I am a 26-year-old man. I quit studies after 12th standard because my family was not financially sound to sponsor my studies. My girlfriend is highly educated and is forcing me to pursue studies along with her in a different state. I cannot afford to study at the college where she has applied. This is becoming very embarrassing for me. What should I do?

Name and address withheld

Share your financial problems with her and ask her to tell her dad to sponsor your education and then watch the fun. She won’t mind you being illiterate all your life. Women want the world until you tell them they have to pay for it.

I am an 11-year-old girl. My study room is right beside the television room. My parents watch TV till late at night and I cannot concentrate on studies due to this. I have tried talking to my parents about this but they blame it on my poor concentration. I am very tense because of this. What should I do?

Name and address withheld

Just talk to them or are they so bloody dumb that they can’t understand something as simple as this. If all else fails, study in the kitchen unless of course you have a maid who snores. Why do you ask me such stupid questions, you twit?

I am a 22-year-old man. My 28-year-old brother is not interested in getting married. I want to settle down with my girlfriend. However, my parents do not want us to get married before my brother does. To make matters worse, my girlfriend’s family is forcing her to get married soon. I am in a fix. What should I do?

Sourav, via e-mail

Just elope and get on with it. Your brother is probably gay or pretending to be Prince Charles: both are equally depressing states of mind. I don’t think your brother wants you to be happy or seduced and this is his way of taking revenge so just elope or better still make love to your girlfriend, get her pregnant and your parents will have no choice. See how simple life is?

HELP AT HAND

Alcoholics anonymous

10A, Nandan Road, Near Ganja Park, Calcutta 700025
Ph: 24191174
E-mail: aakolkata_ig03@rediffmail.co

For free help on alcoholism
Contact: Volunteers on line
Timings: 2.00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays through Saturdays

Lifeline Foundation

Ph: 2463 7401/ 2463 7432

Free, anonymous and confidential tele helpline service giving emotional support for people who are depressed, distressed or suicidal.
Timings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Monday through Saturdays

Society for positive atmosphere & related support to hiv/aids (sparsha)

AE-36, Rabindra Pally,
P.O- Prafulla Kanan
Calcutta — 700 101
Ph: 2591 0334, 2591 3852, 6529 9856.

Tele-counselling and face-to-face counselling on issues concerning relationships, sex
education and free and confidential testing, counselling and information on HIV & AIDS

Contact: Counsellors on line
Timings: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays through Fridays

Kornash (The lifestyle management school)

139B Rashbehari Avenue,
Calcutta — 700 029
Ph: 9830149919

Interactive sessions on personality enhancement, stress reduction, lifestyle management, behavioural modification for children, marital counselling and psychotherapy

Contact: Counsellors on line
Timings: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.,
Mondays through Saturdays

If you have questions for Mr Seth, write to: graphiti@abpmail.com