It's Lent, right? So now is the time to break bad habits of all kinds, from smoking twenty a day to the morning latte that costs you more than your rent. But what about the type of bad habit that's so insidious you don't even realise you're afflicted? It's easy enough to spot when you're drinking too much coffee; the shakes and stained teeth should be a sign. Or too much sugar; your waistline and energy levels will attest to that.

Women are often accused of being manipulative, but what many a man fails to see is that they leave us with no other choice. Crying, shouting, slamming doors… the whole lot of it would be completely unecessary if men could just be a bit more intuitive.

Henry Ford once said, "There are no big problems, just a lot of little ones". Unfortunately a lack of chivalry displays far too many little problems and in my eyes, that becomes a big problem. A couple of weeks ago, as I was blissfully wasting away a chilly afternoon bargain hunting in the city, the most obvious example of blatant ignorance and bad manners happened before me and the incident is still making me mad.

Being single in Cork is not unusual, it's not a bad thing and there is nothing to be ashamed of. So instead of moping around the apartment telling yourself that it's not ok and wondering why you're the only one left out of all your friends not to be in a relationship, why not take a trek into the city on Friday or Saturday night and check out the talent. After all, we're not the only single people in Cork!

Moving on is hard for all of us to do, whatever the scenario. Whether it's moving on from the passing of a loved one, moving on from the carefree college days or even moving on from the death of your favourite soap character! Once we are in our comfort zone, there is something within us that wants things to remain the same, we are afraid of the unknown but sometimes this unknown is forced upon us.

Every relationship involves give and take, and the most beautiful fledgling union can quickly have its wings clipped by a hint of selfishness on either side. In the first flush of romance, most couples – if they're even using that term – tend to ignore each others' faults and foibles. But as that rosy glow fades, the less prepossessing aspects of your partner's personality come to the fore and you might not always like what you see.

The bond between single women is a very strong thing. Most girls are lucky enough to have a network of single friends who are ready to play wing woman to help you net the latest object of your affection or be at your side with a bottle of wine when things don't work out quite as you'd hoped.

'Dating'. It's not really a word we use in this country. It's one of those words that makes you feel like a blushing, squirmy teenager again, only second to 'shifting' in its cringy-ness. But in the real, adult world, it seems to be a concept people are familiar with. I say this with some amount of surprise because a) I haven't been single since I was a teenager and b) I haven't considered myself a 'real adult' until recently.

As a woman of the 'teens', or whatever we're calling this decade, I like to think I'm independent. I have a job I love, an income, a car, and I live with a female friend. We take out our own rubbish, shovel our own ashes and lug our own bags. We're happy enough about that. And, if we ever get burgled, she's an international martial arts champion with a black belt; I feel fairly safe.

Ah, January. A time of frozen roads, discarded Christmas trees and brimming recycling bags. A month of freezing cold, short days and making the pay cheque stretch beyond all reason. And a month of punishment for anyone who believes in New Year's Resolutions. New Year's Resolutions are one of those customs that can threaten even the most stable relationship. And there is no way of winning this one unscathed.