Ask Janice: My wife puts me on diets and I am sick of it
It's not my choice but my wife says I live on junk food, drink too much alcohol and I'm overweight.
(Obese actually, according to her).
I really enjoy the odd chippie or kebab after a few pints and can't see what harm it's doing if I'm happy.
Her friend caught me with a big breakfast at the burger van, and suggested I admit to my wife about the stuff I eat behind her back as she spends a fortune on healthy food which is a waste of money if I'm still eating crap.
If I do tell her, it will cause a massive row, so what do I do?
Joe.
Dear Joe,
This friend should keep her big interfering nose out of your business.
Joe, your wife can sniff out your chippie and kebab habit like a Bassett Hound, and she will also be aware that your waistline isn't shrinking any, despite her efforts to curtail your fatty beige food consumption.
As you have discovered, changing habits can be extremely difficult, so rather than waste her time, money, and effort, and you secretly scoffing forbidden food, you both need to be honest with each other.
She is clearly concerned about your health and well-being, so try to understand her thoughts and why she is going to these lengths to improve your diet.
You need to explain to her just how difficult you find the changes she expects you to conform to, and hopefully, if you both communicate and compromise, you'll find a way forward.
Otherwise, this scenario will be an endless cycle of frustration.
Shop, cook, and eat together.
Work out meal plans which include a once-a-week big breakfast and a homemade chippie tea etc.
Smaller portions of what you do like instead of larger ones of foods you don't might help too.
Best of luck.
Dear Janice,
My partner asked me to give him driving lessons.
He says that if I show him the basics, he will then be confident enough to book proper professional lessons.
I understand where he is coming from, but he blows a fuse at the slightest thing, and I can foresee a fallout before we've started the engine!
Plus, I don't feel confident enough to take someone out on the road.
How do I get out of this?
James.
Dear James,
Driving instructors need to be patient, communicate clearly, and adapt to different learning styles.
They also need to be confident enough to let strangers take control of their vehicle.
You don't have that confidence, therefore, giving your petulant partner control of your car is not an option.
If he has a birthday coming up, pre-book a block of lessons with a professional instructor, but if he doesn't, just pay for it anyway as it will be money well spent.
It may well dent your bank balance, but it will save your sanity and your relationship.
Got a question for our agony aunt?
Email askjanice@glasgowtimes.co.uk.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Metro
4 days ago
- Metro
I stuffed my bra before a Wizz Air flight — it saved me a fortune
I was in the airport toilets, standing in front of the mirror, trying to wedge a bikini top into the side of my brand-new pink DD bra. Next in went my unused gym kit, followed by my fishing vest (more on that later). With every item, my reflection became a little… curvier. As someone who's never had much going on in that department, it might appear like a cheap boob job. But this wasn't vanity – it was strategy. I was flying home from Lisbon with Wizz Air in January, and they only allow a tiny 40 x 30 x 20cm cabin bag for free. I'd managed the outbound flight just fine thanks to a fishing vest with over 15 pockets, but I really wanted to give a different hack a go for my return. I cautiously zipped up my jacket and took one last look in the mirror before heading for my gate, praying no one would notice I was basically wearing half my suitcase on my chest. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. The idea started earlier that morning, when I'd been rifling through the sales rack in Lisbon's H&M hoping to find something to test out. I'd hoped for a hoodie with deep pockets or a slim bag I could tuck under my coat, but instead my hands landed on a large bra with the price reduced to €5. I was about to push it away when an idea came to me: what if this bra was the answer to bonus luggage space? The concept of wearing extra clothes to avoid fees certainly isn't new. There's a reason why Joey Tribbiani's 'Could I BE wearing any more clothes' moment in Friends is still a popular meme. It perfectly sums up the theatrics we have to resort to just to get a few extra outfits on board without paying more. However, I'd never seen anyone use a bra for this purpose. And the logic was solid: airlines weigh and measure your bag, not your body. My coat pockets had been carrying overflow snacks and chargers for years, so why not give my chest a piece of the action too? On the day of my flight, I wasn't about to stroll through security looking like I'd got a Portuguese breast enlargement – this was about getting through the scales and bag sizers. Technically, clothes wouldn't trigger alarms, but the thought of a pat-down revealing wads of fabric was enough to make me blush. So I stuffed the bra in my bag, sailed through security, and headed straight for the toilets to transform. On went the bra – over my shirt for speed – and then the stuffing began. My bikini and gym kit slid neatly into one cup, my fishing vest into the other. With each addition, my silhouette changed and I couldn't help but let out a cackle, reminded of playing dress-up as a child and stuffing wads of toilet paper down my top. Zipping my jacket was a slight challenge, and the moment the zip reached the top, the temperature began to rise. Lisbon might have been in winter mode, but under my layers, I was experiencing my own private heatwave. When I emerged, James – my boyfriend and travel companion – looked me up and down, his eyebrows creeping higher with each passing second. He didn't say a word, but his expression said it all: what on earth have you done now? At the gate, I braced myself. I'm always slightly on edge when pushing the boundaries of airline rules. You hear horror stories of passengers being told to unpack their bags, shove them into baggage sizers, or pay last-minute fines that cost more than the flight itself. I imagined a gate agent pointing me out, demanding to know why I looked like I'd swallowed a small rucksack. In reality, no one batted an eyelid. Boarding went smoothly, but I couldn't wait to reach my seat to rid myself of my ridiculous get-up. I hastily unzipped my coat on the plane before realising my faux pas – I forgot that my bulging bra was on the outside of my shirt. Naturally, it took me an age to unclip the clasp at the back, much to the entertainment of my fellow passengers. Settled, I was finally able to reflect on the hack at hand. Did it work? Yes. I avoided paying for another bag and breezed through without question. But the downsides were obvious. You can't pack much without looking completely unnatural, it's sweltering, and you will inevitably embarrass yourself if you decide to take it off. More Trending Would I do it again? Nah. This was a one-and-done. For me, there are far better hacks out there: The neck pillow trick – fill it with underwear or lightweight clothes. It's surprisingly roomy and no one questions it (just stick to your least-worn garments for the return journey…). The fishing vest hack – it's basically a wearable cupboard, complete with deep pockets for chargers, snacks, and even a laptop. The duty-free bag dodge – pick up a bag from duty-free, slip a jumper or two inside, and stroll on board looking like you've just bought perfume. The large backpack gamble – my personal go-to. Risk it all by taking a bag that's actually too big. I find that as long as you wear it on your back and keep facing the front, they often don't care. All of these have worked several times for me without the heat, bulk, or awkward mid-flight unzipping. So, if you're in a real fix and have a spare big bra lying around, sure – give it a go. If you don't have big boobs already, it will likely work and you might save a bob or two in fees. But for the sake of your comfort (and perhaps even your dignity), a jacket with deep pockets will do the job just as well – so when you unzip mid-flight, you'll look completely normal and not like you got dressed in the dark. Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. MORE: The UK's 'prettiest village' is a magical place — but time your visit wisely MORE: We swerved a beach honeymoon for a European city break — we're itching to go back MORE: I've been to 175 countries – but I always go back to these underrated gems
Scottish Sun
10-08-2025
- Scottish Sun
Posh couple used to £12k breaks last five minutes on Zante strip night out in Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday
The wealthy duo have had 29 holidays in the two years they've been together POOR SHOW Posh couple used to £12k breaks last five minutes on Zante strip night out in Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday A RICH COUPLE used to champagne dinners on a yacht lasted five minutes on the Zante strip in Channel 5's Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday. James and Isabella, both in their 30s, lead a glamorous life in Barcelona, and have had a whopping 29 holidays during their two-year relationship. Advertisement 4 James and Isabella lead a lavish life in Barcelona Credit: Channel 5 4 They were not impressed with the budget Zante accomodation Credit: Channel 5 4 Isabella struggled to cope with the party lifestyle Credit: Channel 5 Superyacht broker James and lawyer Isabella think nothing of spending £12,000 on a single trip, so got the shock of their life when they were sent on a budget break to the Zante strip. The jetsetting duo, who describe being in a nightclub as their personal hell were horrified to discover that they would be staying in a "stinky" self-catered apartment right in the centre of the Greek Island's party capital Laganas. Used to five-star comfort, the couple described the bed as like "laying on a piece of wood", and the bathroom as "disgusting". "I believe this is way out of anybody's comfort zone", Brazilian beauty Isabella said, looking visibly repulsed. Advertisement The couple considered throwing the towel in before they'd even stayed one night in the hotel, despite their holiday companions, cash strapped single mums Gemma and Stacey describing the place as "lovely". The