The summer holidays. That special time of year when we pack suitcases and set off with loved ones to spend quality time together, laughing and enjoying life.

What a shame, then, that before we get there we often spend those final few hours at home shouting at each other as the pressure of packing frays nerves.

A third of couples admit to having holiday bust-ups before they leave the house, and I think I know why. You see, while you’re busy packing clothes for everyone including yourself and trying to remember passports, sunscreen and snacks for the journey, you’ll find men are always distracted.

I blame the excitement of the journey ahead and the fact you seem to have everything in hand.

Meanwhile, you can guarantee we’ll be found walking round the house looking dazed and repeatedly asking if our swimshorts have already been packed. Danger strikes when you sense we’re doing bugger all and demand we help by packing at least one or two things, usually toothbrushes or the phone charger. It’s at that point we decide to find our sunglasses and, before you know it, hours have passed and we’re at our destination.

Sun, sea, sand... You want to text friends to let them know you’ve arrived, but your phone’s dead. “Where’s the charger?” you say. Er, it’s at home. Making friends with the toothbrushes...

Man myths

#18 Men prefer blondes

Wrong! First up, check out FHM’s 100 Sexiest Women In The World list, as voted for by men. There’s only one “blonde” in the top five, and I suspect she gets it out of a bottle (hello, Helen Flanagan!). Futhermore, researchers report that 58 per cent of men say brunette lovers are best, with just 16 per cent preferring blondes. The tricky thing is that you girls change your hair colour so often, how do we know who’s really blonde or brunette? There’s only one way to find out...

30-second man decoder

What he says: I don’t really believe in marriage.

What he means: I’m enjoying this dating thing we’re doing. But the idea of signing a contract to spend the rest of my life with you seems a bit heavy. Let’s keep it loose, it’s more exciting (and less likely to end with me being fleeced by lawyers).