I have been in a relationship for the last 10 years. Though we both love each other a lot, our parents have a problem with this relationship because of caste differences. What should I do?

Aditi, via e-mail

Either dump each other or dump your parents. There is no other option and stop boring me with such obvious questions that have such obvious answers. What else do you want me to tell you? To join Mayawati and help her win the next election on this plank? Don’t ask daft questions just because we tolerate idiots in this column!

One of my friends got married recently. Her husband used to love her a lot but he ignores her these days. He has no respect for her and doesn’t even hesitate to abuse her in public. My friend is in trauma. Please help.

Name and address withheld

This is another version of marriage. Most men behave like this. Don’t be alarmed or surprised. This is how marriages evolve and if it didn’t work out this way, I’d be worried. Just ask your friend to tolerate this till she can after which, one fine day, she can abuse him back in public. If he still loves her, they’ll remain married. If he doesn’t she can always end up staying with you since you seem to be so goddamn concerned!

I am a 36-year-old woman. I got divorced five years ago when I found out that my husband was having an affair. I got custody of our son. Recently, my ex- husband got in touch with me, saying he wants to marry me again — for our son’s sake. However, I believe that the chances of our marriage working out are very low. What should I do?

Name and address withheld

Just do not let him get back into your life. He wants to have his cake and eat it too. Typical of men. They believe every woman is a sucker. She is not. Treat him with contempt and keep him away. He will enter your life and ruin it once again and all this crap about him caring for the child is just that. Crap. Stay away and more importantly keep him away.       

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
Timings: 2.00 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Mondays through Saturdays

Narcotics anonymous (Kolkata area helpline)

Self-help group of recovering addicts
Ph: 9836223071
Website: www.nakolkata.org
Email: info@nakolkata.org

Lifeline Foundation

Ph: 2463 7401/ 2463 7432
Free and confidential tele helpline for the 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,
PO: Prafulla Kanan
Calcutta — 700 101
Ph: 2591 0334, 2591 3852, 6529, 9856
Free and confidential tele-counselling and one-on-one counselling on issues like sex education, personal relationships, HIV & AIDS
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
Timings: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Mondays through Saturdays