Hertfordshire besties, both 44, and the posh couple got off to a rocky start, with James declaring to the camera that the women are "not our type of people". And James and Isabella couldn't believe their ears when they found out that their budget for the trip would be just 135 euros. "That's usually what we spend on one dinner", Isabella said. Advertisement After probing more in to the couple's lavish lifestyle, Gemma and Stacey, who both struggle to feed the six kids they have between them on their £1000 a month Universal Credit money, were left gobsmacked to learn that James and Isabella have £5,000 a month in disposable income. Used to dining on salmon and avocado, the wealthy duo were less than impressed when party lovers Gemma and Stacey ordered them both a full English. Single mum surviving on just £125 a MONTH after bills fights tears at £250-a-night hotel on Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday "It's not healthy", said Isabella, turning her nose up at the fry up. However, the couple were given a reality check after seeing Gemma and Stacey, who sometimes can't even afford a tin of beans, haggle to get their breakfast's cheaper. Advertisement "It's not an easy life for them", Isabella realised. Despite at first being unwilling to join in, Isabella and James did admit to having fun at a budget day out to a waterpark. However, their worst nightmare came true when Gemma and Stacey dragged them out to a night on the strip. After being disgusted by the neon lights and cheap shots on offer at the nightclubs, Isabella and James decided to make a French exit before even entering a single bar. Advertisement Sick of living on the cheap, the couple blew their strict budget, and spent £40 a takeaway. "This is the best part of the holiday", James said. Despite admitting that the trip wasn't up their street at all, the posh pair did admit that the break had really made them think about the value of money. 4 The duo lasted just five minutes on the Zante trip Credit: Channel 5
The Sun
10-08-2025
- The Sun
Posh couple used to £12k breaks last five minutes on Zante strip night out in Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday
A RICH COUPLE used to champagne dinners on a yacht lasted five minutes on the Zante strip in Channel 5's Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday. James and Isabella, both in their 30s, lead a glamorous life in Barcelona, and have had a whopping 29 holidays during their two-year relationship. 4 4 4 Superyacht broker James and lawyer Isabella think nothing of spending £12,000 on a single trip, so got the shock of their life when they were sent on a budget break to the Zante strip. The jetsetting duo, who describe being in a nightclub as their personal hell were horrified to discover that they would be staying in a "stinky" self-catered apartment right in the centre of the Greek Island's party capital Laganas. Used to five-star comfort, the couple described the bed as like "laying on a piece of wood", and the bathroom as "disgusting". "I believe this is way out of anybody's comfort zone", Brazilian beauty Isabella said, looking visibly repulsed. The couple considered throwing the towel in before they'd even stayed one night in the hotel, despite their holiday companions, cash strapped single mums Gemma and Stacey describing the place as "lovely". The Hertfordshire besties, both 44, and the posh couple got off to a rocky start, with James declaring to the camera that the women are "not our type of people". And James and Isabella couldn't believe their ears when they found out that their budget for the trip would be just 135 euros. "That's usually what we spend on one dinner", Isabella said. After probing more in to the couple's lavish lifestyle, Gemma and Stacey, who both struggle to feed the six kids they have between them on their £1000 a month Universal Credit money, were left gobsmacked to learn that James and Isabella have £5,000 a month in disposable income. Used to dining on salmon and avocado, the wealthy duo were less than impressed when party lovers Gemma and Stacey ordered them both a full English. Single mum surviving on just £125 a MONTH after bills fights tears at £250-a-night hotel on Rich Holiday, Poor Holiday "It's not healthy", said Isabella, turning her nose up at the fry up. However, the couple were given a reality check after seeing Gemma and Stacey, who sometimes can't even afford a tin of beans, haggle to get their breakfast's cheaper. "It's not an easy life for them", Isabella realised. Despite at first being unwilling to join in, Isabella and James did admit to having fun at a budget day out to a waterpark. However, their worst nightmare came true when Gemma and Stacey dragged them out to a night on the strip. After being disgusted by the neon lights and cheap shots on offer at the nightclubs, Isabella and James decided to make a French exit before even entering a single bar. Sick of living on the cheap, the couple blew their strict budget, and spent £40 a takeaway. "This is the best part of the holiday", James said. Despite admitting that the trip wasn't up their street at all, the posh pair did admit that the break had really made them think about the value of money. 4
