Dear Janice, My girlfriend says she needs space, and I am gutted as I thought we were getting along brilliantly.

I had so many plans for our future, but she says she needs time on her own to work out where we are going and what she wants.

We have been together for six months, so this has come as a shock. What should I do? Jack.

Dear Jack. How long are you expected to wait?

Jack if someone is really into you, a night apart would be too much, so if she is asking for space, I’m afraid at this stage, she doesn’t share your feelings or plans.

Give her space and go your separate ways for a month. Hold your head up high and fill every moment of your single life with all the things you enjoy.

At best she might come back with her tail between her legs realising you are ‘the one’, but I reckon as soon as you set her free, she will be gone.

Heartbreaking perhaps, but unrequited love is death by a thousand cuts, so save yourself the drawn-out misery, accept her feelings, respect yourself, and move on. Good luck.

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Dear Janice, I want to cut my hours at work to spend more time with our children, but my husband insists we can’t afford it.

We both work full-time and by the time I am home each evening, I am burnt out and have little time or patience with the children.

My husband is the same and just wants to eat and lounge about and when I ask for help, he moans continually which causes an atmosphere.

I dread endless years living like this but financially we are just about making things work as it is.

How do I change things? Angela.

Dear Angela, Understandably you are upset because your children only get one childhood.

For so many families their mantra is the same, eat, sleep, work, repeat and there doesn’t seem to be any other way. But life needs balance.

Your husband sounds overwhelmed too so draw up a household rota and discuss your finances in detail.

Begin by scrutinizing every expenditure. There are free budget planners online to assist.

Are there hidden standing orders you can cancel, appointments you can forego hair, nails, gym, etc?

Can you live with one vehicle if you have two? Do the odd shop on Vinted and in charity shops.

Also, kids seem to attend endless parties which means endless gifts, so agree on a spending limit with the other parents.

Perhaps you could find a job with a higher salary, meaning you work fewer hours, or work from home saving you commute time and travel expenditure.

Angela, your kid’s childhood will become a blur if life stays the same, and I know it’s difficult, but making changes can only be positive as you seem to be at breaking point.

I hope things improve for you all.