Dear Janice, Whenever my girlfriend and I disagree or argue, I don’t have any restraint and quickly fly off the handle.

Immediately I regret the mouthful of awful things I have blurted out. The thing is, I don’t even mean most of it and could kick myself for what I’ve said.

I always apologise, but I know there are only so many apologies she is going to accept before she turns on me, or bails out of our relationship.

Out with my outbursts, we have a loving and fun relationship, so how can I learn to control my anger?

George.

Dear George, Often when we are confronted with something we do not agree with or understand, we react out of fear and anxiety and quickly respond in a flight or fight manner. We cannot think objectively and retaliate in the only way we know how, especially when we are caught off-guard.

In your case, your response is a tirade of remorseful abuse.

I have no doubt you instantly regret it, but words can often be more damaging than actions so you are right to be concerned at the possibility of losing your girlfriend if this behaviour continues.

Next time, (and there will be a next time), when you are triggered, say nothing, turn around and walk away until you have had time to calm down and think it through.

However, if for instance, you are in a restaurant and can’t leave, try to remain unresponsive for as long as possible, then excuse yourself and stay in the gents until you calm down.

Or, just agree with her until you find an appropriate time to raise the issue again (if it needs raising), and chat calmly about it.

Often when we put time and space between arguments, they take on a whole new perceptive, so give it a try and I hope with practice things calm down.

READ MORE:Massive £1000 reward offered to find owner of 'bred to death' dog

Dear Janice, My brother has been struggling for almost a year to find an affordable place to rent.

He still lives with our parents who are alcoholics and his home life is miserable.

So I suggested to my wife that he moves into our spare room, at least until he can find a decent place.

As we are really struggling to pay our bills, I thought this extra cash was the answer to all our problems.

However, my wife refuses point blank and says she doesn’t want strangers living in her house.

My brother does shift work and she works part-time so she reckons they will be at home together a lot, and she likes her own space.

She won’t compromise in any way and I can’t come up with any other ideas, so what do you suggest?

Gary.

Dear Gary, You are in caught between keeping your wife happy, affording your home, and watching your young brother live in a hellish environment.

If money is so tight and you struggle to pay your bills, is there a reason your wife only works part-time?

She likes the house to herself, but the more she is home, the higher your bills are likely to be.

Make it crystal clear that unless she contributes more financially, or you rent out your spare room, there is a real chance you will lose your home.

Can she think of another solution?

Your brother is not a stranger you found roaming the streets, he is family and needs some support.

Yes, life would be easier all round if you all had your own space but for now, everyone seems to need a leg-up.

The issue is, if he moves in it might be difficult to get him to move on, so pre-agree his financial contribution, and a time limit for staying.

Set out clear living rules which suit your household.

Together, search for others in a similar situation who may be able to flatshare with him. It won’t be easy as rental accommodation is at a premium.

Before this, why don’t you let him stay for a week and suss out if this is a realistic option or a complete disaster?

I hope it works out.

READ MORE: Cost of living: Glasgow's best chippy thanks customers for success

Dear Janice, I excitedly told my flatmate about a potential new job I applied for, and she agreed it sounded great and wished me luck.

Despite her never mentioning it again, I happen to know that she has since applied for it too!

I avoid her as much as I can at the moment because I don’t want a fall out, but I can’t get my head around why she would do this and say nothing.

Have you any idea why?

Nicola,

<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/glasgowtimes/"><img src="https://www.glasgowtimes.co.uk/resources/images/16507555/" /></a></p>

Dear Nicola, Her actions are underhand, to say the least.

What happens if she gets the job? Are you supposed to congratulate her?

I can’t explain her conduct, but the deed is done and you now know she is a devious person who is capable of treating her flatmate in this way.

Going forward, keep every bit of personal information, mail, paperwork, bills etc out of reach of her beady eyes, and tell her absolutely nothing about your plans and aspirations.

I really hope this job has your name on it because it sounds like a new job….. and a new flatmate is just what you need.