Dear Aunty S

My flatmate is a slob and I want him to move out but his name is on the lease with mine so I am stuck with him for the next two years.
How do I make him clean up after himself?
Help?

Aunty S responds

You both have well paying jobs so the answer is easy.
Hire a cleaner to come in on Mondays and Fridays.
There is plenty to select from in your area so start dialling.

Dear Aunty S

I was a widow for a couple of years and remarried a few months ago but  am desperately unhappy.
Loneliness was the reason I chose this man as he was so attentive and kind but it was an act as he is vulgar and lazy.
I moved into his house and he has been putting pressure on me to sell mine and do his up.
He yells at me all the time, criticises my cooking and is just horrible.
He says he will go for half my house and money if I leave.
His house isn’t worth much so I know he will want half my money and house.
We are already sleeping apart and all I want to do is go home but my son says I’ll embarrass myself if I don’t give this marriage a go.
My daughters want me to leave and will help me do so.
I never rented my house so I can walk back in.
I left a beautiful home and gardens and I miss them so much.
I feel like such an old fool.
What do you think I should do?

Aunty S responds

Don’t stay another minute my darling.
Ring your girls and get out of there as soon as you can. You haver been married for five minutes so he has no legal claim on your house or money.
This sounds like a bullying tactic to make you stay.
A letter from your Lawyer will put paid to this nonsense.
Hold your head up high and don’t look back.
Your son is being a silly boy but  I am sure he will calm down in time.
Time for you to take charge of your life.
Join a club or a group in your town,  I checked them out and have sent you a list.
Hire a local gardener to tidy up your garden and get your life back to how it used to be.
Keep in touch.

Dear Aunty S

My son’s wife doesn’t bake and hardly ever cooks a meal.  She hints that she’d like me to do it as I live next door.   I ignore the hints.
My son works hard and ends up having to cook at night most nights.
How do I make him realise she is just being lazy as she has a job which isn’t that physical.
My son misses my baking and meals so I am worried about him.

Aunty S responds

Why don’t you take her up on her hints and bake for them and how about making meals for them as well.
You could make a one dish meal which could be reheated or make a meat and veggie option which could be plated up and frozen if need be or popped in their fridge for reheating when they get home.
A friend of mine does this for her son and daughter-in-law as they both work.
She is paid enough to cover the groceries and power and thoroughly enjoys helping her boy.
A lot of folk don’t like baking and cooking, I have found  a lot of the time it has nothing to do with being lazy.
Your daughter-in-law will be the mother of your future grandchildren so this gesture may help build a strong bond between you.

Dear Aunty S

My new boyfriend’s sister doesn’t like me and only invites my boyfriend to her parties.
He always insists on taking me which annoys her as she never speaks to me.
He is oblivious to all this.
Should I tell him?

Aunty S responds

I wouldn’t mention it my dear.
His sister is either a control freak or a sister who knows her brother has been hurt before so is not warming to you until she sees you are worthy of him.
Once she sees you are definitely making him happy she will probably warm to you.
Give it a month and if this hasn’t happened, write in again and I’ll give you Plan B.