QUESTION: My flatmate and I have shared for years and we’ve both had friends, family or lovers stay over for a few nights, but nothing regular.

However, I really don’t like my flatmate’s new partner. Thankfully, they’ve been away for about three months but they’re about to return.

I don’t want to live with a couple and I want to limit the overnight stays to two nights per week, max. Is this a reasonable thing to ask? If not, is it fair to ask my flatmate to move out? – Crowded House, Coogee.

ANSWER: It’s perfectly reasonable to say you’re not happy with this change in your flat-sharing relationship.

But there are two things couples do when they are travelling – they either make plans for a more permanent relationship or they realise they hate each other.  Either way you might not have to ask the question.

If you do, give her a couple of days to get over her jet lag then gently tell your flatmate (alone) that you never intended living with a couple and either you agree on a limit or they look for somewhere else.

Just don’t make it about her bloke’s personality – no good can come of that.

Join the discussion or ask your own question on http://www.flatchat.com.au/forum.