LOOSEN YOUR APRON STRINGS ONCE YOUR CHILDREN ARE ADULT ENOUGH TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES, SAYS NENE.

Q I’ve been seeing one of my co-workers for a couple of months now, but I’m finding it really difficult as he acts very coolly towards me when we are at the office. We have agreed to keep our relationship under wraps for a start, but I’m finding all this secrecy really hard to take. Shall I tell him it’s time that we got things out into the open? JAN, VIA EMAIL.

A I suggest you lie lower than a snake’s belly! All the news of sexual relationships in the workplace and the prime minister banning politicians having affairs with co-workers should be a warning to you that you should keep your private life private.

Why do you have to announce to the world you are dating the co-worker? It has only been a couple of months. If you find the secrecy really hard – tough! You should be concentrating on your work and not wanting to be all lovey-dovey with the co-worker in the office.

I’m not fussed if co-workers date but I do not approve of the romance being conducted openly for all to see. Get on with your work and try to cope with your co-worker being very cool towards you in the office. He is behaving like a responsible adult – time you did too.

Q

My partner and I have just returned from a working holiday and have moved back in with his parents. We appreciate them letting us stay, but I’m finding it hard not having my own space, especially when my partner goes out to play sports leaving me at home with them. We both have casual jobs now and could afford a small place of our own, but my partner insists we have to stay for at least six months to save up. MARIE, DONCASTER, VIC.

A Six months is not a lifetime. Surely you can stay put and save more money and stop whingeing about the situation. I think it is generous of your partner’s parents to offer you a roof over your head and the chance for you set aside money for a place of your own.

You don’t have to stay at home if your partner goes out to play sports. Catch up with friends, see a movie, go shopping, or take up a sport too.

Your partner is right – stay where you are for now. The months with fly past and you will be financially better off in the end.

Q

My 19-year-old daughter wants to go on holiday to Bali with a couple of friends. I trust my daughter, but the other two girls seem like party animals and I’m worried she will be led astray. Should I put my foot down and say she’s too young and maybe suggest that my husband and I take her and a friend on an overseas holiday instead? SHARON, VIA EMAIL.

A

Are you living in the dark ages? At 19 she is not too young to travel without parents and you are just presuming her friends are party animals. Many girls your daughter’s age are responsible mothers.

Loosen the apron strings. Putting your foot down and saying she is too young to go to Bali is unreasonable and out-of-touch. She wants to travel with her friends – not her parents. Have a talk to her before she heads to Bali, remind her of the strict drug laws and suggest she does not drink too much or party too hard, and not to trust strangers bearing gifts!

Have faith in your daughter to know right from wrong – I’m sure you have taught her how to take care of herself. Being a caring mother is a good thing, but you are being too protective and treating your now adult daughter like a child.