fine, but wouldn’t it be a wonderful feeling to get behind the wheel and leave old moaning chops to get the bus now and then. Go for it. Good luck.

Dear Janice, I’m now 27 and thought I had finally found the girl of my dreams. However, my girlfriend will be graduating from university this year and has just announced she could be starting a new job in Australia! The job would be for at least two years and I just don’t see how we can sustain a long-distance relationship. I’ve recently started my own business so can’t go with her. I’m absolutely gutted but pretending to be chuffed for her. Can I really ask her not to go or should I just end it now and save us both the heartache? Gutted Brian.

Dear Brian, it’s a real shame to have finally met the love of your life and she then relocates halfway round the world! However, this doesn’t have to mean the end of your relationship. On the contrary, it could be the start of something new and exciting. Yes, there are challenges. You have your own business here, but perhaps you could start up the same business in Australia. If this is not an option, then work your backside off and save for a well-earned break and quality time with her. She can hopefully do the same and come home to see you and her family as I imagine she will miss them desperately too.

Brian, if you are really struck on each other your love will overcome the distance. There is nothing wrong in admitting you are gutted, and hopefully she is gutted too, but you are both young and adventure is out there waiting for you to embrace. If you put pressure on her and she doesn’t go, you will both have a lifetime of what ifs to contend with. Start making plans.

Dear Janice, prior to lockdown my husband practically lived in the gym. Every spare minute he had was spent bodybuilding and preening himself and all our chat was about kettle bells, protein shakes, diets, and sunbeds. I can’t go back to that life. Help. Gym Widow.

Dear Gym Widow, it’s good to take an interest in your personal wellness to a point, and I’m sure you appreciate the benefits of your husband’s physique compared to a Rab C Nesbitt lookalike, but having no fun time together is pretty pointless. He has been gym free and survived, so talk to him and tell him how you feel. Compromise is the name of the game here; he can have gym days but you both need fun times together. There are plenty of ways to keep fit, such as walking and cycling which you can enjoy together. Make plans though, otherwise he’ll be back in the gym before you’ve time to get dressed in the morning.

Dear Janice, my granddaughter and I have a close relationship and she trusts me 100% with her secrets. Recently she told me that she has a boyfriend and that when her mum thinks she is with her friends, she is secretly seeing him. Should I tell my daughter and risk losing my granddaughters trust in me? She is only 12. I feel caught in a no-win situation. Janis.

Dear Janis, I don’t envy your position because as you say, trust is the issue here with your daughter and your granddaughter. However, your granddaughter is 12 which I think is far too young to have a relationship behind her mum’s back. If anything had to happen to her and you have said nothing, guess who gets the blame?

Your daughter has a responsibility to know where her 12-year-old is at all times. Better to risk losing your granddaughters trust than be responsible for hiding this issue. I’m sure your daughter will respect the position you are in and say nothing. Trust me, this will be a weight off your shoulders.