I’m a 23-year-old man. I have an MBA degree and am looking for a job. Whenever I ask my father for pocket money, he gets very angry. What should I do?

Jit, Calcutta

Obviously he is going to be upset. They have paid to make you into this intellectual dolt. They have reared you, fattened you, paid for your silly MBA and paid hopefully to see you get a job. How much more do you expect them to do? Sell their home and their ugly clothes just so that their little boy can get some pocket money to go to Lake Gardens and have phuchkas and stare at all the slobbish women? I suggest you remove your pockets and start earning for a change. You are not the Maharaja of Tripura that you can sit back on your haunches while your parents begin their embrace of poverty!

I am a 21-year-old man. I have been in a relationship for the past five years. Recently, I got posted in a different city. The distance is making our relationship weaker day by day. Please help.

Biswa, Jamshedpur

Nothing. There is no dearth of good-looking smart women in Jamshedpur, son. In fact they are smarter, better-looking and more humane than you would find in other cities of this country. I suggest you dump that cow and set your eyes on some fine lay of the Steel City. If I had my way I too would have been in Jamshedpur rather than in Delhi: all I get to see is the worn-out face of Sushma Swaraj. You are doing much better, son.

I am a 16-year-old girl. I recently found out that my best friend loves me. He keeps on telling me that he will not force me into a relationship but I can’t help feeling that he’s actually doing so. Please help.

Priyanka, Calcutta

Either get involved or find another best friend. By the way, there is no harm in falling in love with your best friend. It is better than falling in love with some lout who is neither friend nor lover. Best friends are supposedly great to fall in love with. Or so I have been told. I am still looking for a girl who I can make my best friend. I am available too.     

HELP AT HAND 

Alcoholics anonymous

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