DEAR Jasminda,

Whenever my brother starts a new relationship I try really hard to make his girlfriend welcome, but then when they break up I have to go through it all over again.

It’s emotionally exhausting.

Katy B.

Katy it sounds as though your brother collects girlfriends at the same rate kids used to collect Pokémons.

Of course you’re exhausted (as I’m sure he is).

I don’t think you should give too much of your emotional energy over in the first couple of months.

If his new love interest breaks the six-month barrier, then it may be worthwhile inviting them to dinner to assess his level of interest.

Have a heart to heart with your brother and explain the situation.

Or forget your brother altogether and make friends with people you are attracted to, with or without him.

There’s no reason you can’t stay friends with his discarded love interests.

In fact you may have a lot in common with them if you’ve had to grow up with a sibling with the emotional sensibilities of a chipmunk storing acorns for winter.

Carpe diem, Jasminda